Keep the Fire Burning Resource

Luke Currie-Richardson on Kuku Yalanji Country by Anthony Rigby-Smith
Published
June 17, 2024
July 9, 2024
Last Updated
June 17, 2024
Contributors
Written by
Jordyn Green
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Wiradjuri, Ngemba and Paakantji
Written by
she/her
Wiradjuri, Ngemba and Paakantji
Written by
Gemma Pol
she/her
Wiradyuri, Ngemba and Paakantji
Written by
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Wiradyuri, Ngemba and Paakantji
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First Nations readers are advised this resource contains the names and images of First Nations people now resting in the Dreaming.

To celebrate this year's NAIDOC themeKeep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud – Common Ground and Learning To Ngangaanha have created an educational resource and social media campaign.

This year’s theme is closely tied to First Nations activism and the Aboriginal Embassy, also known as the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. In 2012, the Aboriginal Embassy held a protest for its 40th anniversary, where First Nations attendees were encouraged to start their own embassies – to “Keep the Fire Burning” in their own communities.

The resource links to the Australian Curriculum for Years 3-7 and has a strong focus on the subject areas of English, Humanities and Social Sciences and The Arts. It is designed to be used during NAIDOC Week over five days – from Monday 8 July to Friday 12 July 2024. There are five sections, each focusing on a different concept relating to the NAIDOC theme. The five sections (or days) are:

  • POWER – How NAIDOC Week originates from the collective power of First Nations people and protest
  • STORY – First Nations people have held and shared knowledge through story since the beginning of time, often around the campfire 
  • WISDOM – Fire knowledge and wisdom is a central part of First Nations ways of being and caring for Country
  • SPIRIT – For First Nations people, the smoke of a fire is just as important as its flames. Since time immemorial, smoke has been used for ceremony and cleansing spirit
  • JUSTICE – How First Nations people are continuing the fight for justice today

Teachers and secondary students above the age restrictions for social media can also participate in the social media campaign that has been created in conjunction with this resource. To participate, visit and follow Common Ground’s Instagram (@commongroundfirstnations) during NAIDOC Week. And while we would love for you to join us during NAIDOC Week, this resource can be used at any time of the year in 2024 and beyond. 

Download the resource below.

Play
5 min
Play
5 min
Play
5 min