NAIDOC Week Legacy Shield Activity is a meaningful and creative task that invites students to explore the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. By designing a symbolic shield that represents their values, students reflect on the legacy of First Nations leaders and consider the strengths they will carry forward into their communities, schools and futures.

This visual and reflective activity supports students in building cultural appreciation and personal identity. Through the use of symbols, colours, patterns and written explanation, learners engage deeply with the concepts of strength, vision and legacy in a way that connects heart, mind and hands. It’s the perfect NAIDOC Week classroom display or reflection piece.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Explore cultural symbols and their meanings in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• ✅ Reflect on personal values and identity through symbolic art
• ✅ Connect the NAIDOC Week theme to personal and community legacy
• ✅ Develop creative expression through drawing, pattern-making and writing

What’s Included:

• Two worksheet options to support planning and reflection
• Two large shield templates (can be used for cut-out display or wall collage)
• Lined writing options (12mm and 9mm line widths)

Materials Needed:

• Printed shield templates and worksheets
• Pencils, markers, crayons or paint
• Optional: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander symbol reference charts
• Cardstock or coloured backing paper for display

How to Use:

• Begin with a discussion on the NAIDOC Week theme and what it means to leave a legacy
• Explore traditional symbols and encourage students to connect these with their own values
• Students can sketch and label their planned symbols on the worksheet before transferring them to the final shield
• If using the writing component, have students describe the meaning of their chosen elements
• Display shields alongside the Celebrating NAIDOC Week Banner as a visual representation of class identity

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Create a “Gallery of Legacy” wall with students’ completed shields and reflections
• 💡 Use during class assemblies or NAIDOC Week showcases to highlight student voices
• 💡 Incorporate the shields into writing or speaking tasks focused on leadership and community values
• 💡 Use in conjunction with the other resources in our NAIDOC Week collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Provide a word bank of values (e.g. respect, strength, wisdom) to inspire student reflection
• 💛 Offer visual examples or model your own shield to clarify expectations
• 💛 Allow students to present their shields in small groups or as part of a class leadership circle

NAIDOC Week Legacy Shield Activity is more than just an art task, it’s a space for identity, values and voice. By connecting legacy to culture, this task empowers students to honour those who came before and imagine how they will lead into the future.