National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is a national celebration held across the first week of July each year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. No matter your age, it’s never too late to start learning about their rich culture and recognising the importance of the land on which we reside. Here’s our list of five events that you and/or the kids can participate in this week.
1. NAIDOC Week Concert at Old Midland Courthouse
2. NAIDOC Week: Kurunpa Kunpu Strong Spirit
To mark NAIDOC Week, the Fremantle Arts Centre will host an in-conversation artist talk on Tuesday 4 July with skilled First Nation and wood artists Tanya Singer and Errol Evans, and renowned non-Indigenous furniture design Trent Jansen to discuss their cross-cultural collaboration three years in the making. The trio have produced an exquisite collection of highly crafted timber furniture which highlight the impact of climate change, and the resilience of First Nations peoples and their connection to Country. The exhibition, Kurunpa Kunpu: Strong Spirit is on display until Sunday 23 July.
Where: 1 Finnerty St, Fremantle
3. NAIDOC Week at Yagan Square
On Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 July head to Yagan Square in Perth city for their immersive NAIDOC Week affair. The free, family-friendly days will see art, cuisine, craft, music, and theatre, all whilst showing visitors the vibrant legacy on First Nations people. Wednesday’s event will begin at 10am – with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to commence a day packed full of activities until 4pm. Thursday runs between 10:30am and 2:30pm, with two performance sessions by Yirra Yaakin at 11:15am and 1:15pm, plus a whole heap more to discover, try, and experience.
Where: Cnr Wellington Street and, William St, Perth
4. NAIDOC Week at Brookfield Place
Between Sunday 2 and Sunday 9 July, Brookfield Place are celebrating NAIDOC Week by welcoming Dale Tilbrook, Wardandi Bibbulmun woman, through two of Brookfield Place’s venues to influence their native food and drink offerings. Try the Native Collins from Bar Lafayette, or Saltbush Caramel Espresso Martini alongside an Albany Blue Swimmer Crab canape with coconut, lemon myrtle, and squid ink mayo from Print Hall. Explore native herbs, spices, and peppers and their best uses.
Where: 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth
5. Smoking Ceremony and Community Planting Day in Maylands
On Sunday 9 July from 9am until 12pm, celebrate NAIDOC week with a smoking ceremony and community planting day at Clarkson Reserve in Maylands. Learn about the significance of a smoking ceremony from a local Noongar leader and help revegetate the Mayland Samphire Flats. The planting will be held near the Maylands Waterland, so make sure you bring appropriate footwear. Oh and get in on that tea and coffee that’ll be on hand!
Where: 48 Clarkson Road, Maylands