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Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Honouring Indigenous Culture and Achievements

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration that recognises and honours the rich history, diverse cultures and significant achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a time to reflect on the contributions of Indigenous Australians and promote awareness and understanding of their ongoing journey towards equality and justice. 

NAIDOC Week has a profound history that stretches back to the 1920s. Initially, it started as a single day of observance to raise awareness about the treatment and conditions faced by Indigenous Australians. Over time, it evolved into a week-long celebration that highlights Indigenous cultures, traditions and achievements. 

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme ’For Our Elders’ was chosen to pay tribute to the cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, and leaders that are Elders. Across every generation, Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in Indigenous communities and families. 

NAIDOC Week serves as a platform to honour the contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across various fields, including art, sports, education, politics and cultural preservation. By highlighting these accomplishments, we can challenge stereotypes and amplify Indigenous voices.

Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is also a vital aspect of NAIDOC Week. It provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together, engage in dialogue and foster understanding and respect. Reconciliation involves acknowledging the past, promoting equality and supporting initiatives that empower Indigenous peoples. 

One of the great ways to celebrate NAIDOC Week is to get involved and explore the various events and activities that promote reconciliation and create lasting connections. We’ve put together a list of upcoming local NAIDOC Week events that anyone is welcome to attend. Every event is free of charge to enter, though some may have paid aspects like rides or specific exhibitions. 

NAIDOC Family Fun Days/Community Events/Festivals

Storytimes 

Workshops/Cultural

If you attend one of these events, please tag Mamre on our socials. 

NAIDOC Week is a significant occasion for all Australians to come together and celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By recognising the history, achievements and cultural practices of Indigenous Australians, we can foster a deeper understanding, promote reconciliation and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. 

At Mamre, we fully embrace NAIDOC Week as an opportunity to learn, reflect and honour the past, present, and future of Indigenous communities. Although we are still early in our journey of reconciliation, we are excited for where this path will lead as we commit to raising the voices of local Indigenous communities.