Essendon hosted an all-of-club event to acknowledge NAIDOC Week on Wednesday, uniting players and staff with education-based activities and learning more about First Nations culture.
Split into three wide-ranging groups, the interactive day included:
- Traditional games - competitive ball/marngrook sports played throughout different generations
- Spinning a yarn - activity highlighting the importance of storytelling and connection through different symbols
- Indigenous Map of Australia - an activity that encouraged learning and recognising the traditional lands that people were born and raised on.
Both the Traditional games and 'Spin a yarn' activities are also run by The Long Walk team within their school programs.
All of the activities provided an opportunity and platform for people to learn interactively, emphasising education and connection amongst everyone within the four walls of the Club.
Whilst NAIDOC week originated from protest, it's evolved into a week of celebrations. Celebrating history, culture, achievements and the ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reflect on the resilience of their community, elders and those who paved the way and elevate their voices for future generations to grow up with pride. The NAIDOC theme each year highlights and reflects on important issues, achievements, or aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The statement of the theme - 50 Years of Deadly - highlights the importance of NAIDOC Week.
