NAIDOC 

NAIDOC Celebrations

We acknowledge the Gunai Kurnai people who are the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to their elders – past, present and future – for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal people. We must always remember that this land is, was and always will be traditional Aboriginal land.

Kurnai College proudly celebrates NAIDOC week each July, with this year’s event being postponed until this month in the hope we would be able to celebrate in person. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, we have had to cancel this year’s event, but we would like to let you know that we have not forgotten.

What does NAIDOC stand for and why do we celebrate this?

NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee. In celebrating NAIDOC we recognise the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, with celebrations held all around Australia.

“Healing Country” is the theme for this year.

The theme calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. “Country is inherent to our identity. It sustains our lives in every aspect – spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and culturally.” Country is more that place. It is family, kin, ceremony, traditions and language. “Healing country means resolving many of the outstanding injustices which impact on the lives of Indigenous people.”

We look forward to being able to celebrate NAIDOC week next year with our community. Stay safe everyone.