What NAIDOC means to me

I have been to a couple of events in Canberra for NAIDOC week celebrations this week and on different occasions been asked what does NAIDOC mean to me? I am a Wirdajuri man, that was born in Wollongong and grew up in the Dharawal community.

Here is what NAIDOC means to me.

NAIDOC means everything to me but from a young age I have known NAIDOC Week to be a time of celebration and togetherness. Since I was young I have been going to community events during NAIDOC Week to celebrate our cultures history, traditions, achievements but most importantly the connection to country and our contribution as First Nations People to this diverse land called Australia. At all community events I have attended there is always a peaceful and positive aura that is given off from all people of community coming together.

Bringing the next generation of Leaders in our community to these events is an important factor as they learn from elders, thrive from the aura and take part in the celebration of our culture. It is important to continue teaching them the cultural ways of celebration, the ways of Songlines (Song, Dance, Art, Story Telling and Dreaming) because they are the ones who will continue it for years to come. This is the only way to ensure our culture does not disappear and one day sees our Languages return.

Happy NAIDOC 2016