Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn have celebrated NAIDOC Week, acknowledging the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year’s theme, ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ recognised that First Nations people have occupied and cared for the land for over 65,000 years.

NAIDCO Week usually takes place in July, however due to COVID-19, celebrations were postponed until November.

McAuley Catholic Central School, Tumut, celebrated NAIDOC Week with several activities including a bush tucker tasting session. Students were able taste kangaroo meatballs in bush tomato sauce; Johnny cakes; damper with bush honey and finger lime marmalade; wattle seed and Davidson plum muffins; lemon myrtle tea and strawberry gum tea.

The school also unveiled a mural, painted by local artist, Trish Matthews. The mural is titled ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ and recognises the traditional custodians of the land surrounding McAuley. It features a black cockatoo, the Tumut River, mountain ranges and a bushfire. Principal, Eamonn Moore said that the fire was especially important, representing both the Dunns Creek Road fire and the Aboriginal people’s long experience with fires on the land.

At Holy Spirit Early Learning Centre, Nicholls, students explored different forms of Aboriginal art including dot painting and weaving. They designed their own acknowledgement canvas and created their own art from gathered sticks, wool and emu feathers.

At Sacred Heart Primary School, Pearce, students in Kindergarten to Year 2 spent time in the school Indigenous Garden. They participated in a natural materials treasure hunt and created sculptures inspired by Australian animals and Aboriginal x-ray paintings.

At St John Paul II College, Nicholls, Year 10 hospitality students cooked and served a bush tucker feast for mentor teachers and their Aboriginal students. Students participated in a number of arts and craft activities including dot and pebble painting.