Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford said this week’s NAIDOC Week was an opportunity to celebrate the world’s two oldest living cultures.
“Queensland is home to the nation’s second largest population of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Mr Crawford said.
“Queenslanders can join celebrations online, using social media or in their community.”
Mr Crawford said this year the NAIDOC Week theme was Heal Country!
“It invites all Australians to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage,” he said.
“Heal Country! is about the need for historical, political and administrative landscapes to adapt, empower and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, nations and heritage.”
The Minister said the Government was working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples to support local leadership and community aspirations.
“Self-determination and community-led decision-making, as part of the reframed relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, are at the heart of Queensland’s Path to Treaty, the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act and in our State’s role in the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap,” he said.
Mr Crawford said all Queenslanders were invited to join NAIDOC Week celebrations of the continued histories, traditions, diverse cultures and continuing achievements of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Iconic local landmarks, infrastructure and public spaces will light up in colours of the Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islander flag to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2021,” he said.
