Eden Marine High students finished off the school term with a NAIDOC Week assembly held at the keeping place at Jigamy on Friday.
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After taking part in a traditional smoking ceremony the whole school community, along with elders, were welcomed to country by BJ Cruse.
The singing of the Australian national anthem was led by student Nikea Hayes and school principal Adrian Bell later gave thought to the words of the anthem.
Mr Bell said he looked forward to the day when an anthem could also be sung in language - like in New Zealand - which he said would demonstrate a true uniting of cultures.
Elder Uncle Ossie Cruse told the students the theme of this year's NAIDOC - voice, treaty and truth - were the ingredients for a truly "complete" nation.
"Sadly there is still business to be addressed and that will be up to you - and your generation," he said.
"You need to be truthful in everything you do, in the way you conduct yourself and deal with people.
"Do your best at all levels, be respectful to your body, resilient in your education, believe in yourself, have respect for your teachers and be responsible for your actions."
Awards were presented by the Indigenous Australian education team to:
- Drey Wicks - creative writing;
- Shanti Holmes-Williams - academic Improvement;
- Paris Chapman - academic Improvement;
- Clare Turner and Marinda Kennedy - ongoing commitment to studies; and
- Pindy Hoskins - ongoing commitment to culture.