NAIDOC 2021

Happy NAIDOC Week!

by Nicole  McGrady and Nickita Wylie, ANFPP National Support Service

The National Support Service (NSS) would like to acknowledge the celebration of NAIDOC Week for 2021 for all First Nations people across Australia from 4 to 11 July.

NAIDOC Week 2021 presents a great opportunity for all Australians to celebrate the oldest continuing culture on the planet; by celebrating together the achievements of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, our rich history & cultural diversity.

This year's NAIDOC theme is Heal Country!

With country an intrinsic part of who we are, this year’s NAIDOC theme calls for better protection of our cultural heritage, sacred sites, lands & waters from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. Our people have devoted generations consulting, advocating and marching for change to ensure our country is protected and measures are put in place to ensure all parts of our culture and heritage are respected and maintained.

Celebrating and acknowledging our deep cultural connection and relationship to country, its place in sustaining our social & emotional wellbeing is central to our spiritual and physical health and is a vital part of healing country and healing our nation.

Our NSS Nurse Consultant Nickita Wylie describes what NAIDOC means for her: "Happy NAIDOC to all! Country to me is a place of healing and connection and I am so honoured to be working with a program that understands and supports Cultural connections." 

Nikki McGrady, NSS Family Partnership Worker Educator and Cultural Consultant says, "NAIDOC Week brings the opportunity to be even more proud of my culture and people as we get together in celebration. Connection to country and culture is central to my personal health & wellbeing, so I embrace this years NAIDOC theme in Healing Country. There is nothing that fills my cup and heals me more than to be around my people and celebrating who we are and where we come from."

Let’s all embrace the opportunity to celebrate, listen to and partner in action with First Nations people to Heal Country, heal our nation.

Happy NAIDOC Week everyone!