In 2013, CAN worked with Quairading District High School to celebrate its centenary through a series of animated short films that told stories from its history. After engaging the wider community to share their stories, students brought them to life with animation artist Steven Aiton.

The animations portrayed Noongar Dreamtime stories, experiences of students throughout the school’s 100-year history, and the moving and historical account of local Noongar Elder John Kickett, whose efforts helped end segregated education in Western Australia.

The process of gathering and animating these stories strengthened the relationship between local Elders and the school. In turn, students learned the depth of their town’s history, acquiring a real sense of how important these stories are to their community.

The project also gave students and teachers new digital animation skills, enabling them to use the iPads, digital cameras, light boxes and other technology already available at the school with more versatility.