Hunters Hill Public students came to school dressed in the colours of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flags as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations on Thursday.

The school, on Cammeraygal land, celebrated NAIDOC Week with a special assembly, while students also participated in cultural awareness activities.

Principal Kim Dudgeon said students enjoyed celebrating NAIDOC Week and acknowledging the contribution of Aboriginal people to our nation.

“It’s so important that our children are aware of Aboriginal histories and cultures,” Ms Dudgeon said.

“This awareness will help them become confident to speak on the topic as informed young people with meaningful and authentic experiences.”

“This year, the students engaged in a series of activities, including collaboratively creating art projects, playing outdoor games, trying bush tucker, and listening to stories."

Students also heard about Aboriginal traditions from Uncle Robert Adamson, a Wiradjuri man.

Expanding on the 2023 NAIDOC theme, For Our Elders, Uncle Robert explained the important role elders play in families and communities, teaching respect and providing guidance.

Uncle Robert said being an Aboriginal elder was not defined by age, but by wisdom and gaining respect from the community.

He explained the links between Country, Place, People, Culture and Identity by talking about his connection to home, the earth, his family and totem.

During 2022 NAIDOC celebrations, Hunters Hill Public focused on the importance of Country to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Students learned about the significant connection between people and land and classes started a tradition of writing their own Acknowledgements of Country, which are now used at school events.