NAIDOC Week at MLC School
In Term 3, MLC School celebrated NAIDOC Week with a series of meaningful events. The week was not only a time for current students and staff to engage with the rich culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples but also a moment for our alumni to reflect on their own experiences and connections to these important themes.
Monday: A Powerful Reflection During the Chapel service for staff, Pastor Ray Minniecon, a highly respected pastor and descendant of the Kabi Kabi and Gurang Gurang nations of South-East Queensland, delivered a powerful and insightful reflection. He emphasized the importance of justice for First Nations Peoples in building the Kingdom of God, a message that resonates deeply with the values instilled in MLC School alumni.
Tuesday: Voices of Resilience Students heard from Larissa Minnieconn, Pastor Ray’s daughter and Chair of the Glebe NAIDOC Committee. As a founding member of Scarred Tree Indigenous Ministries, she spoke about the resilience of Aboriginal people and the significance of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “Keep the fires burning, loud, blak, and proud.” Her message of resilience and pride is a testament to the enduring spirit that many MLC School alumni carry with them.
Wednesday: Student Leadership At the Senior School Assembly, First Nations students Kirriana (Year 11), Tyra Riley (Year 11), and Marayah-Kai Johnson (Year 9) shared what their culture means to them and highlighted the importance of NAIDOC Week. Their eloquent speeches remind us of the leadership and cultural pride that MLC School fosters in its students, qualities that alumni continue to embody in their own lives.
Thursday: Cultural Celebrations The Junior School NAIDOC Week Assembly featured a smoking ceremony by Aunty Calita Murray and a dance performance by the Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers, led by Wiradjuri Woman Rayma Johnson. Many of our First Nations students are members of this dance group, showcasing their cultural heritage with pride. These celebrations are a reflection of the inclusive and supportive environment that MLC School provides, an environment that alumni fondly remember and continue to support.
As we celebrated NAIDOC Week, we deepened our understanding and commitment to working towards a more inclusive and equitable future. This commitment is shared by our alumni, who continue to honor and support First Nations cultures in their personal and professional lives.
– Tim Lennon
Director of Indigenous Education
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