NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia every July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It's a great opportunity to participate in activities to support our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and recognise the contributions they make to the Blue Mountains.
NAIDOC Week 2022
This year, NAIDOC Week will be held from 3-10 July and embraces the call to action: Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
Due to predicted weather, Council has has to cancel its flag raising ceremony in Carrington Place. A smoking ceremony will take place at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre viewing platform at 10am, Monday 4 July. Details of other NAIDOC Week activities are outlined below.
Other events during NAIDOC Week include:
- Blue Mountains City Cultural Centre’s NAIDOC Community Day 2022 on Saturday, 2 July, 10am to 6pm. Get more information at bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/public_programs/naidoc-community-day-2022/
- Exhibitions by two local art groups at Blue Mountains Cultural Centre from 25 June to 7 August. Get more information at bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/exhibition/naidoc-exhibition/
- Garguree Swampcare Opening of the Yarning Circle Sunday 3 July 9:30am to 12pm. Register your interest by emailing janderson@bmcc.nsw.gov.au. Please note: Bookings are limited.
Council’s First Nations team have offered a number of suggestions for the wider community to show support, including:
- Watch a documentary or read a book from the library about First Nations history
- Encourage others to read/watch what you watched
- Re-share a post on social media about First Nation People’s perspective
- Change your email signature to acknowledge the Dharug & Gundungurra Country
- Read newspapers like the Koori Mail, National Indigenous Times, First Nations Telegraph
- Incorporate native foods or method of cooking into your menu (YouTube it!)
- Contribute to local First Nations groups, such as Garguree, ACRC, Deadlee Gap Café, Gunya Shed
- Learn two First Nations words and use them in conversation like you would bon voyage or gracias
- Attend or create an event in Reconciliation or NAIDOC Week
- Speak up when you hear someone say something inappropriate
To kick-off NAIDOC Week, Council also re-endorsed its 2021 Statement of Recognition and Commitment at the 28 June Council Meeting.
See more on the Statement of Recognition and Commitment here.
For more information on NAIDOC Week go to: www.naidoc.org.au