For Flight Lieutenant Coen Henry, NAIDOC week comes with the opportunity to represent his community and culture as well as his identity as a member of Air Force.
A Maraura man of the Barkindji and Wiradjuri Nations, Flight Lieutenant Henry is the Indigenous Liaison Officer (ILO) for RAAF Base Williamtown, based on Worimi Country.
This year's NAIDOC theme of 'Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud' has great personal significance for Flight Lieutenant Henry, as the theme honours his late grandmother, Toddla Martin (nee Smith).
"She was a proud Aboriginal woman and respected Paakantji/Maraura Elder in the Wentworth Mildura region," Flight Lieutenant Henry said.
"Nan was the strongest person I have ever known, and I had the honour of being with her in her final moments.
"The theme, 'Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud', to me means honouring her and our mob when the opportunity presents itself. To keep the fire burning and using the strength of my ancestors to continue to support our mob and be proud."
Growing up in Mt Druitt, Western Sydney, and joining the Air Force in 2011 as a supplier, Flight Lieutenant Henry believes that in the past decade of his service, the organisation has come a long way in regards to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.
"As a First Nations aviator, I can say over the past decade of service, we as an organisation have come a long way," he said.
"There is still work to be done, and I have confidence we will get there in time."
He believes the key to community engagement is maintaining strong relationships with Elders, communities, stakeholders and commanders. These relationships, throughout the year and including NAIDOC week, are important to maintaining unity and solidarity throughout the community.
"There is a great deal of pride in exhibiting and showcasing culture with colleagues, stakeholders and the community," Flight Lieutenant Henry said.
While this NAIDOC week brings mixed emotions for Flight Lieutenant Henry in the aftermath of the failed referendum, he takes comfort in his communities and his place in them.
"I take comfort in knowing my mates, mentors and mob stand with me, and empower me to continue to push forward and grow," he said.
