NAIDOC - National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee
The origins of NAIDOC can be traced back to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920’s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
National NAIDOC Week was celebrated from Sunday 2 July – Sunday 9 July 2023. Damascus College recognises the work of the committee and the ongoing work and opportunities inspired by the committee for indigenous and non-indigenous people to participate in a range of culturally rich activities.
The theme for this year is For Our Elders. In the words of National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Steven Satour,
"The Elders are the ones that hold onto the culture and the lore, they are the most important aspect of healing our people. They have the enormous task of maintaining and passing on traditional knowledge, values and customary practices, while helping us find balance as we navigate between two very different worlds. They have laid the foundations for us to be successful across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics and everything in between.” (National Indigenous Australians Agency website)
We reflect on the lives and stories of elders in our communities, our College and in our families. We celebrate their presence in our lives.
Reflection on Community
Engrave this upon my heart:
‘There isn’t anyone
You couldn’t love
Once you’ve heard their story.’
(Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, Benedictine Nun)