Blaxland East and Warrimoo Public Schools held NAIDOC Day activities at the East Blaxland school on Friday, August 2
Charlie Grant from Blaxland East Public School proudly acknowledged Country in his own Wiradjuri language, prompting applause from local Elder Uncle Graeme Cooper and the school assembly.
Steve Trist welcomed all to Dharug and Gundungarra countries, explaining the difference between Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country.
Blaxland East Public School principal Kerry Bryan acknowledged country in the Dharug language and spoke about the 2019 NAIDOC theme of "Voice, Treaty,Truth" and the Uluru: Statement of the Heart.
Blaxland East Public School choir then sang the Dharug version of Advance Australia Fair with the two schools joining in for the English version.
The day's timetable included an art workshop, dance, language, chalk drawings, damper cooking at the camp fires, traditional Aboriginal games, as well as an artefacts and an information table.
Guests on the day included local Uncles, visiting school dignitaries Tim McCallum, Regional North Director, and Jenny Thompson, Director, Educational Leadership, Blue Mountains, Leeanne Katon - SEO - Aboriginal Education, Steven Trist - ACLO - Aboriginal Education, and Shannon Williams - Aboriginal Education.