Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud: NAIDOC Week

As Australia celebrates NAIDOC Week from Sun 7 – Sun 14 July, let’s take a moment to appreciate the profound history, dynamic culture, and significant accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

One brilliant example is the 2024 Senior Australian of the Year, Yalmay Yunupiŋu. A teacher and linguist from north-east Arnhem Land, Yalmay has been recognised for her teaching excellence and her efforts to promote cultural language by translating Dr Seuss’s books into her native Yolŋu Matha language. She is among the many Indigenous trailblazers making a real difference in her community.

NAIDOC Week 2024

This year’s theme is ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’ honouring the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture.

The organisers explain that this theme was designed to honour the “enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture — with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples”.

NAIDOC Week is a time to unite and acknowledge that First Nations people, after thousands of years, are still here, stronger and more resilient than ever.

“It [NAIDOC Week] is probably the most important in our calendar for Indigenous peoples,” said NAIDOC committee member and Traditional Owner from the Meuram Clan of Erub in the Torres Strait Islands, Kenny Bedford.

Across Australia local councils, community groups and sporting clubs will be celebrating this week with marches, live music, and fireworks.

Black excellence and community leadership were also honoured at the 2024 National NAIDOC Week Awards to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength, beauty, intelligence and commitment.

A standout figure was Aunty Dulcie Flower AM, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her relentless advocacy for improving health outcomes for First Nations peoples. She has been instrumental in establishing the Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS), one of the oldest Aboriginal community organisations in the country.

In line with this year’s theme, her powerful social justice message to the young was to “follow the path set down by Elders”.

“Justice and equality are still on our agenda. I believe that after all these years, this country must find a way to help us achieve justice and equality. We’re still not equal,” Ms Flower passionately expressed.

Why do we celebrate?

The origins of NAIDOC Week can be traced back to 1920. What began as a day of protest has transformed into a week-long festivity that honours First Nation’s culture and history.

The term NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

Over the years, many have advocated for a public holiday to honour this week. However, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful.

In 2022, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, an independent and democratically elected body that has initiated the process for a Treaty with the Victorian government, launched a petition arguing that a “NAIDOC Day public holiday would be inclusive, educate the wider community about our culture, and celebrate our many successes”.

To heal the Nation

The truth is Australia does not take enough pride in our Indigenous history, especially when Indigenous Australians represent the world’s oldest continuing culture. Now, more than ever, especially in the wake of the failed 2023 referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, we need to take radical action to uplift our fellow Indigenous Australians.

As Muslims residing in Australia, we too are “settlers” on this land. Our community spans numerous multicultural groups, and many of us can relate to the distress of colonisation. This shared experience enables us to empathise with Indigenous Australians and understand the devastating effects of dispossession.

This sentiment resonates widely within the Australian Muslim community, with prominent figures such as Bilal Rauf, an advisor and spokesperson for the Australian National Imams Council, who echoed these views.

“In the Australian situation, there’s no doubt that the Indigenous [people] have suffered a great deal of injustice. And it’s not good enough for us to say, ‘Well, it wasn’t us, we’re not part of it’. The reality is we are part of this country. And we now have the responsibility to address issues of the past,” Mr Rauf stated.

Beyond mere words, Australians should extend their support to our Indigenous communities not just during this week, but throughout the year. So, what will you be doing this NAIDOC Week?

For more information on local events, please visit this website.