How ANZ, CPA, Liberty and more celebrated NAIDOC Week with their working families.
NAIDOC Week is an occasion for all Australians to unite and commemorate the rich history, diverse cultures, and inspiring accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In keeping with this spirit, several leading organisations including ANZ, Cotton On Group, CPA Australia, Liberty and more, joined forces with KidsCo to support their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs). KidsCo’s NAIDOC Program provided employees and children in partnered organisations an opportunity to learn about and connect with Indigenous Australian culture through storytelling, art and dance.
Why should you celebrate NAIDOC Week in the workplace?
- Foster cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Take action towards supporting reconciliation and elevate your Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
- Build stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and history in the wider community
“A school holiday program with meaning. There are so many ways to get involved in NAIDOC Week, but it’s hard to think of a better start than this… celebrating NAIDOC Week with our youngest ANZ family members.” – Kathryn Van Der Merwe, Group Executive Talent & Culture at ANZ
Supporting Indigenous Communities and Businesses
KidsCo collaborated with Elders from the Wurundjeri community and Indigenous businesses to bring to life the NAIDOC program in the most respectful and authentic way possible.
The program was created to showcase different aspects of Indigenous Australian culture. The children took part in a Dreamtime storytelling and art workshop; an Indigenous dance workshop; played traditional games; and visited the Narana Aboriginal Culture Centre. They also participated in a Yarning Circle which is an important part of Aboriginal culture, where they had the opportunity to connect and share stories.
Dreamtime Storytelling & Art Workshop
The children applied the traditional art techniques they learnt on canvas and clapsticks that were handcrafted by an Indigenous Australian family in far North Queensland.
Indigenous Dance Workshop
This traditional Indigenous dance incursion immerses children in the role of dance and music in Aboriginal culture and was facilitated by Indigenous ‘so you think you can dance’ star Sermsah.
Traditional Games
Up-and-coming Essendon AFL player Tex Wanganeen, son of Aboriginal activist Gavin Wanganeen came to share stories of the history, culture and traditions of Indigenous Australians and facilitated a traditional sporting activity for the kids.
The materials used in the program were brought to a special smoking ceremony performed with the guidance of the Wurundjeri Tribe. This ceremony is a way of cleansing and purifying, and is an important part of Indigenous Australian culture.
Support your Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and honour the diverse cultures, rich history and inspiring accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples this upcoming NAIDOC Week! Learn about our 2023 NAIDOC Program & speak to our team today here.
