NAIDOC Week 2020
This week, we are celebrating NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week. While the Global Goals Australia Campaign recognises at all times that we operate on stolen land, this year we are particularly acknowledging the theme "Always Was, Always Will Be" which calls to mind the fact that this has been the land of the First Nations peoples for over 65,000 years and will continue to be so.
The history of First Nations peoples is incredibly rich - from story-telling to art to dance to food to language to spiritual connection.
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, the first step for all non-First Nations people is to listen and learn.
There are so many resources online to provide an understanding of the rich history and culture.
We have provided a list of links to get you started on furthering your knowledge and understanding of true the history of Australia.
Today, many of us recognise Australia as a single nation since Federation in 1901; however, prior to European colonisation, this land was made up of many different nations. This map outlines hundreds of nations, some of which represent larger groupings of smaller clans.
We often hear that First Nations peoples have been on this land for 65,000 years. How do we know that, and what was that like for these ancestors? In this timeline, we can see the evidence of the history of First Nations peoples in Australia, which allows us to connect more with the ancient culture and understand what life was like for people 65,000 years ago. The first evidence that has been found thus far are tools and pigments of the Mirarr people in Mirarr country, what is also referred to as the Northern Territory.
The flag is an important symbol for Aboriginal people. It is important to understand the history of the flag. It is more so crucial now than ever as a vital campaign has launched to Free the Flag. Last year, the licensing agreement for the flag was sold to a non-First Nations clothing brand, which meant First Nations-owned businesses could no longer use the flag. The Free the Flag website lists six actions you can take to support First Nations-owned businesses.
Ditch Netflix at least one night a week and tune into ABC Indigenous. There are numerous videos to entertain and educate.
Explore some of the sounds of First Nations peoples. Also, take some time to research more contemporary First Nations artists. After all, November is Australian music month!
The National Gallery of Australia has an incredible collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork. While some Australians might not be able to make it to Canberra, you can view the gallery's collection online and take a virtual tour.
I have often felt that our English seasons don't accurately represent the actual weather and climate. This is due to the fact that we try to apply Anglo seasons to a non-Anglo continent. The Bureau of Meterology has a range of calendars for locations all around Australia with accurate seasons according to First Nations peoples.