NAIDOC Week offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and honour the traditional custodians of our beautiful country. The 2024 theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Simple acts like displaying the National NAIDOC poster or learning the traditional place names of our cities—such as Naarm (Melbourne), Meanjin (Brisbane), Warrane (Sydney), and Boorloo (Perth)—are great ways to show respect and engage with Indigenous cultures.
One of the most impactful ways to acknowledge NAIDOC Week is by inviting Indigenous speakers, Elders, and representatives to your events. Their contributions can include Welcome to Country ceremonies, educational talks, comedy shows, or musical performances. These interactions allow us to learn about Indigenous communities' rich cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions, enhancing our relationship with the world around us.
Why Have a First Nations Australian Speaker at Your Event?
Centering voices with lived experience is crucial for any event focusing on Australia’s traditional custodians. Only Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people can perform a Welcome to Country, though anyone can perform an Acknowledgement of Country.
Some of Australia’s most prominent figures in sport and other fields are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. These speakers provide unique perspectives on sport, diversity, and inclusion, making your event more inspiring, enriching and impactful.
Some topics that Dean Widders is passionate about:
• His journey as an Indigenous rugby league player and advocate
• His mission to create the historic NRL INDIGENOUS ALL-STARS pre-game War Cry
• The importance of reconciliation and social justice
• The power of sport to unite people
• The importance of leadership and teamwork
• Facilitation of Yarning Circles for your organisation or team
Some topics Taylah Gray is passionate about include:
• The importance of defending civil rights and liberties
• The nuances of Aboriginal culture and justice
• The intricacies of Native Title and land reform
Contact us to book Dean or Taylah to elevate your NAIDOC celebrations.
#naidoc #keynotespeaker #yarningcircle
Thanks for sharing our story and for your wonderful ongoing support Newmont Australia. 🌟