Here are some ideas on how to celebrate NAIDOC Week in an Early Childhood Service:
- Display the National NAIDOC Poster or other Indigenous posters around your classroom or workplace.
- Start your own hall of fame featuring Indigenous role models.
- Listen to Indigenous musicians or watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
- Study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts.
- Acknowledge Of Country at all meetings and important events, including meetings with children.
- Create a calendar of indigenous events that can be celebrated at the service. Add local events that are happening within the Indigenous community to the parent and staff notice board.
- Invite indigenous performers and artists into the service and hold workshops for children and families.
- Network with the local Aboriginal community and partner with them on a specific project.
- Invite Elders from your local community to take part in celebrations and significant events.
- Name an area in your service in a local language, Consult with local Aboriginal Lands Council in regards to protocol and use of language in your local community.
- Set up a "sister service" in country or remote areas. Stay in contact through internet or exchange postcards or mail.
- Plant a tree in your service to acknowledge a significant date on the Indigenous calendar.
Play traditional Indigenous games. - Ensure your service has a range of Indigenous resources - maps, flags, music, puzzles, books, dolls, videos, posters etc.
For more ideas: Including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures In Your Service
NAIDOC week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Reference:
Let's Celebrate NAIDOC Week from 7 - 14 July 2019, Aussie Childcare Network, 4 July 2019