Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Learn, Respect And Celebrate
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, has called on Victorians to join in the celebrations for NAIDOC Week (5-12 July) and embrace the theme for 2015: “We all stand on sacred ground. Learn, respect and celebrate.”
Ms Hutchins said this year’s NAIDOC Week theme was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Aboriginal peoples’ connection to land and encouraged everyone to come together to celebrate and learn more.
The history of NAIDOC Week stretches back almost one hundred years to when increased attention regarding the status and treatment of Aboriginal people was sought.
Hundreds of NAIDOC Week events are now held around the country to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of Aboriginal people and acknowledge their contributions to the community.
Ms Hutchins will attend a number of events including the Flag Raising Ceremony on 6 July at Federation Square, the NAIDOC Elders Lunch on 7 July, the NAIDOC Family Day on 8 July, the NAIDOC Victorian Government Reception on 8 July and the NAIDOC Ball on 11 July.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to listening to what Aboriginal people have to say, working to help increase respect for Aboriginal people and culture, and celebrating all that NAIDOC Week has to offer.”
“For more than 40,000 years the first Australians have held this land as sacred. We acknowledge that Aboriginal peoples’ connection to the land is a deeply significant part of their culture and that Aboriginal culture enriches all Victorians.”