The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, June Oscar has been named NAIDOC Person of the Year.
Ms Oscar (pictured) received the award in recognition of her work championing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially women and children, and her tireless work to preserve Indigenous languages.
She dedicated her award to her mother and grandmother — fierce and independent Bunuba women.
“Because of them, my ancestors’ spirits and knowledge drove my determination to learn and succeed, while never relinquishing any aspect of my Indigenous womanhood,” Ms Oscar said.
She said the NAIDOC awards are wonderful recognition.
“This is an absolute honour, particularly this year, with the theme ‘Because of Her, We Can’,” Ms Oscar said.
As the first woman Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Ms Oscar has been carrying out national talks with First Nations women, with the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project.
“I accept this NAIDOC award with the full responsibility of carrying your voices, and I am committed to making what you say count,” Ms Oscar said.
“Let me tell you that this year I hear you, I hear our Women’s Voices, our Wiyi Yani U Thangani. You are here, you are not silent, you are not invisible. Our voices are rising loud and clear.”
Alyawarre woman Pat Anderson was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work to improve the health, welfare and education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
