Gunnedah is set to celebrate NAIDOC Week from July 5-12, with a wide range of activities highlighting the importance of Indigenous culture.
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NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Observance Committee, which traces its history back to the 1920s.
This year’s theme is “We all stand on sacred ground – learn, respect and celebrate”.
It was chosen because of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong spiritual and cultural connection to both land and sea.
The theme enables communities to honour those who work to preserve the environment and Indigenous culture, share stories of significant sites and sacred places, and offer respect to country.
Another reason for the choice of theme is a celebration of the anniversary year of the “handing back” of the sacred site of Uluru to its traditional owners 30 years ago.
Gunnedah locals can participate in a range of activities next week, kicking off on Sunday, July 5, with a Gumbo to Gunnarah Cultural Run, smoking ceremony, street parade and raising of the Aboriginal flag.
Following the official opening of NAIDOC Week, a free community event will be held at Wolseley Park with a barbecue, jumping castle, fairy floss, facepainting, photo booth and circus playground. Locals are invited to bring a picnic mat or chairs and enjoy a day in the park.
Activities continue during the week, with a number of free events to take place at Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council (Red Chief LALC), including a curry-damper night, karaoke-disco night, and a tour through the Keeping Place.
The Civic will provide a free screening of the film Stone Bros on Wednesday, July 8, at 3pm.
The film follows the story of a man seeking to reconnect with his Indigenous roots and the adventures he has along the way.
The NAIDOC program on Friday, July 10, features free beading at Hope House, free kids barbecue at the skate park and a free elders lunch at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club.
An exhibition by Kamilaroi artist Ronald Long will open at 6pm at the Creative Arts Centre.
For more information on local NAIDOC activities, contact the Red Chief LALC on 6742 3602.