NAIDOC Week starts this weekend and Adelaide is hosting it for the first time in nine years.
The theme for this year is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud!”.
“Blak, Loud, and Proud encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world,” says National NAIDOC Committee co-chair Steven Satour.
“This theme calls for a reclamation of our narratives, an amplification of our voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC), the first group to represent all First Nations groups that was formed in 1974. Before then it was the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC).
The committee then began the week-long celebration, which is always the week following the first Sunday in July, in 1984.
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“The resilience of mob, our shared experiences, collective memories and kinship is a source of tremendous pride,” says national NAIDOC Committee co-chair Aunty Lynette (Dr) Riley.
“We honour the flame of the fire, kindling the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.
“This year’s theme is a clarion call to continued unity and solidarity for all Australians to come together and celebrate.”
In recognition of the 50th year of NAIDOC, the Royal Australian Mint is releasing a collectible coin in a reception at the Adelaide Town Hall today.
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The coin was designed by Dagoman, Wardaman and Gurindji woman Cortney Glass following a design competition held by the National NAIDOC Committee.
The coin was designed by Cortney Glass following a competition. This image: supplied
“As a girl originally from the small country town of Katherine, Northern Territory being the artist behind a special collectible coin is beyond my wildest dreams,” Cortney says.
“This experience is truly an honour, and I am profoundly thankful for it.”
Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh says the Mint worked closely with the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the National NAIDOC Committee to develop the coin.
“The design symbolises the care, strength and rich culture of our many Indigenous communities. The strong ‘50’ at the centre of the coin highlights the strong history of the National NAIDOC Committee, while the gathering of the 10 individuals in blue at the bottom of the coin represents the coming together of the committee in collaboration,” Leigh says.
There will be events held in Adelaide throughout the week.
The National NAIDOC Ball will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on July 6, where the National NAIDOC Awards will be delivered.
On Monday, July 8, Premier Peter Malinauskas and Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith will attend the SA NAIDOC Awards at the Adelaide Town Hall to recognise the outstanding achievement and service of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community member.
Then NAIDOC in the Mall will be held on Tuesday, July 9, to bring Aboriginal businesses together.
On July 12 there will be a march along King William Street culminating with a family fun day in Rymill Park.