Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2019 at your school!

7-14 July is National NAIDOC Week - a time for all Australians to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme is 'VOICE. TREATY. TRUTH.'

Here’s some teaching ideas via the NAIDOC website that can be used to help support teachers in addressing The Australian Curriculum: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Culture cross-curriculum priority.

This content that can be used across several learning areas from F-12. The material on the NAIDOC site may also be relevant to VET and University students undertaking Indigenous Studies.

There’s also the fantastic Yulunga Traditional Indigenous Games - a resource suitable for children and adults of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Use Yulunga in schools as an educational resource and as a guide to inclusive, structured sport within communities.

Here’s a few additional ideas to help schools celebrate NAIDOC Week 2019:
  • Display Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags - Important to note: Permission is not required to fly either the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flag. However, if you want to reproduce either flag (for example, on a flyer or poster), you will need to seek permission. More information about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags including contact details to gain permissions is available on the NAIDOC website.
  • Conduct an Acknowledgement of Country - The act of being Welcomed to and Acknowledging Country are a continuation of protocols that have been practiced for thousands of years, and is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.

    It can be given by both non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are connected to another place. There are no set protocols or wording for an Acknowledgement of Country, though often a statement may take the following form: “...I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the (appropriate group) people, and pay my respect to Elders both past and present.”

  • Participate in or host your own community event - there are many NRW public events being held across the country in schools, early learning services, offices, boardrooms, community centres and local parks. Many of these events are free, and in the spirit of reconciliation, open to community members interested in building new relationships based on respect. Take a look at the events calendar to find an event near you!
  • Social media - Social media is a great way to share your experiences and add your voice to the national conversation about reconciliation. Follow NAIDOC Week on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates, and share your photos remembering to include the #NAIDOC hashtag!

For further information on how to get involved in NAIDOC Week, please visit the NAIDOC website.