NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee. It is a significant week in the Australian calendar, and an especially important one for many Indigenous communities around the country. It is a week to celebrate our culture and heritage, commemorate our history, unify our communities, and to share with the rest of the nation.
Please see below for further information to learn more about Naidoc Week.
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All students - These activities are optional to complete.
You tube - watch the following and consider the questions. If you are able to, discuss the questions below with someone at home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXQj2Jyz25I
Who are the Traditional Owners of Country where your school is located?
What does it mean to care for Country, what does it mean to be a caretaker?
Why do we need to care for Country?
How can you care for Country?
How are we connected to Country?
Why do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples call the Earth, Mother Earth and how it is our responsibility to look after her. How can we respect her and care for her? Country is always spelled with a capital C, as the meaning of Country is more than just ownership or connection to land.
Watch the following episodes of Little J and Big Cuz to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/little-j-and-big-cuz
What did you learn? What did you enjoy from the episodes? Share with someone at home if you are able to.
Videos to watch and learn more
Behind the News: https://www.abc.net.au/btn/newsbreak/btn-newsbreak-20210708/13437530
Dreamtime stories
Activities for Specific Grades
Year 1 and 2 - These activities are optional to complete.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e54HKlBDx0
What are the children in the clip singing about and how much do they love and connect to Country?
How do you feel about the land we live on and what does it mean to you?
Can you make up a song connecting to Country and perform for the class when we can next sing?
Year 3 to 6 - These activities are optional to complete.
Key questions to consider
How do we embrace aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and what do you think this means?
What does it mean to be connected to culture?
What does Country mean to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples? What is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ relationship with Country?
Why do you think we need to heal Country?
What do you think we can do to heal Country?
Read the following article https://theconversation.com/the-moon-plays-an-important-role-in-indigenous-culture-and-helped-win-a-battle-over-sea-rights-119081
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a strong connection to and respect for bodies of water, but limited influence on large scale water usage and removal. This has disrupted traditional practices of caring for Country, some of which date back 65,000+ years. Think and reflect about the impacts this has had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Watch and listen to the following clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMqG_LyD9s4
What are some emotions you felt whilst watching it? What message do you think is trying to be conveyed? Reflect on your thoughts and respond with a drawing, music or dance.
Year 5 and 6 - These activities are optional to complete.
Read and reflect the following articles. Discuss with your family what it means https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement
Welcome to Country rituals - why are they important. Stage 3 students would be able to read this and understand. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/how-welcome-to-country-rituals-are-changing-to-make-all-australians-take-note