Between July 4 and 11 was NAIDOC Week and although many local celebrations were postponed due to the current COVID-19 situation, it is important to acknowledge this special time. 

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate and respect the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It enables us to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage. We recognise the deep connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to country as inherent to every aspect of their identity. 

The theme this year is Heal Country. Country is more than a place. Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. Healing Country means embracing First Nation’s cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia's national heritage. That the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders are respected equally to the cultures and values of all Australians. 

The 2021 National NAIDOC Poster, ‘Care for Country’ was designed by Gubbi Gubbi artist Maggie-Jean Douglas. Using the 2021 NAIDOC Week theme, Heal Country!, as inspiration, ‘Care for Country’ is a bright and vibrant artwork which explores how Country has cared for and healed First Nations people spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and culturally. 

NAIDOC Week | NAIDOC

 You may wish to reflect on this prayer from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) Leadership Gathering in November 1995. 

Father our Creator You created all things, seen and unseen,

Listen to my silent prayer as I stand here before you.

As my weary eyes look back over distant horizons,

Back to those days where my people walked. The footprints of my grandfathers are imprinted on the earth and their images become real to me.

I see my Grandfathers standing tall and strong, warriors of long ago. I hear them singing, I see them dancing, and my spirit moves within me.

They told me of the emus fighting; picking the scent of our hunters.

The images fade away as I feel the hurt of my people.

I can hear the cries of my Grandmothers as they cry for their children.

Grandfather, You can see me as I stand here and feel this hurt.

Father Creator, is this the purpose of my being here? Or is it your plan to reshape my people to be once again the proud race it once was?

Let me walk with you and my Grandfathers towards the dawning of a proud and new nation.

I thank you for my Sacred Being.

Amen.

Danielle Schneider

Acting Religious Education Coordinator