Televised ceremony launches NAIDOC Week
Celebration of First Nations peoples to begin with annual awards and concert.
Singer Jess Mauboy will headline the NAIDOC Awards live from Tarndanya (Adelaide) on Kaurna Yerta on Saturday night, 6 July, to kickstart the annual celebration of the history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Telecast on ABC TV from 7.30pm, the First Nations’ night of nights will be hosted by Total Control star Rob Collins, 10 News First presenter Narelda Jacobs, and comedian Steph Tisdell.
The show will usher in NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week, from 7-14 July, which will be inspired by the theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud”.
The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week, which began in 1975, provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Commenting on the theme of this week’s celebration, National NAIDOC Committee co-chair, Aunty (Dr) Lynette Riley, said, “The resilience of mob, our shared experiences, collective memories and kinship is a source of tremendous pride.
“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.”
National NAIDOC Committee co-chair, Steven Satour, said that the theme “encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world”.
He added, “This theme calls for a reclamation of our narratives, an amplification of our voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.”
Events and activities across the country during NAIDOC Week will include:
Arts-based activities, including painting, dancing, crafts, and storytelling
Family fun days and community activities
Cultural and Elders’ activities
NAIDOC-themed sporting activities or competitions
Activities that actively promote Reconciliation.
Search local NAIDOC Week events here.
