Canberra has been celebrating NAIDOC Week 2018 all this week with a busy schedule of events and commemorations in keeping with the theme “Because of Her, We Can”.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised outside the Legislative Assembly, alongside the Australian and ACT flags, to acknowledge the importance of NAIDOC Week to the Canberra community.
Ms Stephen-Smith said the theme acknowledged the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and their dedication, commitment, service and contributions to the lives of their families, communities, city and nation.
“In Canberra, we have many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are leaders and role models — from the grassroots with sisters, mums and aunties, to the Territory and national level, with social change advocates and leaders in the business and public sectors,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
She said while NAIDOC Week itself is almost over, Canberrans will have an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the ACT and district Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have been recognised by the community at a special exhibition that runs until the end of the month.
The exhibition, at the ACT Heritage Library in Woden, will feature past winners in the NAIDOC Week Awards and ACT Government Women’s Awards.
