How to show support for NAIDOC Week 2020
Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge that we meet today on the traditional lands of the Kamilaroi/ Gamilaroi/ Gomeroi people. We recognise their continuing connection to this land and pay my respects to Elders past and present and I extend that respect to any Aboriginal people present here today.
Ridin’ the high of the world's celebrations of PRIDE month, we now enter the acknowledgements and festivities of NAIDOC Week. Solidarity is one of the greatest themes of 2020, and with each month that passes, it has been teaching us that connection, love and kindness are what we should all aspire to.
NAIDOC week celebrates culture, history, and the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is a great time for Australians of all backgrounds to come together in celebration and solidarity with our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander communities
It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, learn and participate in activities supporting your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
NAIDOC stands for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’.
Wondering is NAIDOC Week 2020 postponed?
NAIDOC Week is held across Australia each July. This year however due to the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, the National NAIDOC Committee has decided to postpone it. All major events have been put on hold until 8-15 Nov 2020.
The committee has taken advice from health experts, The Federal Government and from the leading National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations. With the nation heading into winter, this decision was made in order to keep everyone safe and ready for when we can all celebrate together. But do not fear! There are still ways to celebrate and show your support for NAIDOC Week 2020
NAIDOC 2020 Theme
Every year there is a different focus. This year the focus is ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE. This is the recognition that for 65,000 years the first nations people have occupied and cared for the land on which we live.
‘We are spiritually and culturally connected to this country.’ - NAIDOC.org.au
The beginning of life within Australia was created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The first scientists, engineers, explorers, farmers, artists and so many valuable endeavours originated from The First Nations people.
Australia is rich with oral stories. In fact, we have the world's oldest oral stories! The First Peoples Engraved maps, made the earliest paintings, and invented unique technologies the world had not before witnessed! Incredible engineered structures were created that predate Stonehenge and even the Pyramids!
“Always Was, Always Will Be. acknowledges that hundreds of Nations and our cultures covered this continent. All were managing the land - the biggest estate on earth - to sustainably provide for their future.’ - NAIDOC.org.au
This year's NAIDOC Week is about acknowledging that our story didn't begin with the documented European contact in the 1700s. Australia has such a rich history, (if 65,000 years is rich enough for you) and we are proud to live on this incredible land. NAIDOC 2020 has an invitation with your name on it inviting you to embrace the true history of this country.
How to get involved in NAIDOC Week 2020:
NAIDOC Week is usually celebrated by local community events taking place across Australia. This year things are a bit different due to the social distancing. There are still plenty of ways to mark the week. Find out more here: https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/naidoc-week
Some awesome merch to show your support!
How to acknowledge NAIDOC in July
Virtual events/showing support to others through visibility.
- Take part in the Clothing the Gap - NAIDOC March/Run - https://clothingthegap.com.au/pages/naidocmarchrun
- Putting a flag up, sharing posts / socials from Aboriginal groups etc.
- Wear products from Aboriginal businesses - here are some Aboriginal owned businesses in our area.
- https://www.buluuymirrii.com/
- https://winangaliinfusion.com.au/
- Coledale Community Centre Grapevine newsletter that has flag template for handwavers - https://www.facebook.com/TFSSsince1979/
- https://www.facebook.com/ColedaleCommunityCentre/?tn-str=k*F
Plan your event for the new NAIDOC week dates: 8-15 Nov 2020
There are some great ideas provided by the National NAIDOC - check them out here online. Some of our favourites are:
There are great resources available at naidoc.org.au including - Logos and banners page for new dates.
Follow the National NAIDOC Week social media accounts: Facebook - NAIDOC, Twitter - NAIDOC Week and Instagram - NAIDOC Week.
Petitions to sign
- Change the licensing agreement around the Aboriginal Flag #PrideNotProfit - https://www.change.org/p/australia-change-the-licencing-agreement-around-the-aboriginal-flag-pridenotprofit
- Fly the Aboriginal Flag 365 days a year on the Sydney Harbour Bridge - https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-fly-the-aboriginal-flag-atop-of-the-sydney-harbour-bridge-permanently?pt=AVBldGl0aW9uAD7cngAAAAAAXwUNi3LREO03Mjg3ZDAwNg%3D%3D&source_location=topic_page
- Stop BHP Mining Company from Destroying 40+ Aboriginal sites, some up to 15000 years old - https://www.change.org/p/stop-bhp-mining-company-from-destroying-40-aboriginal-sites-some-up-to-15000-years-old?source_location=topic_page
Everyone likes to learn a different way, so don't worry, we've got you sorted.
Podcasts on your morning trip to get a coffee? Sorted. Books to read while drinking that morning coffee? Sorted. Films to watch while enjoying an afternoon caffeine hit? Sorted.
We have compiled a list of resources linked to Indigenous focused learning and entertainment.
Books:
Born Again Black Fella
Jack Charles has worn many hats throughout his life: actor, cat burglar, musician, heroin addict, activist, even Senior Victorian Australian of the Year. But the title he’s most proud to claim is that of Aboriginal Elder.
Am I Black enough for you?
I'm Aboriginal. I'm just not the Aboriginal person a lot of people want or expect me to be. In this deeply personal memoir, told in her distinctive, wry style, Anita Heiss gives a first-hand account of her experiences as a woman with an Aboriginal mother and Austrian father, and explains the development of her activist consciousness.
The Stolen Children - Their Stories
“Following the unprecedented demand for the Report on the stolen children which was published by The Human Rights and Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (HEROC) and retailed at $60.00, here are extracts from the Report which mostly consisted of the actual stories told by the stolen generations of their experiences. These stories are deeply moving and compelling.”
All and more found here: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/lists/naidoc-week-2018
Podcasts to listen to:
Word Up by Rudi Bremer
Word Up is an ABC Radio National podcast, hosting conversations about the importance of Indigenous language.
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/wordup/
Wild Black Women
Dr Chelsea Bond and Angelina Hurley discuss all the things that made them wild this week. An insightful and highly entertaining Brisbane based podcast focusing on Indigenous culture, politics and entertainment. Having a yarn and a great laugh as described by them!
https://989fm.com.au/category/listen/programs/wild-black-women/
Rarriwuy Hick - Why Indigenous kids belong with their families
When her family faced a traumatic separation from some young relatives, Australian actress Rarriwuy Hick channelled people power to spread a simple message: Our Kids Belong With Family.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-23/our-kids-belong-with-family-rarriwuy-hick-campaign/9576910
Pretty for an Aboriginal
Nakkiah and Miranda have conversations Australia is uncomfortable having—about sex, relationships, dating, power, and, most difficult of all, race.
https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/pretty-for-an-aboriginal/id1282132573
Movies:
Stolen Generations
Stolen Generations is told by the survivors of the Stolen Generations, a policy of Australia which began in the 20th century and lasted until the 1970s.
Rabbit Proof Fence
Three mixed-race girls are torn brutally from their Aboriginal mother and sent over a thousand miles away to a training camp for domestic workers as part of a government policy to integrate them into white society. Linking the camp and their distant home territory is a vast rabbit-proof fence, which stretches from one coast to another and just might help the girls find their way back.
Bran Nue Dae
A rebellious boy runs away from a Catholic boarding school and tries to hitchhike to his Aboriginal home in Australia.