One Mount Isa school took its Naidoc Week celebrations to the next level this month, with a rich program of guests and activities to celebrate Indigenous culture.
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Coinciding with the start of Term 3, St Kieran’s Catholic School students learnt about the art, food, and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The school marked the occasion from July 9 – 14, one week after the official Naidoc Week, and school holidays.
They started the week off with an opening prayer liturgy and a morning tea for their school community Elders.
Introducing students to the theme of ‘Our Language Matters’ was Tammi Webber, Indigenous Education Advisor for Townsville Catholic Education Office.
Ms Webber visited each of the classes to explain the significance of this year’s Naidoc message, and the role of language in keeping Indigenous culture alive.
On Thursday, July 13, the school held a Bush Barbecue to explore Indigenous cuisine and methods of cooking.
Here the students tempted their taste buds with kangaroo and crocodile, both cooked on the barbecue.
Mouthwatering damper with golden syrup was made by parent volunteers.
Friday saw the culmination of Naidoc celebrations, beginning with a reflective prayer presented by all of St Kieran’s Indigenous students, from Prep to Year 6.
A rich rotation of cultural activities took place all day Friday, with special guests.
Aunty Dolly Hankin From AICC, Good Shepherd Catholic Parish performed Taba Naba from the Torres Strait Islands.
Brodie Germaine from Gidgee Healing ran traditional Indigenous games.
Paul Slatter from Sport & Recreation taught students about some of the language from his cultural group.
Local Kalkadoon artist, Barbara Sam helped the children paint wooden crosses.
Yarning Circle Peer Mentoring brought Indigenous students from Years 3 to 6 to Good Shepherd Catholic College to meet with older Indigenous students.
St Kieran's Indigenous Education Teacher, Gail Laffin, said the afternoon of mentoring was a success.
"This was a very insightful visit as the children spoke about the importance of education and strategies to deal with everyday challenges,” Ms Laffin said.
St Kieran’s is also having a 'Mini Murri's' Under 8's day on Friday August 4 to coincide with National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day.
