Hello everyone, and welcome back to Term 3 with the Calamvale Chronicles! This year, the National NAIDOC Committee has announced that NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 7 – 14 July 2024.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, though, the term “Aborigine” is no longer used, and NAIDOC week is now referred to as National Aboriginal Day Observance Committee. In order to fully understand what this week represents, we need a little bit of a history lesson. In 1955, the Day of Mourning was moved from the Sunday before January 26 to the first Sunday in July, as people preferred to focus more toward celebrating First Nations cultures rather than protesting. The National Aborigines Day Observance Committee was then created in 1956 to organise national events. In 1975, it was decided to celebrate for a whole week rather than just one day, forming NAIDOC week as we know it! Then in 1991, NAIDOC Week expanded to recognise Torres Strait Islander people and cultures.
This year’s theme is “Keeping the Fire burning. Blak, Loud and Proud,” celebrating the unyielding spirit of Indigenous communities. It invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite various challenges. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation. "Blak, Loud and Proud" encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
Calamvale Community College celebrated NAIDOC week in a whole college assembly led by our students, followed by a performance of traditional dances. As a community, we were honoured to celebrate the vibrant and rich culture of the Indigenous community. We were able to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful discussions about the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples and their ongoing connection to country. We reflected on our multicultural festival theme “Beauty in Our Branches” and the many different language groups that surround us.
As we celebrate NAIDOC week, let us all take this opportunity to educate ourselves, engage in meaningful conversations, and support initiatives that promotes the valuable knowledge of Indigenous people. By doing so, we can honour the past and contribute to a more unified and respectful future for all Australians.
Thank you all for tuning in, see you next week!
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