Indigenous Programs
Artwork by Knox Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (2024)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Knox Grammar School acknowledges the land on which we continue to learn, embrace, grow and work by continuing to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are guiding us on our Reconciliation journey.
This land has always been a place of welcoming education, where Elders have shared songlines, stories, traditions, celebrations, and cultural knowledge. We continue to pay our utmost respects to all Elders who have nurtured the enduring spiritual connection of what Country means by looking through a cultural lens.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we embrace all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures by acknowledging all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community who continue to generously share their culture with us. We are committed to acknowledging, celebrating, and sharing their rich cultural heritage, by continuing to build a strong cultural pathway for the present and emerging families at Knox Grammar School.
We extend this Acknowledgement to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout this Country of Australia through a foundation of Faith, Wisdom, Integrity, Compassion and Courage.
Building knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and heritage is an important part of our School’s educational philosophy and our social responsibility. We seek to raise students who have a deep knowledge and respect for Indigenous heritage with a commitment to reconciliation action.
As part of their education at Knox, all students participate in a wide range of programs to build their cultural knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal histories and cultures. We also develop cultural knowledge across our community as our Aboriginal students and local community members share their stories and knowledge at assembles and events.
Special events and ceremonies mark NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week and the annual Indigenous Round of Sport which has become the Combined Associated Schools (CAS) Reconciliation Round where the 1sts teams in each sport wear jerseys with artwork designs by Indigenous students. Cultural ceremonies are held before the start of the sporting fixtures.
Boarders traditionally celebrate a Back to Country event which incorporates cultural dances and a smoking ceremony, and a special tribute to our Aboriginal heritage is featured in our centenary mural.
Our students also have opportunities to participate in events hosted by the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and cultural immersions such as participation in the Goodooga Indigenous Games, Bennelong Cup and working with communities in Walgett, Nyngan and Enngonia in rural NSW.
Indigenous educational opportunities
Knox is a proud partner with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF). This partnership provides opportunities for rural and regional indigenous students to attend Knox Grammar School as Boarders.
The Martin, Barbara, Berend, and Matthew Hollander Indigenous Scholarship, in partnership with the School, provides opportunities for local indigenous students to attend Knox Grammar School as Day Students.
More information
For more information, please contact Helen Clarke, Head of Diversity Justice and Stewardship.