28 June 2012
Australians to celebrate NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held each July across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Australian missions overseas also celebrate the week and help to promote a greater understanding of their indigenous cultures in their host countries.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG), Ian Kemish AM, said that this year the week will be held from 1-8 July and is themed, Spirit of the Tent Embassy: 40 Years on.
On 27 January 1972, four Aboriginal men arrived in Canberra from Sydney to establish the Aboriginal Embassy by planting a beach umbrella on the lawn in front of the then Parliament House. The Embassy was established in response to the Government’s refusal to recognise Aboriginal land rights.
The beach umbrella was soon replaced by several tents and Aboriginal people and non-indigenous supporters came from all parts of Australian to join the protest. During the first six months of its life, the Embassy succeeded in uniting Aboriginal people throughout Australia in demanding uniform national land rights and mobilised widespread non-indigenous support for their struggle.
“In 1972, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy became a powerful symbol of unity. Its founders instilled pride, advanced equality and educated the country on the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“So this NAIDOC we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, and acknowledge the key contributors to its long history,” Mr. Kemish said.
The Australian High Commission will support NAIDOC Week by flying the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in its foyer, and by screening award-winning indigenous film Mad Bastards on 2 and 6 July on Kundu 2.
NAIDOC originally stood for National Aborigines and Islanders Observance Day Committee. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.