Flags were raised at the ACT Legislative Assembly this morning and at Boomanulla Oval, Narrabundah, yesterday to mark NAIDOC Week (Sundays 6 to 13 July).
Now in its 50th year, NAIDOC Week recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”, looking to a bright future ahead, empowered by young leaders’ strength, communities’ vision, and ancestors’ legacy.
There will be a lighting ceremony at Parliament House this evening (5.30pm), and the façade will display NAIDOC Week illuminations tonight and tomorrow.
Throughout the week, the Museum of Australia will give a daily tour about how First Nations Australians have created democratic change, and the ANCA Gallery, Dickson, will host a First Nations jewellery exhibition.
On Thursday, the National Museum of Australia will hold spotlight conversations about ‘Keeping Country Strong’ and Indigenous Protected Areas.
Sports fans can cheer on players at the three-day Warriors Basketball Club NAIDOC Tournament at the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) from Friday to Sunday.
There are three events on Saturday. Belconnen Arts Centre will celebrate 10 years of NAIDOC in the North with a day of story, song, art dance and ceremony, with performances, workshops, kids’ activities, exhibitions, artist stalls and community organisations. At Lanyon Homestead, Ngunnawal custodian Wally Bell will explain the Aboriginal connection to the site. The National Film and Sound Archive will screen Top End Wedding; the session is dementia-friendly.
“NAIDOC is a special time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Maurice Walker, chair of the NAIDOC Corporation, said. “We get to bring focus to a lot of positive aspects of our way of life.
“We are very proud to share this week with our fellow Canberrans and showcase some of the awesome talent we have within the community.”
The ACT Government sponsors NAIDOC Week. Suzanne Orr MLA, minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, said it was an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and commit to a shared future built on respect and truth.
“Truth-Telling is a critical component of how we move forward together, recognising and celebrating the world’s oldest living cultures and how all Canberrans can be proud of the impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the ACT and Australia. NAIDOC Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate an inclusive community that values, respects and elevates this recognition.”
NAIDOC Week is for everyone, a spokesperson said. Attending a local event, engaging with educational resources, or simply taking time to reflect helps keep culture strong and voices heard.
For a full list of events and activities in Canberra, visit Local NAIDOC Week events | NAIDOC.
