NAIDOC Week

This page contains a series of articles and curriculum resources that we hope inspired and encouraged the celebration of NAIDOC Week.

It also contains feature stories looking at the incredibly important role education has to play in addressing inequity and racism and in ensuring all Australians recognise the wrongs done in the past and set about making the future better and brighter.

Enjoy the material and the stories. Share them with your colleagues and your students. We hope you enjoy celebrating NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week curriculum resources

My public education

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Western Teacher reached out to some prominent Western Australians of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage who also attended public schools. We asked them about their experiences growing up and going through the state school system, their thoughts on Indigenous education and how successful outcomes for Indigenous students can be attained. These are their stories.

Dr Sue Gordon OAM

Four-year-old Sue was taken away from her mother and placed in a children's home. Forty-one years later, Dr Gordon became the first Aboriginal magistrate of a WA court. She credits her public school typing teacher for helping her get her start.

Geoff Regan

Teachers, like police officers, are born into the profession, says Superintendent of the Aboriginal Affairs Division at WAPOL, Mr Regan, who has been policing for 29 years. He chose the career to be part of something where he could make a change and a difference in a positive way.

Narelda Jacobs

From the halls of Hampton SHS to sharing a stage with prime ministers, international leaders and humanitarian advocates, journalist and news presenter Ms Jacobs has fond memories of her school days. She's passionate about promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Tyrown Waigana

The man behind 2020's stunning NAIDOC Week art work may have been headed for a career in plumbing if it wasn't for the keen eye of his high school design and technology teacher. Mr Waigana is now a professional multi-disciplinary artist and graphic designer, running his own business.