From July 8 to 15, NAIDOC Week will celebrate these women, with the theme of ‘because of her, we can!’. 

To acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who work in our Catholic schools as Aboriginal education assistants, community engagement officers, teachers, education officers and other support staff, the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong created a video. 

The video featured students from the diocese, including those from St Michael’s Catholic Primary School and St John the Evangelist. 

St Michael’s student Sophie Weller said NAIDOC week was an important time to reflect on the contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made to Australian history.

“It’s our big week where we show off our dances and culture and people will recognise that, and also learn about Aboriginal people who have done great things,” she said. 

Keona Ardler also featured in the video and said this year’s theme was important as it recognised a lot of people who usually go unnoticed. 

“It means we can recognise all Aboriginal people but also the women, because not a lot of women get acknowledged when we learn about our history,” she said.  

“This year’s theme means we can reflect and recognise who fought for education and rights for Aboriginal people.” 

Women were there at the Torres Strait Pearlers strike in 1936, the Day of Mourning in 1938, the 1939 Cummeragunja Walk-Off, at the 1946 Pilbara pastoral workers' strike, the 1965 Freedom Rides, the Wave Hill walk off in 1966, on the front line of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972 and at the drafting of the Uluru Statement.

They have marched, protested and spoken at demonstrations and national gatherings for the proper recognition of our rights and calling for national reform and justice.

“They were important in the 1967 Referendum and this video helps us recognise that,” Sophie said.