Things you can do to continue NAIDOC Week’s values all year

This year’s NAIDOC Week has been held from the 4th-11th of July, with this year’s theme being ‘Heal Country’.

As the Glass Editorial Team does not have a First Nations voice currently, we have been making space for other creators to come through. At the close of NAIDOC Week, we have decided to share some tangible actions that can assist in carrying the values of NAIDOC week throughout the year.

1. Learn the land you are on.

These days with the amazing technology we almost all have access to there is no longer any excuse to not at least be aware of the Traditional Place names of the country you live on. The First Nations of Australia each had their own culture, customs, language and lore. These regions, groups and cultures continue to be expressed in dynamic and contemporary ways displayed on the digital Map available here.

Glass operates in Meanjin, on Yuggara and Turrbal Country. Incorporating the Traditional Place Names into your everyday language is a sign of respect for the original custodians of the land.

https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia

2. Platform First Nations voices.

One of the best ways to learn more about First Nations perspectives is to seek it out. Your social media platforms are a good way to start, with plenty of voices to provide support to. Beyond this, take some steps to seek out First Nations art, writing, and products. From QUT, two amazing First Nations writers are Melanie Saward and Ellen Van Neerven, artist Fiona Foley is installed at the QUT Art Museum currently, and Blak Business is a fantastic resource to find work created by First Nations creators.

3. Acknowledge Traditional Owners at your events.

Particularly if you are a club or society on campus, it is important to acknowledge that your gathering is on First Nations land, with an acknowledgement of country. Advice on writing an acknowledgement of country can be found here, and is a practice that should become standard with events and meetings, which can easily be worked into the structure of a gathering.

4. Embody the theme of ‘Heal Country’

This year’s theme was designed to bring awareness to the growing threat that climate change poses to First Nations peoples. Seed Mob, the Indigenous Youth Climate Network, is a good resource and organisation to follow to know more. Conservation efforts in Australia are also championed by First Nations peoples, so consult and platform those voices in conversations about Country.