Glen Innes Public School came alive with colour and culture on Friday 4 July as students, staff, families and local organisations gathered to celebrate the upcoming NAIDOC Week.
The 2025 NAIDOC theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”, reflects on 50 years of NAIDOC Week – a significant milestone in honouring the voices, culture and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The national event, which began as a movement for recognition and rights, has become a proud celebration of identity, strength and progress.
The day at Glen Innes Public School featured a variety of cultural and educational activities designed to inspire connection with First Nations stories, traditions and practices. Activities included traditional weaving, bush tucker exploration, building fish motels, and boomerang throwing.
A highlight of the day was a smoking ceremony prepared by Uncle Al. Smoking ceremonies are a longstanding practice for some First Nations communities, using the smoke of smouldering native plants for cleansing, healing and protection.
In a nod to the importance of kinship in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, students were organised into mixed-age groups with siblings placed together where possible. Families were also encouraged to participate and share in the day’s events.
“We can all benefit from learning about this rich history and culture,” organisers said, emphasising the importance of embracing First Nations perspectives in everyday life.
The school acknowledged the many organisations and community members who supported the day. These included Ngoorabul Elders, the Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Rangers from The Willows, National Parks, Local Land Services, Police Community Liaison Officers, Gawura Gallery, Armajun, Healthy Communities Foundation, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Pathfinders, Joblink Plus, Glen Innes Family Youth Support, the Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer from the Department of Education, and staff and students from Glen Innes High School.
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