The Moreton Bay EEC team had a fantastic start to term three, welcoming Wynnum and Tingalpa State Schools and members of the community to our Centre to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
NAIDOC week is an opportunity for people to come together in a positive and cultural context recognising the enormous contribution that mob make to the community.
This year's NAIDOC theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, celebrates the unyielding spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and represents the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures.
Matt Burns, Quandamooka Cultural Officer, welcomed the students to the Centre and shared the rich knowledge of his ancestors' history, lifestyle, and traditions. The students immersed themselves in learning and connecting with Indigenous culture through activities like:
- Playing the traditional game of Jumpinpin
- Investigating the uses of native plants
- Sharing Dreamtime stories in our yarning circle
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank to Aunty Merle, Uncle James and Matt who joined guests from our community for a special adult celebration of NAIDOC week.
Let's continue to honour and cherish the rich cultural heritage of our First Nations people.