During NAIDOC Week 2021 (4-11 July), Queensland communities will come alive with lights, storytelling, community events and more to celebrate the world's two oldest living cultures.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the lived experiences, centuries of resilience and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said all around the country, NAIDOC Week celebrations are being held.
"Queensland is home to the nation's second largest population of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Mr Crawford said.
"Queenslanders can join celebrations online, using social media or in their community."
This year, the NAIDOC Week theme – Heal Country! – invites all Australians to embrace First Nations' cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia's national heritage.
"Country that is more than a place—it is inherent to the identity of First Nations peoples.
"Heal Country is about the need for historical, political and administrative landscapes to adapt, empower and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, nations and heritage.
"The Queensland Government is working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples to support local leadership and community aspirations," Mr Crawford said.
"Self-determination and community-led decision making, as part of the reframed relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, are at the heart of Queensland's Path to Treaty, Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act and in our state's role in the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
"All Queenslanders are invited to join NAIDOC Week celebrations of the continued histories, traditions, diverse cultures and ongoing achievements of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Iconic local landmarks, infrastructure and public spaces including Brisbane's King George Square and City Hall, Reddacliff Place sculptures, Tropical Dome, Wickham Terrace car park, Victoria Bridge and Story Bridge, Parliament House, Kurilpa House, QPAC, Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges, Toowoomba Outer Circulating Road, Townsville sign, Wharton Reef Lighthouse, Victoria Bridge and George Roberts Bridge, Old Magistrates Courthouse, Little Fletcher Bridge and Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns, will light up in colours of the Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islander flag to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2021.
People attending events are reminded to follow current COVID guidelines, maintain good hygiene, keep social distancing and stay home if you are feeling sick, particularly to keep Elders and communities healthy.
Visit www.datsip.qld.gov.au/naidoc or https://www.naidoc.org.au/
