NAIDOC 2024
Each year UNE & Oorala hold a Ceremony to honour NAIDOC
The UNE Acknowledgement Ceremony was held at 11am on Monday 8 July at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, UNE campus in Armidale.
A ‘stirring’ flag-raising ceremony at Oorala opened NAIDOC Week at UNE this morning. Kicking off with a smoking ceremony, the fragrant smoke from the cleansing process also provided an apt backdrop for the theme ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’.
Uncle Colin Ahoy provided a Welcome to Country, then Vice-Chancellor Chris Moran spoke of Oorala's continuous and important role in the community as a place to “gather, share stories, reminisce and tell the truth”.
Guest speakers - UNE PhD candidate Lynette Marlow and leading community member Mr Greg Strong - spoke of the similar role fire has had and continues to play in both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and struggle, as a place to engage with each other and resolve differences. "Fire speaks of connection to country, each other and the tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” Greg said, reminiscing of a childhood where fire provided a place to yarn, cook, and provide warmth – while poking and prodding it to help it along. Fire, they reminded us, just like a cause and a vision, needs to be actively maintained. They spoke of the need to ‘keep the fire burning’, of not being afraid of stirring it up when necessary, in order to achieve recognition and reconciliation.
2024 NAIDOC Ceremony
The 2024 National NAIDOC theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.
This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.
The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.
"Blak, Loud and Proud" encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.
Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.
