First Nations creatives share what NAIDOC Week means to them
IMAGE VIA @SIANNACATULLO/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY ELLA TAVERNER
“An opportunity for us to come together, learn and participate in events that showcase the diversity and richness of our culture.”
Each year, on the first Sunday of July, mob and non-Indigenous allies across the nation come together to celebrate and recognise the rich history, culture and enduring spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week-long commemoration dates back to 1938 following the famous Day of Mourning, a protest that sparked national conversation around the mistreatment and displacement of First Nations peoples caused by white colonisation.
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Since then, NAIDOC Week has marked an important time for reflection, celebration and education of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth. From community events and cultural gatherings to art exhibitions and workshops, there’s something for everyone to engage with and learn from. Below, we chat with some of our favourite First Nations creatives to find out how they’re celebrating this NAIDOC Week.
Cole Baxter, artist and photographer
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NAIDOC Week is a busy time of the year for me. I shoot lots of events and work with many different folks who release their Reconciliation Action Plans this time of year or want things like photoshoots championing the NAIDOC theme. This is great for me because, through my work, I am always striving to highlight the varied platforms that Blakfullas flourish in so that the positive visibility of our mob thrives in the media and community.
This year’s theme makes me think of protest, staunchness and self-determination… all things that I love to document and let be seen by the masses. These are foundational parts of aspiring for a better future for our younger generations and making those who came before us proud by continuing to build on the hard work they put in, in order for us to have a better chance.
I live a really blessed life and I want to tell myself and anyone else in a similar position to slow down, take stock of the good around you and make sure to celebrate the little wins you may’ve achieved over the past year. I don’t find it easy to rest but I think it needs to be an intrinsic part of the… [road] to success. Either way, try your best and know that’s enough a lot of the time.
Marley Morgan, photographer
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NAIDOC is a week to celebrate our rich history, culture and achievements. NAIDOC Week also serves as an opportunity for us to come together, learn and participate in various events and activities that showcase the diversity and richness of our culture. NAIDOC week is special for me as it allows me to celebrate Blak excellence. I also love being able to immerse myself in community [and] connect with mob, and I enjoy exciting local events.
Sianna Catullo, founder of Blackground Productions
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Firstly, NAIDOC Week is more like NAIDOC month here in Victoria! Events start weeks before and continue post-NAIDOC! It’s filled with mob-led events where mob can show up and be unapologetically Blak, loud and proud, and feel safe doing so.
NAIDOC Week for me is a week of socialising and working! I’m very proud and humbled to be the official video crew for Victorian NAIDOC this year and to be filming all the official events. I think this year’s theme, Keep The Fire Burning – Blak Loud and Proud – is very important and necessary after the year we had last year.
The referendum had a lot of mob (myself included) feeling down, disappointed and traumatised. This year’s theme is an opportunity for healing. Embracing our Blakness and being loud and proud is keeping the fire burning.
For non-Indigenous people and businesses, I want NAIDOC Week to be a time they lend their platforms and elevate First Nations peoples and businesses. There’s power and impact in sharing First Nations stories, and NAIDOC Week can be a reminder that we need ongoing support.
Rosie Kilvert, makeup artist
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NAIDOC week is like Koorie Christmas; I look forward to it every year. I love being around my mob, celebrating our culture and survival together. When I think of NAIDOC Week, I think about my elders and ancestors. It reminds me of the strength and love they have passed down to us.
I’m excited about the NAIDOC Pride Gala. I’m going with my beautiful girlfriend and workmates from the Yirramboi Festival. I can’t wait to get all dressed up and step out for a night of Blak, queer pride. My deadly cousin, Apryl Day, is holding a Masquerade Party at Interlude Bar.
It will be an intimate evening, inclusive of native cocktails and food. Interlude is the only First Nations women-owned cocktail bar in Melbourne. This is a free event, which offers an alternative to ticketed events. It’s going to be a very special night. Happening on Saturday the 13th at 7pm.
Enoki, artist
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[I think] this year’s NAIDOC theme, Keep The Fire Burning, is an especially important theme due to the tough times mob have been facing over the past couple of years. As with every other NAIDOC theme, it’s something I try to embody throughout the year as well as for NAIDOC week.
It’s the small things you do… like tiny embers, [these embers] can turn into a big fire that you and the community can benefit from. I’ll be working most of NAIDOC on both big projects and [smaller ones]… deadly projects like the event at Bodriggy bar in Collingwood, where I’ll be doing some live painting on July 11.
For more resources on the history of NAIDOC Week, head here.
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