The National NAIDOC Awards are an opportunity to recognise outstanding achievements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the community, national and international level.
The following people have been recognised for their achievements in the 2021 National NAIDOC Awards.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Pat O'Shane AM, a proud Kuku Yalanji woman from Mossman, Queensland. Pat has been voted as one of Australia's living treasures by the National Trust, and is described as 'an inspirational leader, inspirational woman and a hero to us all.'
The Person of the Year Award went to Keri Tamwoy of the Putch People, Wik Mungkan in the community of Aurukun, located in the remote western Cape York Peninsula. Keri co-founded the Wik Women's Group which champions education and safety for women and children. She also played a leading role in the design of strategies to combat youth sexual violence in Cape York.
Other winners include:
- Christobel Swan, Female Elder of the Year
- Ernest Hoolihan, Male Elder of the Year
- Gadrian Hoosan on behalf of the Borroloola Community, Caring for Country Award
- Samara Fernandez-Brown, Youth of the Year
- Bobbi Lockyer, Artist of the Year
- Sasha Purcell, Scholar of the Year
- Jarron Andy, Apprentice of the Year
- Clarence 'CJ' McCarthy-Grogan, Sportsperson of the Year
Learn more about the 2021 winners on the NAIDOC website.
