Honouring our UAICC Elders

Listening to the stories, faith and hopes of Congress members - a series of videos taken at the UAICC National Conference

July 5, 2023

The theme for this NAIDOC Week celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, recognising and honouring those people who have and continue to be champions for their communities.

For the Elders who first gathered at Crystal Creek in 1982 and discerned the vision for a First Peoples movement, to all those in Congress who have guided us in our Covenanting journey, we give thanks.

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This week especially, we celebrate and pay respects to the Elders within the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). For the Elders who first gathered at Crystal Creek in 1982 and discerned the vision for a First Peoples movement, to all those in Congress who have guided us in our Covenanting journey, we give thanks.

We give thanks for those who despite the suffering and hurt they have faced, boldly and without hesitation call us to stand for justice. We give thanks for those who share their connections to Country and culture and deepen our understanding of God. We give thanks for those who inspire us and encourage us with their love for Jesus. We give thanks for those who mentor and nurture the next generation of leaders.

At the UAICC National Conference in April held on Larrakia land in Darwin, the Assembly comms team had the opportunity to interview some Congress members. Asking, “What do you love about Congress?” and “What do you love about Jesus”, people openly and deeply shared some of their stories, their Congress journey, spoke passionately about their love for Jesus and voiced their hopes for the future.

We are delighted to share the first of these interviews during NAIDOC Week, with more to follow.

The first interviews are from Aunty Cynthia Webster (UAICC SA, Adnyamathanha), Rev Deacon Maratja Dhamarrandji (Northern Regional Council of Congress, Yolgnu) and Rev Dennis Corowa (UAICC QLD).

We encourage you to take some time during NAIDOC Week to listen to some of our Elders share their stories, faith and hopes.

Find ideas and resources for NAIDOC Week here

Photo above: UAICC National Interim Chair Rev Mark Kickett and Marrpalawuy Marika (NRCC) light a candle in a service honouring Congress Elders at the National Conference

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