NAIDOC Week activities may have been cancelled in July due to COVID19 lockdowns, but that didn't stop the Ipswich community from recognising and celebrating the week at this year's Ipswich NADIOC Family and Cultural Celebration on Thursday 23 September.
Brisbane Catholic Education was proud to be hosting one of 75 stalls at the NAIDOC community event which, celebrated the rich histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the area.
Employees from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Organisational Development teams, Ngutana-Lui Cultural tutors and our Executive Director, Pam Betts, all helped with the stall.
Gracey McGrath, Participation Officer - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, said the stall was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the Ipswich community and profile our schools in the region.
“A lot of our schools in the Ipswich area have a high population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students," said Gracey.
“By participating in this NAIDOC community event, we are sending a message to our current and prospective students that we acknowledge and celebrate their culture and history," she said.
“It also gives us a chance to listen to their stories and answer questions about learning in our schools."
Gracey said since the cancellation of the annual NAIDOC Week event at Musgrave Park meant smaller community events, like the one in Ipswich, were even more valuable.
“It is really important for us to spend the time connecting with the community, talking with Elders and the local events are a great chance to do that," said Gracey.
“Inclusive education starts in the community and when there is a strong relationship of mutual trust and respect it filters across to our schools," she said.
“So the benefit goes two-ways: we learn more about the community and they learn more about us."
To find out more information about our Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre, visit https://bit.ly/3EUNTwU