APS New Horizons-Building Cross Cultural Community Bridges Project second forum was a recognition of Indigenous Culture through celebrating NAIDOC on 26th June (due to school holidays).

NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC originally stood for 'National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee'. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has become the name of the week itself.

In a message from the Prime Minister in support of NAIDOC Week he suggested that taking part in NAIDOC Week is a great way to celebrate Indigenous culture and build bridges between Indigenous and Non Indigenous Australians. The theme of 2008 NAIDOC Week , Advance Australia Fair?, aimed to encourage people to reflect on the Australian principle of a "fair go" and  equality of  outcomes for all Australians.

 These principles are in line with the message of the Living in Harmony project which is that past traditions, present practices and future dreams of Australians are acknowledged and valued.

APS day was introduced through an extraordinary assembly followed by a series of workshops conducted by invited presenters. Les Saxby, playing the didgeridoo, led a procession of students, dressed in the Indigenous colours of red, black and yellow, and Community representatives into the school hall.' Welcome to Country' was presented by Elder, Auntie Faye Carroll. She shared her childhood memories and the significance that Sorry Day held for her.

The audience was entertained by an enactment of a Dreamtime story performed by APS students under the direction of Alfred Coolwell, part time teacher at the school. Songs including Growin'Up Strong and From Little Things Big Things Grow with the creation of a whole school community reconciliation paper chain concluded the assembly.

The rest of the day's events included workshops run by Indigenous performers:

• Story telling by Auntie Pat Field from the Blue Mountains, accompanied by Janelle Scott community member from Ashbury P.S.
• Displays of Boomerang throwing, dancing and traditional crafts by the Bidjigal Performance Group from the south coast of NSW.
• Musical performances by Les Saxby of Indidge Performers
• Paintng demonstrations by Thomas Newman of Tranby College
• Sea of Hands displayed by the students of APS in the school 's Wangral Playground.
• Screening of The Apology
• Sale of Respect Bands provided by 'Koori Kids', an organization which provides support to assist young Indigenous with their endeavours
• A display and sale of Bush Tucker Foods  and Products
• Jewellery making and screen printing using traditional designs.
• Delicious Bush Tucker lunch enjoyed by all.

Koori Radio had advertised the forum which attracted many people including some from southern Sydney. They were so impressed by the interaction of many cultural groups learning the Indigenous story that it encouraged them to go back to their community to plan a similar event for 2009.

Please follow the Link to Photo Gallery and see the great day.

This project is proudly supported by the Australian Government's Living In Harmony program.

Visit www.harmony.gov.au for further information.