Events to play out across all of Cook
NAIDOC WEEK
Cultural celebrations will flow across the Cook electorate, and the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be highlighted in a huge variety of ways, as NAIDOC Week gets into full swing from now.
Events for NAIDOC Week will play out for the rest of July, the significance of the celebrations in all Cook communities filling the calendar.
Cook MP David Kempton said NAIDOC Week, held nationally and internationally in the first week of July, is a time for all Australians to reflect on and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of all indigenous peoples.
"It is exciting to serve such a diverse electorate, and one of the benefits of a large electorate is that events will continue to be held throughout the entire month of July,” he said.
"NAIDOC Week is a time of celebration and reflection with the Crisafulli Government supporting 10 events in the Cook electorate ensuring our communities can come together to honour the strength, vision, and legacy of its communities."
Celebrations took place in Mareeba yesterday (Thursday, July 9,)when two cultures came together to cook and feast with the entire community, allowing everyone to share their unique foods and cooking styles.
Community Elders shared stories of how these traditional cooking styles were passed down through generations in yarning circles.
This year's theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, highlights the strength of young community leaders as they forge a bright future, while also respectfully acknowledging the legacy of past generations.
To celebrate NAIDOC Day, Governor Jeanette Young will visit Pormpuraaw with School students and Elders doing Cultural Dancing and making crafts.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson encouraged Queenslanders to learn about and celebrate two of the oldest continuous cultures in the world.
"I encourage all Queenslanders to join us this NAIDOC Week as we recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and what they bring to our communities," Minister Simpson said.
"It calls on all of us to look towards the future of our young Queenslanders, as well as acknowledging the past and working together to make our communities better places.’’
NAIDOC events throughout Cook in July
Thursday Island July 11
The Torres Strait NAIDOC Awards recognise contributions that Indigenous Australians make to improve the lives of indigenous people in their communities and beyond, to promote indigenous issues in the wider community, or the excellence they have shown in their chosen field.
Thursday Island July 11
Meeting with young adults to pass on local knowledge about history and major historical events. The aim is to empower young adults to understand their past and navigate current and future lives as individuals, family members, households, and communities.
Aurukun July 12
A celebration of the rich culture of Aurukun through dance, craft and a gathering of the community on Wik Country.
Pormpuraaw July 23
To celebrate NAIDOC Day, Governor Jeanette Young will visit Pormpuraaw with School students and Elders, who will participate in cultural dancing and create crafts.
Coen July 3
Coen NAIDOC will celebrate a full day of cultural activities, followed by a community kup murri and cultural performance by the local dance team ALLKUMO Malpa Paman.
Cooktown July 11
A gathering of community members to celebrate the NAIDOC Spirit and the celebration of cultures. Including dance, performances, music and food.
Kowanyama July 23-26
A gathering of community members to celebrate the NAIDOC Spirit and the celebration of cultures. Including dance, performances, music and food.
Mossman July 17
Mossman Gorge NAIDOC Community Celebrations is an all-inclusive event for community members. The event will focus on a range of activities to maximise participation and involvement.
Mossman July 28
Mossman NAIDOC Parade and community event in the park.
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