August 14th
We are changing the format of our regular assemblies. We will be starting each assembly with an Acknowledgement of Country. This acknowledgement was usually made at formal assemblies.
An Acknowledgement of Country is a way that all people can show respect for aboriginal culture and heritage and it recognises the ongoing relationship the traditional custodians have with the land where a gathering of participants occurs. It does not have to be performed by an indigenous person.
Acknowledgement of Country recognises the unique position of Aboriginal people in Australian culture and history.
There are many variations to this statement. Crestwood high School staff and students will use the following statement.
I would like to acknowledge the Dharuk people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land. I would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present of the Dharuk Nation and extend that respect to other Indigenous Australians who are present.
The Dharuk people occupied the area of the Cumberland Plain and extended out to Penrith in the west. Over the next few assemblies I will be addressing the history and culture of the Dharuk people.