Businesses, schools, local governments and community groups are to be supported to see NAIDOC Week events held this year with assistance from the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s community grants program.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt said NAIDOC Week, to run from 4 to 11 July this year, celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures as an important part of the country’s national story.
“NAIDOC Week is one of the most important events on Australia’s calendar, celebrating the unique place and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and excellence, and encourages all Australians to get involved,” Mr Wyatt said.
“[NAIDOC Week] gives us all an opportunity to share in the national celebration of the world’s oldest living culture and recognise the strength and contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australia and our way of life,” he said.
“It is a time to honour achievements, take great pride in traditions that are distinctively Australian, and come together to share experiences and learn from each other.”
Mr Wyatt said the theme for NAIDOC Week 2021, Heal Country!, recognised the special connection between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the nation, and opened conversations about caring for land and caring for each other.
“It is an opportunity to talk about how we want our Country to be and what more we can be doing to truly listen to each other, further reconciliation, and deepen our mutual understanding and respect,” the Minister said.
He said the NAIDOC Local Grants program, open until 15 March, would allow hundreds of events to take place and bring communities the best of Indigenous Australia.
Further information on the Grants, including how to apply, can be accessed at this PS News link.
