CELEBRATING the enduring heritage and traditions of First Nations people, Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) students enjoyed a dynamic itinerary of NAIDOC activities and events last week.
With this year’s NAIDOC theme being, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, students participated in cultural and sporting activities while exploring this year’s theme and the significance of NAIDOC Week itself.
Articulate and reflective, Year 11 student Kirby Joachim said, “Each year, in July, NAIDOC Week is celebrated by all Australians and provides a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
Unpacking the power of this year’s theme, Year 10 student Lachlan Gribble said, “This year’s theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. Fire is a symbol of connection to Country, each other and the history of our culture and traditions.”
Concluding the week with a smoking ceremony followed by a whole school assembly, First Nation student leaders welcomed guest speakers and First Nation dancers to the stage, before the ‘4 out of 5’ band rocked the audience with a blistering rendition of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.’
Encouraging their fellow students to be proud of their culture and to always be the best they can be, student leaders were then honoured to present The Deadly Awards, which recognises the exemplary achievements of First Nations students. These awards were followed by the presentation of sports awards including the Buroinjin Shield.
