Today we share the thoughts and insights of Jim Allen, Co-ordinator of Murra Mia Tenant Advice & Advocacy Service about NAIDOC week.
Jim begins “NAIDOC week is an opportunity for all Australians to participate in the activities, celebrations and think of the land we stand on, after all the earth is the Mother of creation, and we need to care for her as she cares for us.
Its great to see NAIDOC celebrations, activities, and welcome to country embraced by all Australians, its an opportunity for us all to contemplate the past, the present, and the future and how we can all contribute to this beautiful country. After all, a country is only as great as its people”.
Jim also shared his wisdom to inform us about the history of NAIDOC week.
NAIDOC had its origins in the 1920s and 1930s in the fight for Aboriginal equality, citizenship, and the right to vote. An activist Henry Cooper, with the support from the Australian Aborigines Progress Association, the Australian Aborigines League and Church groups led a number of Aboriginal people from the Cummeragunja Mission on the NSW Victorian border in the movement.
In 1957 a National Aborigines Day of Observance Committee (NAIDOC) was formed with the support from Federal and State Governments, as well as major Churches. Its aim was to promote Aboriginal Sunday as a day to focus community attention on the nations Aboriginal People and their poor health, living conditions, and lack of equality.
Now NAIDOC activities are held around the nation; not just in the Indigenous Community but also increasingly in local councils, schools, workplaces, across the country, which is a positive step towards reconciliation.
When asked how people may celebrate NAIDOC week, Jim provided a number of suggestions:
• Invite local Indigenous elders to speak at your school or workplace
• Listen to Indigenous music
• Study a famous Indigenous Australian
• Research the traditional Indigenous owners of your area
• Study Aboriginal arts and crafts
• Read a Dreamtime story
• Visit Indigenous websites on the Internet
• Visit local Indigenous sites of significance or interest
• Learn the meanings of local or national Aboriginal place names
Argyle would like to thank Jim and the team at Murra Mia for their contribution to our NAIDOC week activities and the ongoing support, advocacy and advice they offer Argyle residents.
To learn more about the services provided by Murra Mia click here.
