We are standing on Awabakal Country, may we tread carefully on their land

The 4th-11th of July was NAIDOC week. This significant event is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and a chance to acknowledge their history, culture and achievements. 

The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – was chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee. It calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. The theme invites the nation to embrace First Nations cultural knowledges and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage, and to equally respect the cultures and values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as they do the cultures and values of all Australians. Heal Country, heal our nation. (scriptcourtesy of SBS Learn)

“We cannot change the history of this nation, but we can learn from the past by sharing our stories: truth telling together is healing, and it’s time to Heal Country!” 

Unfortunately our amazing NAIDOC celebration day has been postponed due to COVID restrictions. This is very sad news however not all is lost. Once restrictions allow, our NAIDOC celebration day will go ahead as planned later in the year. I’m sure the celebration will be worth the wait!! 

In the meantime, our students continue to be immersed in our rich and awe-inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture at St Joseph’s Merewether! 

Danielle Shaw 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher