We join NAIDOC to Heal Country!
The theme for 2021 Naidoc Week is Heal Country! - inviting us to embrace First Nations’ 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 theme reminds us too of the twin health and environmental challenges for First Nations peoples and all Australians.
As the chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Donnella Mills, says, Naidoc Week calls upon all of us to continue to seek greater protection for our lands, our Elders, our people, and safeguard our culture.
“The health of Country, and the health of First Nation’s people, is firmly bound together. Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language.
“Right now, we have to protect the people who give us the knowledge to heal Country.
“We have shown the world what can be done to keep First Nations peoples safe during a global pandemic… In Australia, not one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person has died from COVID-19. That is because the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector and Governments are working together to protect our most vulnerable families and communities.”
The top 20 tips to get involved in Naidoc Week provide a great range of ideas on how to learn and get involved in a COVID-safe way not just this week but afterwards too. The tips include learning more about your Country’s geography from the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia, cooking with traditional bush food and hearing the music and exploring the arts and crafts of First Nations Peoples.