Their NIADOC Week celebrations may have come a few weeks after the actual cultural week, but Deniliquin High School more than made up for the delay last week.
In a massive event, the school had a smoking ceremony, indigenous dancing and unveiled a NAIDOC Week inspired mural in front of the entire school on Wednesday.
The strong and inspirational NAIDOC Week theme of ‘Get up, Stand up, Show up’ echoed through the ceremony, which was preceded by a whole school barbecue.
It was also represented in the mural, which stands in the school’s main quadrangle and was created by indigenous and non-indigenous students under the guidance of art therapist Jo Nathan.
Deni High’s Aboriginal Education Officer Chantall Barnes said the mural is one example of the cross cultural programs the school has implemented to connect all students to our rich indigenous history and culture.
It features the images of eight indigenous celebrities, one of whom surprised the students by appearing by video link to be part of the ceremony.
Adam Goodes is renowned for his outstanding AFL achievements, his promotion of anit-racism and for sharing his love of his culture, which he did again with Deni High on Wednesday.
“What an incredible sight to see the mural. Congratulations to the school and all the students involved, what a contribution as a team,” Mr Goodes said.
“All of the people (featured in the mural) have a story to tell, have overcome adversity in their life and were able to achieve something they are very proud of.
“What incredible talent you have acknowledged, so thank you.
“Thank you for including such an incredible image of me - an image of strength during the AFL’s indigenous round, of me celebrating my culture; celebrating something I’ve only just learnt about in the last 10 years as a proud Aboriginal person.”
Also featured in the mural are Ash Barty, Cathy Freeman, Jessica Mauboy, Eddie Mabo, Gary Foley, David Gulpilil and Archie Roach.
Ms Nathan said the student leadership group selected the inspirational figures to be featured, and worked with other students on the artwork.
“Culture feels alive at Deni High, and it feels so good to be a part of it,” Ms Nathan said.
“The NAIDOC Week theme ‘Get up, Stand up, Show up’, shows that we can make a difference, we can achieve success, we can find pride in ourselves and that means we can ultimately find happiness.”
Starting with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, the unveiling event also included a touching rendition of Advance Australia Fair in both English and the traditional Wamba Wamba language by students.
The Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre also led a group of indigenous youths in a cultural dance.
It was based on local Wadri animals they have been learning about as part of the program.
The mural panels were then unveiled one-by-one, with each lead student giving a short speech on their chosen identity.
Ash Barty, as chosen by Eden Lilford: “She shows us all what can be achieved if you put your mind to it.”
Adam Goodes, as chosen by Brooklyn Barnes: “He epitomises ‘Get up, Stand up, Show up.”
Jessica Mauboy, as chosen by Chantelle Molloy: “She is a proud female indigenous influence who uses her platform to bring out confidence in the indigenous youth community.”
Eddie Mabo, as chosen by Maxwell Murray: “He was a change maker, successfully campaigning for indigenous land rights.”
Cathy Freeman, as chosen by Willow Lake: “She was an athlete, proud of her indigenous heritage which was shown by carrying both flags in her victory lap, and someone who inspires me to do my best.”
David Gulpilil, as chosen by Elleah Baxter-Jukes: “He is a storyteller recognised for his contribution to Australian cinema, who believed we can achieve by being true to ourselves and our culture.”
Archie Roach, as chosen by Waripa Miller: “A proud Aboriginal man who was part of the stolen generation, and someone who inspired in life and death through his music and teaching indigenous people resilience, strength and leadership.”
Gary Foley, as chosen by Isaac Wilson: “He was a member of the Black Panther party, an Aboriginal activist, writer and actor who also helped indigenous people with medical centres and legal services.”