NAIDOC – 50 years of celebration and recognition

The Naidoc March in Bourke was well attended with local students playing an important role. PhotoS TWH

NAIDOC Week began across the Far West, with moving ceremonies in Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett. The rallying call and theme of this year’s celebration was to pass the baton to young Aboriginal people, the future leaders of their community, and reflect on the battle for equality and recognition by their forebears.

Half a century ago, the concept of a national day honouring the contributions, talents, culture and history of Indigenous Australians was born.

Today, NAIDOC is one of the most significant events on the Australian calendar, not just for indigenous people but for all Australians.

It is celebrated in almost every community across the nation. NAIDOC events this year included honouring indigenous defence personnel, recognising the contributions of elders and engaging with young people to put them at the forefront of NAIDOC in the future.

Bourke NAIDOC planning committee chairperson Pat Canty said this year was particularly significant as a celebration of five decades of the organisation.

“We have a range of activities and there is something for everyone in the community,” Pat said.

“It is a real achievement that this July we can celebrate 50 years and that is such an achievement, to have lasted that long.”

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week has its origins in the Aboriginal rights movement and the Day of Mourning protest held on January 26, 1938, which marked the 150th anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival in Australia. […]

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