The Sydney Roosters are celebrating NAIDOC week by getting out in the community with a message.
NAIDOC week is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievement, and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to society.
As part of NAIDOC week celebrations, proud Taepithiggi man and Sydney Rooster Bernie Lewis visited schools throughout the Eastern Suburbs to deliver the 'Celebrating Difference' presentation to students.
The interactive presentation covers many topics, including interesting statistics on Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people, the history of Indigenous culture, Aboriginal language, the Dreamtime, and the design of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag.
Bernie also talked about the theme of the 2018 NAIDOC week - "Because of her, we can."
This theme recognises the role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women play in the community, and pays tribute to the vital role mothers, elders, aunties, sisters and daughters play in Indigenous life.
Bernie told the students about the female influences in his life including the close bond with his family.
He also talked about the importance of the NRL Indigenous Round and the pride in the Indigenous Jersey.
Bernie said it gives him a lot of satisfaction to be able to spread information about his culture, and related subjects he is passionate about.
"NAIDOC week is important to highlight the impact of Indigenous culture in the past, present, and future." Bernie said.
"I especially like talking about the rich history of our culture, I think it surprises students just how long Indigenous people have called Australia home. It gives me a lot of joy to see the students interested in Indigenous culture and history."
