Bonnyrigg High School acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land-the Cabrogal clan of the Darug nation
NAIDOC week will be held from 5 th to 12 th July NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities but by Australians from all walks of life.
We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate
The theme – We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate – highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong spiritual and cultural connection to land and sea. The National NAIDOC Committee encourages all Australians, young and old, to embrace the 2015 National NAIDOC theme and to respect and celebrate local and national sites of significance or ‘sacred places’ and to learn of their traditional names, history and stories.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, a sacred place could be a geographic feature like a river or lake, a beach, bays, inlets, hills or mountain ranges. They could also be ceremonial grounds, galleries of rock art or engravings, or places used for gathering for cultural practices Are you aware of any sacred sites in our local area?
Cabramatta is said to be from Aboriginal words “cabra” (an edible freshwater grub) and “matta” (place or locality). Also said to mean “Higher up the water” or the “Head of the waters”
As the oldest continuing culture on the planet, the living culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is intrinsically linked with these sacred places. Long before European arrival, these places had traditional names that reflect the timeless relationship between the people and the land. Often they are connected with Dreaming stories or tell of the meaning of an area.
Wherever you live, taking part in NAIDOC Week is a great way to celebrate Indigenous culture and build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Throughout the holidays you may take the time with your friends and family to join in on many of the local NAIDOC events being held around our local area