Perth Voice Interactive

NAIDOC celebrations this year are more important than ever following a shattering No vote in the recent Referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition, says a former chair of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council. 

Brendan Moore, who is also the City of Fremantle’s Aboriginal engagement officer, says NAIDOC Week from July 7 – 14 will be an opportunity to reset the journey towards reconciliation. 

“Not only is it more important, but fact checking – particularly around the No campaign – has provided an excellent base to begin truth telling,” Mr Moore said. 

Each year the national NAIDOC committee chooses a theme to represent issues or concerns significant to Indigenous people and have chosen “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud” for 2024. 

According to the official NAIDOC webpage this theme will “honour the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture”. 

Despite nearly 75 per cent of voting Australians rejecting constitutional change, NAIDOC committee co-chair Aunty Lynette Riley was also pushing the reconciliation message. 

“This year’s theme is a clarion call to continued unity and solidarity for all Australians to come together and celebrate,” Dr Riley said. 

The City of Bayswater will have a traditional smoking ceremony, rock painting, community planting days and documentary screenings with elder Noel Nannup as part of its NAIDOC activities. 

The City of Perth is putting on an art exhibition representing the 2024 theme in the Council House foyer with works from renowned Indigenous artists. 

There will also be a NAIDOC week opening with indigenous customs such as a smoking ceremony, while Trafalgar Bridge, Council House and the Adelaide Street pedestrian bridge will be illuminated with the Aboriginal Flag. 

For those who like hands-on activities the City of Vincent has several workshops such as making message sticks, as well as Yirra Yaakin performing Boodjar Kaatjin Theatre which introduces Noongar language and cultural stories to younger audiences. 

For more information head to vincent. wa.gov.au/events/naidoc-week-2024/3073 or perth.wa.gov.au/news-and-updates/all-news/ celebrating-naidoc-week-2024 

by SIENNA DALY