The annual event takes pride of place on the school's calendar, according to aboriginal education worker, Ashleigh O’Reilly, because it highlights culture and the individual achievements of indigenous students.

“The fact is indigenous culture on the south coast has been almost completely wiped out,” Ms O’Reilly said.

“Having a day where we showcase the strengths and abilities and achievements of our indigenous students is something our principal prioritises and something the students embrace wholeheartedly.”

Over the week indigenous and non-indigenous students participated in a range of creative demonstrations.

“This year's theme was Our Languages Matters so we really wanted to incorporate that in to all of the performances and at Friday’s assembly,” Ms O’Reilly said.

The ongoing partnership between Ulladulla High School and Shoalhaven Aboriginal Lands Council was key to the moving performance of a group of indigenous students, who opened the assembly by singing a welcome song in Dhurga language, the indigenous language of this area.

“Not everyone can teach the language so Ebony Carriage from the lands council was able to come and work with the students and provide the lyrics. It was a beautiful and creative way for the girls to welcome and acknowledge the land of Murramarang people,” Ms O’Reilly said.

Through dance, indigenous and non-indigenous students also shone a light on reconciliation and what it means for both indigenous and non indigenous youth of today.

“Our dance teacher Amanda Grady put a performance together which included both indigenous and non indigenous students. She was recognising that reconciliation by including non-indigenous students,” Ms O’Reilly said.

Students and the community also participated in a smoking ceremony which, Ms O’Reilly says, is a traditional aboriginal ceremony during which an aboriginal elder burns leaves and cleanses the land of spirits.

Each year two students and one community member are recognised for going “above and beyond” in their commitment to community and culture. 

“This year’s awards went to Keira Sloane, Brooke White and Aunty Lyn Stewart,” Ms O’Reilly said.

“We like to think that we go above and beyond during NAIDOC Week; and this year we certainly did.”