July 3, 2024
Five ways to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024
From this Sunday 7 July until 14 July, Australians will mark NAIDOC Week, an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The 2024 NAIDOC Week theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.
The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year, NAIDOC Week coincides with two significant milestones in the Uniting Church's own journey of reconciliation, 30 years of the Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, and 15 years of the Preamble to the UCA Constitution.
Below is a list of five ways you can get involved with NAIDOC Week this year in your community and beyond.
"The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture"
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1. Explore the Assembly's resources for the 30th Anniversary of the Covenant
To celebrate the past and future of the Covenant and mark the 30th Anniversary, the Assembly has released an interactive Prezi about our journey together and two new editions of the Covenanting and Preamble posters. Go here for the resources.
2. Choose a resource from Living the Covenant Locally and discuss it as a group
Living the Covenant Locally is a grass roots Uniting Church movement, made up of congregations, faith communities, schools and agencies, who are growing in understanding, encouraging others, connecting with UAICC and/or other First Nations Peoples locally and becoming equipped to take action. Find resources to learn more, dive deeper into theology and to take action.
3. Find and support your local NAIDOC Week event
Searchable list of local NAIDOC events here.
4. Display the official 2024 NAIDOC Week Poster
The 2024 NAIDOC Week poster is by artist Deb Belyea, Torres Strait Islander woman of the Samuawgadhalgal people. It is titled 'Urapun Muy', meaning 'One Fire' in the Kalaw Kawaw Ya dialect of the Top Western Islands of the Torres Strait. The title pays homage to Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people everywhere who all have that one fire: passion for culture.
5. Learn about the traditional owners of the country you live or worship on
The AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia can help you find out about the traditional lands you live on, and is a visual reminder of the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. Following your research, you might like to engage with local Traditional Owners and your local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.
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