NAIDOC Week

By Business SA, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive, Martin Haese

Published in The Advertiser SA Business Journal on Tuesday 6 July 2021

They were this nation’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.

No, I am not referring to the first European settlers that arrived and commenced establishing businesses in Australia in 1788. Our history runs much deeper, some estimate 65,000 years deeper.

In recognition of NAIDOC week this week, I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to, and recognise the original custodians of this great land, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In writing this article, I put pen to paper from the traditional lands of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains, in a land with over 500 nations that demonstrate the rich and diverse culture of Aboriginal Australia.

When I speak of these first skilled individuals; famers and engineers, I of course cannot reference trade and commerce like it exists today in modern Australia. Storytelling explains that cross-country trade comprised of the exchange of natural resources during ceremonies that brought communities together.

Groups would travel hundreds of kilometres to share food, tools, ritual paraphernalia, and sacred ceremonial objects. Songs and dance styles were also passed on from one group to the next at such gatherings.

Fast forward tens of thousands of years to modern day Australia, I am pleased that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned business play an important role in our economy. Of course, it does not look like it once did, but the values of these businesses remain intact as they contribute over $4.9 billion dollars to the Australian economy annually and employ over 45,000 people.

These figures do not recognise the additional economic, social, and cultural benefits of these businesses. The centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research determines that Aboriginal owned and operated businesses are up-to 100 times more likely to hire Aboriginal workers, more than 56 per cent will provide pro-bono support for their community and upward of 54 per cent will sponsor local sports and community activities.

As South Australia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business SA celebrates these proud and altruistic businesses that are fundamental to our culture and economy. We have great pride in representing such organisations as many of SA’s Indigenous owned enterprises are members of Business SA.

As we celebrate NAIDOC week, and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, I encourage all South Australians during the school holidays and beyond to experience and support these businesses.

‘Heal Country’ is the theme of NAIDOC week 2021. Referencing more than just the land, Country is spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally represented, encouraging healing from far more than just 15 months of trials and hardship.

As you ponder your calendar for the week, why not visit the NAIDOC website and take part in one of the 24 events on offer in South Australia and immerse yourself in Australia’s rich history, celebrating the achievements of the oldest living civilisation on the planet.?