Always Was. Always Will Be.
As part of the NAIDOC celebrations people gathered in Civic Park in Darwin today to celebrate being First Nations people and to talk about what more needs to be done to heal and grow.
Larrakia Nation Chairman Richie Fejo opened the event with a Welcome to Country “it’s an honour to welcome you to Larrakia land to celebrate NAIDOC. The theme is Always Was. Always Will be, and that is the way we think of Larrakia country”.
Jeanneen McLennan was the MC for the day and welcomed a range of speakers who spoke on topics of Indigenous employment, needing to increase the age of child incarceration to 14, lack of representation and protection for the Indigenous LGBTQI community in the NT, and the importance of healing through a community led approach.
The hot food and cold drinks were supplied by the Northern Land Council and Santos, and there were heaps of people helping out to cook and serve food for the 200 or so people who turned up. “This is the stuff that makes our community strong, and the mood here today peaceful and united. This is what we are” said a member of the crowd.
The event ended with a wrap up and chant lead by Richie Fejo “because we’re not marching today, it doesn’t mean that we can’t be heard. I ask you to join us saying Always Was, Always Will Be Larrakia land. Let’s sing it so them mob over in Parliament House can hear us. Let sing it to them mob over the other side of Darwin can hear us”.
NAIDOC week celebrations continue with the:
Parallel Heart audio project launch in the Hosts Shop in Smith Street Mall @ 10am Saturday 14/11 click there for details. https://fb.me/e/eVv2WGMyh
Palmerston Community Day on Saturday 14/11 @ 1-5pm at the Palmerston Water Park followed by the Youth Day from 5-7pm
Nungalinya Cup @ TIO Stadium. Wanderers vs Buffalos 7.30pm.
NAIDOC Family Day on Sunday 14/11 @ Lake Leanyer Water Park from 10am – 3pm.
HAPPY NAIDOC!
[envira-gallery id=”6455″]