ACTF News

First Nations screen stories offer authentic voices and powerful opportunities for connection and learning.

For First Nations students, seeing their cultures, languages and communities represented on screen provides a vital mirror that affirms identity, celebrates strength and shows that their stories matter. For other students, these stories act as windows into the rich diversity of the communities they live in, encouraging understanding, empathy and respect.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for students to celebrate and champion First Nations screen stories. The official week is 6 - 13 July 2025, with schools planning for activities throughout the year. The 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities and the legacy of ancestors.

This curated collection of ACTF resources supports First Nations stories that invite us to listen deeply, learn respectfully and grow together. By bringing First Nations screen stories into the classroom, educators can create space for students to connect with Country, culture and one another in meaningful ways.

New resource: NAIDOC Week 2025 (Year 4 – 8)

Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025 in your classroom with our brand-new educational resource, developed in collaboration with Di-Di Vaha’akolo, a Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Taungwurrung, Tongan and Fiji-Indian woman, born and raised on Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Country. 

This resource provides a series of short clips, interview material and activities for students in Years 4 - 8. The Legacy Tree activity can be adapted for younger or older students.

Thalu (Year 3 – 6)

Our Thalu resource explores storytelling, culture and identity, providing engaging activities and discussion prompts to help students connect with characters and gain an understanding of Country. Check out the Thalu: Stories Behind the Costumes recording for a behind-the-scenes look at the production.

Red Dirt Riders (Year 3 – 6)

Red Dirt Riders takes students on a journey through Ngarluma Ngurra, exploring history, culture and Country through the eyes of young riders. With downloadable, ready-to-share presentations (screen sequences), this resource helps educators bring these rich First Nations perspectives into the classroom.

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies (F – 2)

The Eddie’s Lil' Homies resource explores personal and social skills through engaging episodes, with discussion starters and hands-on tasks to help students understand themselves and others. Don’t miss the workshop recording with Eddie Betts, where he shares how these stories were brought to life.