NAIDOC Week events have been cancelled across the state due to Covid-19 restrictions, but its spirit and significance can still be celebrated from afar.
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Australians can start celebrating and learning more about local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, from today to July 11.
This year's theme Heal Country! addresses the importance of preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritages, Indigenous sites and land.
WSC Aboriginal Community Development Officer Melissa Wiya suggested that people can visit naidoc.org.au to learn more about its importance.
"Businesses and staff can also put NAIDOC in their email signature to show their support," she said.
Facebook has also partnered with the Indigenous creative agency Campfire x and launched Connect to Country to amplify First Nations voices.
"There are so many positive stories in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that need to be shared, and stories told by our own people," said Campfire x co-founder Brad Cooke.
Here is a list of virtual events you can take part throughout the week, and resources to learn more about Indigenous Australians and their history.
Connect to Country
You can start by watching the video "Where are you from?" which invites Australians to connect with local Indigenous peoples.
You can also find further information and resources on the Connect to Country website.
Warning: The Facebook page may contain content and images of deceased persons.
Webinar Series: Heal Country, Heal Climate
- July 5-9
Learn from the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and their perspectives on the consequences of climate change across four webinars.
Indigenous participants will then be invited to participate in a workshop to establish the priorities for the United Nations' climate change conference later in the year.
You can register for the webinars online.
Talking Deadly: Tracing Ancestors
- July 6, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
You can learn more about using library archives to trace your ancestry with this webinar. Melissa Jackson is a Bundjalung woman and NSW State librarian who will give you tips and resources to help you discover your heritage.
You can register online for the Zoom link.
Scratch that Kitsch
- July 8, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Bundjalung woman and NSW State librarian Melissa Jackson will take you through the library's archives to show you kitsch depictions of Indigenous Australians. She will examine the library's collections and unveil the stories and impacts of the representations.
You can register online for the Zoom link.
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
NAIDOC events in the Wingecarribee Shire have been postponed for a later date.
Logos, banners and Zoom backgrounds can also be found online for use.
The hashtags #NAIDOC2021, #NAIDOCWeek and #NAIDOC are also encouraged to use on social media.
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