Our special NAIDOC parade was incredible – run completely by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Family A prepared a beautiful presentation of ‘Creatures from the Sea Country’ and shared with us the beauty of marine life with the richness of Indigenous culture. Our Indigenous students spoke to us about authentic ways to celebrate NAIDOC and aspects of 8 ways of Aboriginal learning. We enjoyed watching the completed film clip from our 2023 drone footage of our human flag! Huge thank you to all of the presenters – Iliana, Jack, Reggie, Izak, Cadell, Ollie, Matilda, Lola, Ivy, Maverick, Asher, Maddy, Malakai, Theodore, Arabella, Ullrich and especially our Indigenous Leader Molly Jarrett for all of her amazing help throughout the whole week!
Miss Dani
NAIDOC SPEECH – given collaboratively by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at our NAIDOC Week Parade
Good Morning Chevallum Community,
Today, as we gather to celebrate NAIDOC Day, it is with deep respect and admiration that we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the resilient and proud Gubbi Gubbi people.
For millennia, the Gubbi Gubbi have nurtured this land, weaving their stories, traditions, and deep spiritual connections into its very fabric. Today our staff are wearing NAIDOC fabric which expresses our deep connection to the Gubbi Gubbi and all traditional owners. Their culture is a testament to strength, resilience, and a profound understanding of their responsibilities as custodians of Country.
NAIDOC Week invites us to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, Keeping the Fire Burning, Blak Loud and Proud challenges us to embrace the stories and voices of Indigenous Australians and to work together toward a shared future of reconciliation and empowerment.
The Gubbi Gubbi people exemplify the spirit of resilience. Despite the challenges faced throughout history, they have kept the fire burning – both literally and metaphorically – preserving their culture and passing down their knowledge through generations. Their unwavering commitment to Country and community serves as an inspiration to us all.
As we come together to honour NAIDOC Day, let us not only celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Gubbi Gubbi people but all elders before us. Let us commit ourselves to learning from their wisdom, amplifying their voices, and supporting their aspirations for self-determination and cultural revitalization.
In doing so, we ensure that the flame of resilience continues to burn bright within the Gubbi Gubbi community and all First Nations peoples across Australia. Together, let us walk forward in the spirit of NAIDOC, guided by respect, celebration, and a shared commitment to justice for all.
Thank you.