Mr Drummond has a foot in both camps and was able to draw on both cultures thanks to his parentage, with his mum being Torres Straight Islander and his dad Aboriginal. He obviously comes from a talented family, with nieces, cousins, siblings and even an uncle in the creative arts.

He drew a lot on his personal experiences in relating stories which illustrated indigenous culture. Did you know there are multiple versions of the boomerang, including one which is a precursor of the fidget spinner, to keep kids occupied while their parents were busy providing meals. Some aren't even designed to return.

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Mr Drummond was the highlight of a program that celebrated indigenous culture in general but in particular the indigenous voice, which several speakers alluded to.

Principal Anna Starcevic said the indigenous voice of Australia is more than 65,000 years old.

"They're the first words spoken on this continent, languages that passed down law, culture and knowledge for over millennium, and they're precious to our nation."

She touched on the school's ongoing native garden project, the central theme of which is circles destined for the meeting of friends. It's an extension of the school's circle time which allows teachers and students alike to communicate and voice any concerns.

She said once completed it is hoped the garden will become a meeting point for students, teachers and community members to address issues and make connections.

This indigenous voice was heard literally in the hall, as school leaders Haylee and Myiekah presented the Welcome to Country in Kamilaroi tongue, a local dialect.

Councillor Bronwyn Petrie, representing Tenterfield Shire Council, drew on the rich indigenous history of land management, in the wake of February's devastating bushfires which burned out many native plants and animals.

"Aboriginal people have managed this land for tens of thousands of years," she said.

"As part of the strategies and solutions that council is looking at, an important part of these is listening to the Aboriginal people and their knowledge and their history of managing this land.

"When European people first came here it was open parkland with regular cool-intense burns, rather than the hot, devastating fires that we're getting into the tops of the trees.

"It's important to listen to the voice of the Aboriginal people and the truth about land management."

Cr Petrie said a lot of the old farming families listened to the Aboriginal people and watched what they did --with mosaic, cool burns -- and enjoyed great biodiversity on their properties as a result.

She said council also pays its respects to past, present and emerging leaders, "many of which are present today."

Speaking on behalf of the school's Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, president Shahan McIntosh said this history is not just the history of indigenous people.

"It is the history of all Australians and we need to own it, and then we can work together for a better future."

The Tenterfield students were joined by those from Bonshaw and Mingoola to rotate through a series of indigenous-themed workshops for the remainder of the day, including special dance classes conducted by Mr Drummond.

Here's a video of the morning's proceedings...