NAIDOC Week

From the 3^rd to the 10^th of July we celebrate NAIDOC week, a time to recognise the history, culture, achievements and the contribution made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s to our country and society.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced 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 Indigenous Australians.

The 2016 NAIDOC theme is ‘Songlines’, to celebrate the living narrative of our nation and the oldest continuing culture on the planet. The Songlines are the journeys created during the Dreamtime that connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and are recorded in traditional songs, stories, dance and art.

We encourage all Australians to participate in the celebrations and activities that take place across the nation during NAIDOC Week. The Fair Trade WA Oxfam shop in Bayswater supports NAIDOC week and also stocks a range of products from Indigenous Australian enterprises.

Outback Pride continues the ‘Songlines’, connecting Aboriginal groups to utilise the knowledge and tradition of gathering bush food, producing herbs, spices, jams and syrups.

Better World Arts is a sustainable cross cultural project between Aboriginal artists and the Kashmir region of India. The handicrafts such as key rings, bookmarks and jewellery boxes empower both communities economically and culturally.