This week at St Clare’s College we joined together to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
Our event began with the College gathering on the playground where we participated in a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, led by Kevin Heath and the Walawaani Men. They spoke to the students about the meaning of the ceremony, walking amongst the girls as the smoke created a sense of cleansing, renewal and protection across the St Clare’s community.
The proud Indigenous students of St Clare’s organised a special assembly under the guidance of Ms Margaret Finnemore, the highlight of which was a Q&A with local elder Aunty Barb Simms. Aunty Barb spoke with insight and candour, sharing her culture and experiences as a proud Aboriginal woman with the students and connecting with our community through her generosity.
Our Year 11 music students also sang the National Anthem in the Wiradjuri Language and performed a song written by Thelma Plum, an Aboriginal woman.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2023 is “For Our Elders”. This theme is beautifully illustrated by Bobbi Lockyer, a Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist, born and based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland. Bobbi won the prestigious National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition for 2023.
“Where there is knowledge there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the pathways for us, taught us our knowledge, our history, they passed down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future,” said Bobbi.
We are grateful to our local Aboriginal representatives and College community for being a part of this important and moving event.