The Importance of Investing $310,000 to Celebrate NAIDOC Week Elders

Naidoc Week Celebrates the Resilience and Contributions of Indigenous Elders

The New South Wales (NSW) Government has pledged $310,000 to support Aboriginal participation in this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, which will take place from 2nd to 9th July. The theme for this year’s event is ‘For Our Elders,’ highlighting the importance of valuing First Nations Elders and recognizing the significant role they have played and continue to play in preserving Indigenous culture.

Aboriginal Affairs NSW NAIDOC Grants Program

The funding provided by the NSW Government is part of the Aboriginal Affairs NSW NAIDOC Grants Program. This program received 206 submissions across the state, a notable increase of 77 from the previous year. The grants will support various celebratory events, including the Souths Cares NAIDOC Festival in Maroubra, flag-raising ceremonies, a Community Day at the Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, as well as a traditional food day hosted by Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council.

One recipient of the grants, the Murrin Bridge Preschool Association in Western NSW, has chosen to use its funding to plant trees for each Elder in their community. This symbolic gesture honors the importance of Elders and their role in supporting and guiding their community.

The Significance of Elders

The chosen theme of ‘For Our Elders’ serves as a reminder of the crucial role that Elders have played in sustaining and passing down Indigenous cultural knowledge across generations. They have been knowledge holders, trail blazers, teachers, and nurturers, contributing to the rich heritage of First Nations peoples for thousands of years.

This NAIDOC Week offers an opportunity to pay homage to the Elders and to those who have paved the way for the present and future generations. It is a time to recognize their resilience, leadership, and their ongoing contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris’ Statement

Minister David Harris expressed his excitement in supporting NAIDOC Week events and highlighted the hard work put into organizing such celebrations. He pledged to attend as many events as possible and to engage with community members from all over the state. NAIDOC Week showcases the achievements, culture, and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is celebrated by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Australia.

The Importance of Community Celebration

NAIDOC Week not only encourages acknowledgment of Indigenous cultural heritage but also promotes unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It fosters appreciation for the resilience and contributions of the oldest continuous cultures on Earth.

The investment made by the NSW Government to support Aboriginal participation in NAIDOC Week demonstrates the recognition of the value of Indigenous culture and the importance of passing down traditions to future generations. By attending these events and engaging with the community, non-Indigenous Australians can further educate themselves and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Building Resilience and Giving Ownership Back to Community

The act of planting trees by the Murrin Bridge Preschool Association serves as a symbolic representation of building resilience and giving ownership back to the community. By honoring Elders with trees and plaques, the association aims to preserve the heritage of the three mobs and the Murrin Bridge community and ensure that their cultural knowledge and leadership are recognized and celebrated.

As NAIDOC Week approaches, it is important for all Australians to reflect on the contributions of Indigenous Elders and the rich tapestry of cultures that they represent. This is a time to recognize the resilience, wisdom, and ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples and to foster greater understanding and respect for their heritage.

Keywords: Culture, NAIDOC Week, Elders, Indigenous culture, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Community celebration, Cultural heritage, Investment, Event planning