Belated celebrations salute NAIDOC Week 2021’s theme

In a belated NAIDOC Week at Manjimup Senior High School, students undertook a range of activities as a part of 2021’s Heal Country theme. A ceremonial planting in the Aboriginal garden was held at the school on July 30, which was attended by all students over the course of the day. Aboriginal and Islander education officer for the school, Jason Treasure, said the importance of recognition and respect could not be understated. Mr Treasure said building knowledge and awareness would only help future generations understand each other better and create a greater bond between different people. “It is about building that little bit of knowledge which helps people who previously wouldn’t have a bit more respect for the culture and the people itself,” he said. “The theme of the Heal Country is ... because Aboriginal people see the country itself as more than just a piece of land, it’s a part of them and we are just custodians.” Students are also working on a mural which will depict the six seasons of the Noongar year. School principal Ben Lagana said it was important for non-Indigenous students to get as much exposure to Aboriginal culture as possible to allow a greater understanding of the traditional custodians of the land.