First Nations Perspective

Written by Ms Sophie Sykes (First Nations Co-ordinator)

07 May 2026

Aitken College is committed to acknowledging First Nations people in many ways.

An Acknowledgement of Country is part of school-based assemblies and all major College Events. Our First Nations Committee meets monthly to foster and initiate ideas for engaging the community. The committee welcomes others to join; staff, students, and parents, with an interest in developing strategies around First Nations initiatives.

Staff actively seek opportunities to include First Nation content across many curriculum areas. Specific examples include Year 10 Humanities, which is currently undertaking a unit of work on Indigenous Rights and Freedoms, while many of our Religion and Values Education units incorporate the spirituality of First Nations People.

Aitken College Reconciliation Action Plan

The College Reconciliation Action Plan was first published in 2021. It is revisited and reviewed annually. It focuses on developing relationships, respect, and opportunities, in the classroom, around the school, and with the community.

Its key elements include:

(click image for the full document)

We also share monthly newsletters, providing staff and students with resources and information about the impact and influence of First Nations People.

First Nations People Fight for Australia

In April, as we commemorated ANZAC Day, we also remember the 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who served in World War 1. It is believed that around 70 fought at Gallipoli.

Sadly, when those who made it home did return, they were not allowed to enter RSL clubs and were still not counted as ‘citizens’ of Australia.

Commemorating Significant Milestones

There are three particularly significant days this month. National Sorry Day on 26 May marks the anniversary of the 2008 speech PM Kevin Rudd made, apologising for the systematic removal of Aboriginal children from their families.

In 1967, a referendum was held where an overwhelming majority of Australians (90%) voted to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the population the census statistics. The referendum also allowed the government to make new laws that would affect Indigenous peoples. The anniversary of this important moment in our history is remembered on 27 May.

On 29 May, 1992, the winning entry in a flag competition was unveiled to Torres Strait Islander peoples. Three Years later, it was officially included as a ‘Flag of Australia’ under the Flags Act and is flown at many of our school celebrations, alongside the Aboriginal and Australian flags.

National Reconciliation Week

The College will mark National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) by offering a variety of activities for staff and students to participate in, including a student yarning circle, bracelet weaving, and viewing cultural performances.