Language & Culture Program

NAIDOC DAY 2019

VOICE.

Did you know voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are over 65,000 years

old, and were the first to be spoken in Australia? There is much to listen to, hear and learn about. Just as we all like to be listened to when we speak, paying respect to each other’s voice is important.

Here are some statements made by the co-chairs of the National NAIDOC Committee.

“It’s time for our knowledge to be heard through our voice – an Indigenous voice of this country that is over 65,000 years old.” “They are the first words spoken on this continent. Languages that passed down lore, culture and knowledge for over millennia.” “They are precious to our nation and need to be celebrated but it’s our voice that needs to

be listened to.”

The 2019 theme acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have

always wanted a say in decision making – for our voice to be heard, in our schools, in our

communities, in Australia’s democracy - a voice in the decisions that are made about us and our lives as First Nations people.

TREATY.

The NAIDOC theme also highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ desires for constitutional recognition and lasting and effective agreements such as Treaties between First Nations and governments.

TRUTH.

The NAIDOC theme is about having a shared and truthful understanding of our history - of

the long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ place and connections

within this land, of the truthful history and impacts of European colonisation on First Nations peoples and their lands, and how we got to where we stand today.

Another statement from the co-chairs of the National NAIDOC Committee.

“The history of our First Peoples is the history of all of us, of all of Australia, and we need to own it - hearing this history is necessary so that we can move forward and have a truly shared future together.”

We would like to thank Eavan Murphy, a parent at our school for the wonderful donation of native flowers for our NAIDOC Day celebration - they looked and smelled amazing.