NAIDOC Week is celebrated every July, and is an opportunity for all of us to reflect, celebrate, and learn about the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year's theme is Heal Country. Country is much more than a place - for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. Protecting and restoring country, so it is there for future generations, is fundamental.
The theme calls on all of us to embrace First Nations cultural knowledge so we can learn about and better protect lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. From climate change and recognising land rights, to protecting ancient sites, including some of the world's oldest human occupation sites, and embracing Indigenous knowledge about land management is all part of looking after country and culture.
NAIDOC Week is for all Australians to celebrate, not just Indigenous communities. Flourish Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waterways upon which we live and work. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and recognise their strong and continuing connection to land, culture and spirit. Each year we celebrate NAIDOC Week, and while COVID-19 restrictions in NSW make it difficult to be together in person, there are many virtual events we encourage people to attend.
There are virtual events across the country to join, which include webinars, film screenings, and community discussions about how we can better understand and contribute to heal country. The NAIDOC Week website has a calendar of events across states and territories. There are colouring in posters to download, NAIDOC Week programs available on SBS/NITV and AVC, and music or podcasts to listen to as well.
