Flags raised to start NAIDOC Week 2013
8 July 2013
In a ceremony at the Australian Embassy Bangkok, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Mr James Wise, has raised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to mark NAIDOC week, 7-14 July 2013.
NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginies and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.
The theme for this year “We value the vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963” proudly celebrates the 50th anniversary of the presentation of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions to the Federal Parliament.
“In 1963 the Yolngu people of northeast Arnhem Land presented the petition framed by traditional bark paintings to seek recognition of rights to their traditional lands on the Gove Peninsula.”
“The petitions are an important part of Australian history as they helped pave the way for the recognition of Indigenous rights to land,” Ambassador Wise said.
At the end of every NAIDOC Week, the National NAIDOC Awards are announced. In 2013, the awards will be announced in Perth, Western Australia. These awards recognise Indigenous Australians who have made outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people in their communities and beyond, to promoting Indigenous issues in the wider community, or who have excelled in their chosen field.
The Australian Embassy’s Public Diplomacy section provides valuable materials for teachers and students wanting to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Please contact 02-344 6464 for more details. For more information about NAIDOC week, visit www.naidoc.org.au/