Community event kicks off Freo's NAIDOC Week celebrations

A free community event at the Fremantle PCYC tomorrow will kick off the City of Fremantle’s NAIDOC week celebrations for 2022.

The theme for NAIDOC Week this year is ‘Get up! Stand up! Show Up!’, which invites us all to embrace First Nation’s cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage and respect the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders.

The Fremantle community event is on from 3-5pm at the Fremantle PCYC, 32 Paget Street in Hilton.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said everyone was welcome to come along and celebrate Nyoongar culture and community.

“The City of Fremantle is proud of its efforts to recognise Aboriginal history and culture, raise awareness of the significance of the area for Traditional Owners and advance the cause of Aboriginal reconciliation,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“With the new federal government committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and holding a referendum to enshrine a voice for First Nations people in the Constitution, it’s a really exciting time for our country.

“I encourage all Fremantle residents to get involved in the activities on offer during NAIDOC Week and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Tomorrow’s NAIDOC community event will begin with a Welcome to Country by Whadjuk Nyoongar Elder Auntie Marie Taylor, and will feature a sand art display by Turid Calgaret, storytelling and dance with Alton Walley and a dance performance by Koolangkas Kreate.

There will also be a giant community canvas, bush tucker including kangaroo stew and damper, Indigenous toys, Aboriginal-inspired crafts and kid-friendly activities.

National NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

For more information about NAIDOC week activities and events please visit naidoc.org.au.