- WA celebrates the launch of 2023 NAIDOC Week, which runs 2-9 July
- The theme, For Our Elders, acknowledges the important role that Elders play in guiding families and local communities
- State Government supporting NAIDOC Week with $176,000 in grants
The Cook Government is inviting all Western Australians to celebrate the world's oldest living culture with the launch of 2023 NAIDOC Week.
This year's NAIDOC Week theme is For Our Elders. It highlights the significant contributions made by Elders in their communities, with their leadership and guidance paving the way for better outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Premier Roger Cook and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti welcomed NAIDOC Week as an important time for all Western Australians to unify in celebration and acknowledge the deep connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to their land, history, culture and achievement.
NAIDOC Week was established to preserve and promote Indigenous cultures, languages and traditions.
The week-long festivities begin today with the opening ceremony at Wellington Square. The launch event features performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and performers, community stalls, children's activities, traditional food and Elder's Marquee.
The State Government is committed to a strong and respectful partnership to support the diverse Aboriginal cultures and history of our State, and achieve lasting benefits for Aboriginal people and the wider community.
The State Government, through Lotterywest, has invested more than $176,000 in grants for NAIDOC Week activities.
You can find out about the NAIDOC Week eventshappening near you online.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"This year's theme for NAIDOC Week, For Our Elders, is a fitting acknowledgement of the guidance and hard work that Elders perform, largely behind the scenes, to help protect and support families and local communities.
"I have had a long association with Aboriginal people and communities, and I appreciate the importance of the role that Elders have played and their contributions through generations of activism.
"Later this year, all Australians will have their say in a referendum about establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in our Constitution.
"This is another significant opportunity for people to play a part in acknowledging the rights of Indigenous Australians, reconciling our past and understanding our shared future."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
"The State Government's Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy acknowledges the significance of Elders and important role they play in community leadership.
"Elders have paved the way for generations of Aboriginal communities. They strengthen knowledge and respect across the broader Australian public about the world's oldest living culture.
"I encourage Western Australians to get involved with NAIDOC Week and to use this time as an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"This is a momentous time for Australia. Let's embrace those who are championing change and use NAIDOC Week as another stepping stone to make the Voice a success."
