A memorable indigenous experience for students

INDIGENOUS history and culture was central to a recent gathering at Chinchilla’s St Joseph’s School to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
More than 1500 members of the school, parish and local community came together to learn about national and local indigenous history.
Participants also had the chance to create their own Aboriginal artwork, listen to Dreamtime stories and take part in indigenous dancing, music.
They also tasted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cuisine.
St Joseph’s assistant principal religious education Katie Hede said many had also placed their handprints on the school’s Reconciliation Flag.
“This flag is a symbol of the hope we have and our commitment to  ‘closing the gap’ between the indigenous and non-indigenous members of our community,” she said.
“Young members of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as well as non-indigenous students from the local surrounding schools were a wonderful source of support for the day as they assisted with the running of each of the stations.  
“On the day, we also had students from Chinchilla’s High and State Schools, as well as Chinchilla Christian School, the kindergarten, Brigalow State School, Jandowae State School and Burra Burri State School joining us for celebrations.”
Ms Hede said a considerable amount of organisation had gone into the day and many volunteers had assisted.
“We were very grateful to have such wonderful help from our parent body, the surrounding schools, QGC, the Western Downs Regional Council and the Chinchilla Health Auxiliary,” she said.
“Most importantly however, this event was about coming together as a community and we were so thrilled to have such a range of people attend our event and participate in the celebrations with our students.”