NAIDOC Week
- a time for reflection and celebration
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Dr Bill Jonas, said today that National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week represents an opportunity for the government and the wider community to focus on how issues of intolerance and racist attitudes can be addressed in the community.
“NAIDOC Week is a time of celebration for Australia’s Indigenous people as it provides an opportunity to highlight the rich culture and heritage to the rest of the Australian community,” said Dr Jonas.
“It is also the outcome of a long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander efforts to bring issues of concern to the attention of governments and the general public.
“That is why it concerns me greatly to still hear of unacceptable attitudes towards Indigenous people and the hostile treatment some have experienced in the community.
“This is a time to celebrate everything that is good about Indigenous Australia. This is a time when links with Indigenous people should be strengthened, not broken apart,” Commissioner Jonas said.
NAIDOC Week will run from 6 to 13 July, with the national theme ‘Our Children – Our Future’ focussing on the young within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“This is a great opportunity for non-Indigenous Australians to join in acknowledging the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain a better understanding of the culture,” the Commissioner said.
“I encourage all Australians to reflect on their attitudes towards Indigenous people throughout NAIDOC Week and reaffirm their commitment to respecting the rights of all people, regardless of their race or colour,” the Commissioner said.
Media Contact:
Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
