Weeklong discussion: NAIDOC Week 2024

[tyme]

Each year, NAIDOC week falls on the first Sunday in July and continues until the following Sunday. As part of this year's NAIDOC week, we will be having a weeklong discussion right here where you have the opportunity to ask questions and read responses to questions.

What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC week is a week in the calendar to celebrate all things culture, recognise and respect the longest living culture in the world, our First Nations people and sharing what they contribute to our communities. NAIDOC week stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

Why is NAIDOC Week important?
NAIDOC week is important as it helps us share the knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's knowledge and achievements and celebrate with all people, in particular, educating young people and children around culture and its significance in Australia's history and present day.

What is the theme for 2024 and what does this mean?
The theme for this years NAIDOC week is:
Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud

It invites all people to continue the proud spirit of ATSI culture and keep the fire burning.

What can you do as part of NAIDOC Week 2024?
You can attend a local event, most communities have at least one event over the course of the week including flag raisings, marches, kids activities, speeches, song dance and ceremony.
Some events are only open to mob while some are for ally’s as well.
If you can’t make it to an event posting about Aboriginal arts, culture, music on social media and spreading the message about all the great things.
Check out the link for events:
https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events
Showing your support doesn't have to be in person. By participating in these conversations such as this one and being open to learn that in itself is support.

This week's weeklong discussion is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have. Feel free to add your questions to this thread and we will do our best to answer them.

[Thanks @ArraDreaming for your support in developing this thread. We value your contributions].

Please note, there will be a separate discussion in the Yarning Space for mob https://saneforums.org/t5/Yarning-Space/Happy-NAIDOC-week/m-p/1527010#m1527010. Please email team@saneforums.org if you identify as a First Nations person and we can add you to the Yarning Space.

[tyme]

Hey Everyone,

Not sure if you have seen, but there are NAIDOC Week posters available in most Kmart stores. Keep an eye out for them.

[ArraDreaming]

For free

[Captain24]

Nothing for NAIDOC week here in town. 

[tyme]

What is an 'ally'? 

An 'ally' is someone who actively supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to speak for themselves and there is a strong focus ensuring their voices are heard.

Can everyone be an ally?

Being an ally is about being aware of inequality, calling it out, and standing shoulder to shoulder with those who are working for equity and justice. This requires self-reflection, education and listening.

You can read more about this here: https://au.reachout.com/relationships/allyship/how-to-be-an-ally-to-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-isl...

Watch "What is an Ally?" https://youtu.be/6qEolbqqTn0?si=K0IXeBcfvKVcIE4B

What can I do to show I'm an ally?

1. If you witness racism, say something: ...
2. Don't expect Indigenous people to educate you. ...
3. Appreciate the diversity among Indigenous people. ...
4. Please stick with us even when things are tough. ...
5. Promote Indigenous voices. ...
6. Be prepared to not be part of decision making. ...
7. Don't go it alone.

[https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/take-action/being-an-ally]

@Captain24 @Oaktree @Delicatessen @defaultusername @ArraDreaming @Ru-bee @Jynx @RiverSeal 

Question 1: What can you do to be an ally of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

[MermaidHair]

My kids made the most beautiful NAIDOC inspired crafts in their holiday program today. They did pictures of emus on a landscape background using native leaves that the kids collected outside to create the feathers. They had the best day learning about indigenous culture and history and the land that we live on.

I have a feeling the next generation will do us proud.

[ArraDreaming]

@MermaidHair isn’t that awesome
Allyship is so important, and our think our schools and early education centres are doing such a good job from so young
I have had similar experiences my kids have come home with amazing art work and knowledge
Our oldest child is non Aboriginal but has learnt about being an ally since he was tiny and how important culture is to me and now his young siblings
at times has been hard hitting, not going to lie he has come home from school/kinder in previous years saying some things that I think is important for kids to know, but it does hit differently for us

I think sometimes people aren’t sure what an ally is or that you have to outwardly express you supporter or an ally but you dont it’s as simple as us knowing you have got our back, it’s the little things sometimes that make a big difference, you don’t always have to attend events and be always noticed at things, but inclusive

On another note while I am on a roll
I think the saying about having a seat at the table is a big one, but I don’t think just a seat is enough… we need to be comfortable to speak freely openly and with pride in our culture while we are at the table

[ArraDreaming]

I also think NAIDOC week this year is a statement of resilience.
Last year we had a really difficult year, a lot of us felt hurt, unheard, unsupported and out of place in this so called Australia.

Now is a time we come together, we show we are still here, still fighting and always will.

[tyme]

Thank you for sharing @ArraDreaming @MermaidHair . It's great to get your insights about what you've observed around you in support of NAIDOC Week.