Keeping Culture Strong for Future Generations

The importance of NAIDOC Week is discussed by Indi and Kylie Clarke, and Shannon Faulkead. Since 1955, when Aborigines Day (as it was known then) was shifted from January 26h to the first Sunday in July, NAIDOC has been a time of celebration for the community. Ensuring young people are involved is crucial in keeping culture strong for future generations.

Women and children

"...Blackfellas are always... happier at NAIDOC time ‘cause we're surrounded by Blackfellas and society is culturally safe. As I've reflected more and more... NAIDOC week is the one week where no matter where you are, you're recognised, and you're valued, and you're celebrated as First Nations people of this country. That shouldn’t just be one week of the year, that should be every single day, where First Nations people are respected, valued and celebrated."

"...I just think about... how honoured we are to be in this family [the Clarke's]. For all their craziness, and their love and their care... I wouldn't have it any other way.... it is such an honour because our family carries so many rich stories, there are leaders, they're artists, they're creators, they're everything, they're carers. You know I’m getting emotional just thinking about it. But, it all stems from our Nan, Nan Alice, and what she instilled in the kids and what the next generation did...  Uncle Sids, Uncle Ray...and Uncle Carl. And now it’s our generations turn to... provide that for the next one."

Indi Clarke (6 December 2020)

Young people holding Koorie Flag

"I always loved how the kids always got to do the flags."

Shannon Faulkhead (9 December 2020)

'....with all the marches... it's so important for... [my son] Matari to see that... mob is strong and we all stick together..."

Kylie Clarke (4 December 2020)