NAIDOC Week, being held from 2 to 9 July, is an annual event to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year's theme is For Our Elders, which celebrates the role Elders have played - and continue to play - in First Nations communities and families as the cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, advocates, nurturers, teachers and survivors.
South Australians are being urged to show their support and get involved in the many local events happening across our state, including the NAIDOC SA March and Family Fun Day on Friday 7 July – the biggest event on the South Australian NAIDOC calendar.
The march starts at 11am leaving Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square) and heads to Parliament House.
It will be followed by a free family fun day at Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square) from noon to 4pm, with more than 40 stalls, children’s zone, food and a free concert.
Other local events include:
- Aboriginal art workshop @ Charles Sturt Libraries - Learn traditional Aboriginal art from local Aboriginal artist David Booth and make your own piece of artwork that you can take home. At Ngutungka West Lakes, 9 Charles St, West Lakes, Saturday July 8, 1pm-3pm. Bookings essential. Free.
- Nragi Muthar/The Deadly Nannas - Live performances at the South Australian Musuem by the talented Nragi Muthar/The Deadly Nannas - a group of grandmothers who enjoy singing in their Ngarrindjeri language and in English. Pacific Cultures Gallery, Mezzanine Level, South Australian Museum, Sunday 2 and 9 July, noon-1pm. Free.
- Ochre play workshop - Learn more about the uses of ochre in Aboriginal culture. Participants will develop their own story using symbols, painting a picture of their personal experiences. Walkerville Town Hall, Monday 10 July, 10am-10.45am. Entry $5 and bookings essential.
Attorney-General's Department Executive Director of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Nerida Saunders encouraged South Australians to get involved in the annual event.
“NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity for all South Australian First Nations people to join together to celebrate our collective achievements and educate others as to the importance of our culture and heritage," Ms Saunders said.
"There are a number of fantastic events happening throughout South Australia during NAIDOC week and I’d encourage as many people as possible – both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal – to get involved.”
The Premier’s 2023 NAIDOC Award ceremony will also be held during NAIDOC Week, on Monday 3 July, which recognises an extraordinary Aboriginal South Australian who has made a significant contribution to the lives of Aboriginal people in the state.
To learn more about the events happening across South Australia, visit NAIDOC Week 2023.
To find out more about the Premier’s NAIDOC Award, visit Aboriginal Affairs
