Emma Pritchard

Across the Clarence Valley, communities came together between July 7-14 to celebrate NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week through smoking ceremonies and flag raising ceremonies, morning teas and luncheons with First Nations Elders and leaders, interactive cultural events, and locally orchestrated sporting activities.

At McKittrick Park in South Grafton on July 11, a large crowd attended the NAIDOC Family Fun Day.

Featuring a variety of information and service provider stalls, traditional music and dancing, engaging games for children, and plenty of arts and crafts, attendees warmly embraced the opportunity to learn about the oldest living culture in the world.

Proud Dunghutti man Raymond Munro told the Clarence Valley Independent NAIDOC Week is about bringing people together.

After attending other NAIDOC Week events in Kempsey and Coffs Harbour, he said he was encouraged to see so many people at McKittrick Park last week.

“For me, it’s about watching people open themselves up to our history, our heritage, and our culture,” he said.

“There is a lot of respect and a willingness to learn, that’s what I feel here on Gumbaynggirr Country, and it gives me such a strong feeling of hope for the future.

“In bringing people together during NAIDOC Week, we’re growing together as one.”

Mr Munro said the theme for NAIDOC Week this year ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud’ is extremely symbolic of connections between people, connections to country, and the enduring strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“We all have a voice,” he said.

“NAIDOC Week allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to share our voices and to be listened to.

“We are a part of the ongoing story of this country.

“I would love to encourage everyone, even after NAIDOC Week is over, to find a way of connecting to your country and to the people around you.

“We are all here together.”

Proud Gumbaynggirr woman Desma Rickett took her granddaughters Jah-Mae, 5, and Tazzillia, 6, to the Lower Clarence NAIDOC Community Day in Maclean on July 10 as well as the NAIDOC Family Fun Day in South Grafton.

She said it was important for Jah-Mae and Tazzillia to participate in NAIDOC Week activities so they can immerse themselves within their culture and history.

“It’s been fantastic to see a lot of interactive activities for our little ones during NAIDOC Week in the Clarence Valley this year,” she said.

“The girls have been having a lot of fun, and they’ve learned a lot, including a few new words in Gumbaynggirr language.

“They’re part of the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and that’s something to be very proud of.”