NAIDOC (National Aboriginals and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week was officially opened in the Limestone Coast on Monday with a main street march for the first time since the COVID pandemic.
The opening ceremony included flag raising by Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM, Aunty Val Brennan and Uncle Jack Sailor, a Welcome to Country by Uncle Ken Jones, a smoking ceremony by Uncle Doug Nicholls and morning tea.
NAIDOC Week is held in July every year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation language coordinator Tara Bonney introduced this year’s NAIDOC theme ‘For Our Elders’ which aims to recognise the role Elders have played and continue to play in Indigenous communities and families.
“This theme is one that is especially close to the hearts and souls of all indigenous peoples across Australia,” she said.
“The work that has taken place recently really highlights how community can come together especially when it is all about making sure that our Elders, all of our Aunties and Uncles know that we love them, that we respect them, and we admire their strength and depth.
“There is so much that has been taken from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia and if not for the fight of our Elders we could have lost so much more.
“The reality is without the activism, strength and actions of our Elders we would be living in a very different country today.”
Mayor Martin said was it great to see so many different representatives of the community present which was clearly an example of their shared enthusiasm for NAIDOC Week.
“(It is) a week where we shine the focus on the history, culture and achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.
“Our Elders are holders of wisdom and knowledge, the custodians of an ancient culture and their leadership in our community in both direct and indirect ways is truly significant.
“To our Elders this NAIDOC Week we honour and celebrate you, thankyou for your leadership, your guidance and most importantly continuing to foster the oldest living culture in the world.”
