NAIDOC Week is in full swing from 4-11 July, and there are plenty of ways everyone can celebrate the rich history, culture, knowledge and achievements of Australia’s First Nations people here in Perth. There is always more to learn and acknowledge, and NAIDOC Week presents us with the perfect opportunity to do so.
All events are centred around this year's theme, Heal Country, which calls for us all to work harder to protect the Indigenous land, water, sacred sites, and cultural heritage from exploitation and destruction.
Here are our top picks of what’s happening for NAIDOC week in Perth.
NAIDOC Week at AGWA
ALL WEEK
This is the time to get creative while learning about Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander culture. AGWA will be putting on a bunch of awesome events such as basket weaving with a Nyoonger artist, an art showcase, learning to paint stories with an Aboriginal artist, and an interactive storytelling performance. See more about it here.
Heal Country Trail
ALL WEEK
In partnership with the State Library of WA comes the Heal Country Trail, which aims to create community awareness of the different Country across WA. Images will be displayed all around the room with QR codes for you to scan, which will lead you to the library’s online catalogue with the traditional name of Country. You can also follow Little Bird from the Perth Cultural Centre to the State Library.
NAIDOC Week On TikTok
ALL WEEK
If you really can't get out, turns out TikTok is the place to be for NAIDOC Week. They've got live-streamed musical performances from the likes of Jessica Mauboy, plus endless opportunities to learn about the culture of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the dedicated NAIDOC hub on the TikTok app.
Heal Country! Art Exhibition
ALL WEEK UNTIL 13 JULY
Located at Linton and Kay Galleries in West Perth, comes the Heal Country! Art Exhibition. Showcasing some of the finest paintings by selected Aboriginal artists, head over to see some amazing Heal Country! inspired pieces.
Raine Square First Nations Art Trail
All Week Until 18 July
Local indigenous artist Rosie Paine has taken over Raine Square in celebration of NAIDOC week, with six of her beautiful hand painted totems displayed throughout the centre to form the First Nations Art Trail. The trail follows the six Noongar seasons, with each totem inspired by a different one. Go for a walk and check them all out then test your knowledge for your chance to win a trip to Uluru.
Sand Art At Perth Cultural Centre
FROM 5 JULY
On Monday 5 July, an incredible artwork made entirely of sand will be installed by Acacia Cultural Designs. The massive sand mural, located outdoors at the Perth Cultural Centre, will signify healing Country, and celebrate the First Nations community. You’ll want to get there ASAP though, as the mural will only last as long as the elements allow.
NAIDOC Art Workshop At Dikinda Boodja
6 July
Djinda Boodja (Star Country) is the organisation formerly known as Abmusic, and to celebrate NAIDOC Week and the opening of their brand new arts centre they're running a day of free workshops which will see you paint your own drum skin. Plus, there'll also be a Noongar language lesson and a 'try an instrument' workshop, as well as performances from Djinda Boodja students and staff.
Edit: This event has now been postponed due to the current transitional restrictions in place.
How To Give An Authentic Acknowledgement Of Country
5-9 JULY
Everyone should know how to give an authentic acknowledgement of country. And given this is a completely virtual event, you can even educate yourself from the comfort of home. Tickets are from $30 and you’ll walk away with a profound understanding of what Acknowledgement of Country is, why we do it, and your own personalised format to use.
Welcome To Country And Flag Raising
7 JULY
Celebrate NAIDOC Week at the ceremonial Welcome To Country and flag raising. Taking place in Subiaco, this is the perfect time to recognise the immense contributions made to our community by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Maali Festival
9-10 JULY
Hitting the State Theatre Centre of WA from 9-10 July is the Maali Festival. Maali, named after the Nyoongar word for ‘black swan’, is a completely free two-day event (also described as a party). There’ll be performances teaching us about Nyoongar history, showcasing their immense talents, plus market stalls and the opportunity to hear stories and experiences from Nyoongar Elders over afternoon tea.
Crowning of Miss NAIDOC Perth 2021
10 JULY
Miss NAIDOC is a six-week empowerment and leadership program for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander women, and the crowning ceremony falls smack bang in the middle of NAIDOC Week. Head over to Crown Perth to celebrate the bright futures of nine Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander women over a gala dinner and drinks.
In the meantime, get inspired by these 10 game-changing First Nations people.
Image credit: Supplied (Raine Square)