The Secretary of the Department of Education, Mark Scott has posted a call on the internet for schools across the State to mark NAIDOC week, this week.
Mr Scott said NAIDOC Week was an opportunity to look towards a bright future and reflect on more than 65,000 years of Australia’s First Nations history.
“It’s important to have signposts during the year to reflect on how far we have come as a society, and as an education system, and how much further we need to travel,” Mr Scott said.
“This is especially so in NAIDOC Week as we celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
He said the Department of Education had more than 50,000 Aboriginal students and staff and that it works in partnership with Aboriginal families in the community.
“We are proud in the Department to have our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in place for corporate staff to show our commitment to an inclusive workplace and to celebrate the rich, diverse and resilient cultures of our country.
“We have adopted the Reflect model from Reconciliation Australia.”
Mr Scott said the Department’s first RAP laid the foundation for initiatives in successive plans and described structures that would be put in place to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal stakeholders, raise awareness and build a commitment to reconciliation across the corporate areas of the Department.
“This year NAIDOC Week coincides with the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, which is another opportunity for the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be heard.
“During NAIDOC Week our website and social media channels will bring you stories, films and podcasts that amplify the voices of Aboriginal students, staff and Elders,” Mr Scott said.
