8 NAIDOC Week Activities To Check Out This Week

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.

Dale Anninos-Carter • July 7, 2022

Aboriginal art — Photo Credit: Alan Levine (Flickr)

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 eight events that you and/or the kids can participate in this week.

1. NAIDOC Week Live Music with Clive Morrison and Indigo Ellis, Midland

On Friday 8 July from 5:30pm until 8:30pm, local Indigenous musicians including Clive Morrison and Indigo Ellis will take to the stage at the Old Midland Courthouse. Clive is a Noongar Elder who has been telling Western Australian stories through song for over 40 years, and Clive’s band, The Lost Boys will be joining him for the performance on Friday evening.

Indigo Ellis has performed at numerous NAIDOC events, as well as festivals, events and competitions, both locally and nationally with many accolades to her name. Indigo’s first original song, “HOME” was nominated for two awards at the 2019 Naidoc Music Awards, the Jason Bartlett Best Vocalist Award, and the Best Emerging Artist Award.

See the event page here.

2. Bush Animals Noongar Language Workshop, Bayswater

Join Carol, a Noongar artist and educator on Friday 15 July for a Noongar language workshop involving vocabulary and stories about bush animals followed by a craft activity. The Bayswater Library will be host to the event between 2pm and 3pm. See the Facebook event page here.

3. NAIDOC Exhibition, Victoria Park

Between Friday 8 July and Wednesday 27 July, Victoria Park Centre for the Arts will showcase works from the Bush Blossom Gallery – an art gallery and social enterprise located in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The gallery is a meeting place for local artists, showcasing traditional and contemporary art with a focus on supporting indigenous and First Nations artists from the Australian Goldfields region. The exhibition will display a selection of work from these artists, as well as work by Lea Taylor, a Bibbulmun Artist from the Wadandi Menang and Koreng Nations. Find out more info here.

4. Deadly Decks, South Perth

On Friday 8 July between 2pm and 4:30pm you will have the opportunity to design your own display skateboard deck, all while learning about Aboriginal Art and symbols from Tyrown. While you can’t actaully shred ‘n’ do cool tricks on your board, you’ll leave with a piece of handcrafted art and all the more knowledge about native artwork. Those ages 12 and upwards can join in at the Old Mill on Melville Place in South Perth. Read more info about the event here.

5. Smoking Ceremony and Community Planting Day, Maylands

On Sunday 10 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. Register your interest here.

6. Noongar Language Class, Victoria Park

On Friday 8 July from 10am until 11am, join Whadjuk Noongar woman, Sharon Gregory, for an introdction to Noongar language. Held at the Victoria Park Library, the class is suitable for those ages between 6 and 12 years old, although all children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult – however, a learning experience for all nonetheless. Bookings are essential for this class and can be made online, over the phone or in person. Book online here!

7. Aboriginal Markets, Belmont

On Saturday 9 July between 9am and 5pm, roam around Belmont Forum and discover the market stalls of incredibly talented First National creators. Featuring stalls include; Deadly Denim, Bindi Bindi Dreaming, Jilalga Designs, Buffie Creative, Noongar Ooak Creations. See more NAIDOC events hosted by Belmont Forum here.

8. Kids Club Art Workshop, Belmont

From Monday 11 until Friday 15 July, join local artist, Brodie Jackson Fitzgerald as he teaches the basics of indigenous painting. You’ll also be able to paint your own terracotta pot and take home native seeds to plant in your backyard, or anywhere the wind blows them. The workshop is suitable for those aged between 4 and 12 years old, with an accompanying adult by their side. Catch the event between 10am and 2pm at Belmont Forum, but find out more information here.