Yuma! CW has compiled a list of the best ways to celebrate NAIDOC Week, 2-9 July, here on Ngunnawal Country.

The first week of July each year is a time for Australia as a whole to embrace the rich and vast culture of our First Nation People. It is also a time when we are encouraged to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and achievements.

The theme for this year, For Our Elders, acknowledges the vital role elders play in their communities and families. They are the knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors and leaders who guide their following generations.

This year, the events pay respect to the Elders who have been lost and to those continuing to advocate for their communities.

Learn more about First Nation history and culture during NAIDOC week through some of the following experiences:

EVENTS

Radiance: A film restoration for NAIDOC Week screenings, three sisters reunite following the death of their mother, reopening old wounds while trying to figure out a future. National Film and Sound Archive, Thursday 29 June 6pm; nfsa.gov.au

The New Boy: An advanced showing of the film as part of NAIDOC Week screenings. An orphaned Aboriginal boy is sent to a home for boys in this story of spiritual resilience. National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 30 June 6pm; nfsa.gov.au

MEGAfauna – a walk through time: Step back in time on a discovery trail lined with prehistoric plants and creatures of science, art, culture and, most of all, fun. Australian National Botanic Gardens, 1-31 July; anbg.gov.au

MEGAfauna afterDARK: After the sun goes down, the prehistoric creatures come to life! Take a journey through history and culture at this nighttime event. Australian National Botanic Gardens, 1-7 July; anbg.gov.au

Listening to the Heart, Understanding The Voice: A workshop to learn about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament with Professor Asmi Wood and Minister Rachel Stephen Smith MLA, includes tea, coffee and sandwiches. Canberra City Uniting Church, Saturday 1 July 1pm; eventbrite.com.au

Samson and Delilah: Part of the NAIDOC Week screenings, this heartfelt story is about two First Nation teens and a plan to escape their small community. National Film and Sound Archive, 1 July 6pm; nfsa.gov.au

First Nations Film Festival: A NAIDOC Edition featuring a new selection of First Nation stories and experiences captured on film. Online, 2-9 July;fanforcetv.com

Nursery Rhymes in Ngunnawal: An opportunity to learn about the important work being done to restore the Ngunnawal language while learning Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in language. Mugga Mugga Education Centre, Sunday 2 July 10am; historicplaces.com.au

Wiradjuri Echoes: Sharing culture with the Canberra community for nearly 20 years, the group performs a cultural dance followed by Arm painting, applying Aboriginal designs to children’s arms. Westfield Belconnen, Sunday 2 July 10-11am; westfield.com.au

Mural Painting Workshop: The Wiradjuri Echoes return to teach attendees about the art of dot painting and assist in the creation of bespoke work. Westfield Belconnen, Monday 3 July 11am-12pm; westfield.com.au

Community NAIDOC Week Event: Locals are invited to experience the gifts and traditions of our First Nations People with Tahalianna Soward, Uncle Johnny Huckle, Alinta Barlow and members of the Brumbies Super Rugby team. Woden Town Square and Woden Library, Tuesday 4 July 10.30am-2.30pm.

Last Post Ceremony: A special NAIDOC Week commemoration as the AWM honours Private Edward Mussing, who served during WWII. Australian War Memorial, Wednesday 5 July 4.45pm; awm.gov.au

Buried Country + Jerikye Williams Performance: A documentary looking at the rich history of Aboriginal music over a period of six decades, with a special performance by Wiradjuri singer Jerikye Williams. National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 7 July 6pm; nfsa.gov.au

NAIDOC in the North: The For Our Elders event is a celebration of First Nation cultures with live music, dance, food, craft, exhibitions, stalls holders and more. Belconnen Arts Centre, 8 July 11am-2pm; belcoarts.com.au

EXHIBITIONS

First Nations Experience of Democracy: A special tour explores the experience of First Nation Australians and their journey with democracy, fighting injustice and bringing about change. Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House, 2-9 July; moadoph.gov.au

Belconnen Arts Centre: Hosts four new exhibitions: Josh Evan’s ngadhi murangidyal – My Healing; Kayannie Denigan’s Reflections of Country;  Julie Bradley’s Resonant; and Rebekah Lane’s Inherited. 7 July-20 August; belcoarts.com.au

Baayangalibiyaay: Lucy Simpson presents a story of materiality and memory encompassed in the art of glassmaking. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, until 16 July; canberraglassworks.com

untitled (walam-wunga.galang): Jonathon Jones celebrates the practice of grinding seeds to make flour in this collaborative exhibition. National Gallery of Australia, until 23 July; nga.gov.au

Gulgawarnigu – Thinking of something, someone: A collection of digital works from young artists from Ngarluma country. National Portrait Gallery, until 2 October; portrait.gov.au

Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People: Discover the story of Canberra as the place where nationhood found a home – the people, places and history that make up this city and region. Canberra Museum and Gallery, ongoing; cmag.com.au

Are you organising a NAIDOC Week event and want to include it on our list? Email the details to [email protected]

Canberra Daily is keen to hear from you about a story idea in the Canberra and surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.