NAIDOC Week at Dianella Secondary College was a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture, history, and achievements. The week was filled with meaningful activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of First Nations’ stories and traditions. From storytelling sessions led by respected community members to hands-on art workshops and a powerful whole-school assembly, each day provided unique opportunities for students to connect with and honour the rich heritage of Australia’s Indigenous peoples.
Day 1: A Journey into Dreaming and Truth-Telling
NAIDOC Week at Dianella Secondary College commenced with a day rich in cultural engagement and learning. In Sessions 1 and 4, our Elder in Residence shared his wisdom with the Year 8 cohort, guiding them through the process of creating a picture book. These picture books were based on the students’ interpretations of a dreaming story they had previously listened to, allowing them to connect deeply with Indigenous storytelling traditions.
In Sessions 2 and 3, Renarta and Charmaine captivated students in the Library’s flexible reading space by sharing their family’s story, intertwined with the Noongar version of the Blanket Activity. Originally created by the First Nations people of Canada, this activity served as a powerful truth-telling exercise. It revealed the 14 Noongar nations and provided a critical examination of the government policies that continue to impact Indigenous communities today.
All day in Art 2, the boys from Midn Marr facilitated an Ochre art session. This was a first for Dianella Secondary College, as the boys had traveled across the South West to collect various ochres for our students to use. They demonstrated the diverse applications of ochre, including its medicinal uses, offering students a hands-on experience with this traditional art form.
Day 2: NAIDOC Transition Day
The second day was dedicated to fostering connections between Dianella Secondary College and Dianella Primary College. Transition activities allowed students to engage in shared cultural experiences, strengthening the ties between our schools and celebrating our collective Indigenous heritage.
Day 3 & 4: School-Wide NAIDOC Activities
The celebrations continued with a variety of activities spread across the school. Each day brought new opportunities for students and staff to immerse themselves in Indigenous culture, from storytelling sessions to traditional crafts and more.
Day 5: NAIDOC Assembly
The week culminated in a grand NAIDOC Assembly, which began with a performance by the DSC Dandjoo Dancers. Their spirited dance set the tone for the assembly, celebrating the diverse cultures within our school community.
The Warangka Dandjoo performers then graced the assembly with their beautiful rendition of the “Wandjoo” and the Acknowledgement song, honoring the land and its traditional custodians. The assembly was officially opened by respected community member Neil Coyne from Midn Marr Dreaming, who shared his knowledge and insights with the gathered students and staff.
The Dandjoo Dancers returned to the stage, performing for the entire precinct and showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures represented at Dianella Secondary College. The assembly also recognized student achievements with the Community Best awards, celebrating those who have excelled in embracing the values of NAIDOC Week.
The event closed with a traditional smoking ceremony, a powerful and symbolic way to cleanse the space and honor the spirit of the land. This ceremony was a fitting end to a week of reflection, learning, and celebration of Indigenous culture at Dianella Secondary College.
Date: 30/08/2024
