The National Aboriginal Islander Day of Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week was held between 8th to 14th November and despite Covid-19 situation deteriorating in the southern states, in Darwin the NAIDOC celebrations re-emerged as energised as ever before. People living on Larrakia land in Darwin were previously sent home to work in isolation and were eager to turn up in high numbers to pay their respects to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Larrakia Nation board of directors had their diaries full of more than fifty events from the NAIDOC roster. Every celebration was special in its own unique way, everyone in attendance was welcome and appreciate the special belonging that we have in our community.
Richie Fejo (Flinders NT, Senior Elder on Campus) kept really busy as he attended up to five events per day. “This year’s NAIDOC celebration has been better than previous years and I can rightfully say that it filled my heart with pride to witness the resilience in our community celebrate from all walks of life. This is how we want our community to be, inclusive for all.” said Richie.
Some of the events Richie has attended included two Larrakia Saltwater ceremonies, two panel events, two radio interviews and nine welcome to country speeches. “It was exhausting but the true reward is seeing the caring across our community. We wish all the staff at Flinders NT a happy belated NAIDOC week.”