NAIDOC Week takes place in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday) to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year it runs from 7-14 July, and the 2024 theme is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”.

Mel, our People and Pathways Coordinator, sat down with three Beacon team members and proud Arakwal people – Elder Steven Kelly, Shanti Kelly-Torrens, and Don King – to talk about their culture and what NAIDOC week means to them.

What do you love most about your culture?

Steven: Everything! I love the gatherings. Catching up with family and storytelling – that’s where our knowledge and information comes from. I love the respect and love we have for each other, not just Aboriginal people but all people. We look after each other, we look after Country and we look after our Elders.

Shanti: To me it’s everything. It’s our dances, art and dreamtime stories…. I love that we’re all still standing here after everything blackfellas have been through. We’re still standing here black, loud and proud.

Don: The strong spirit of Aboriginal people. We could have been dead and gone long ago but we’re still here fighting.

What does NAIDOC week mean to you?

Shanti: It’s a celebration of Aboriginal people. I realise how grateful I am to be aboriginal and to grow up in a strong community.

Don: It’s about celebrating our history and our culture in Australia. It’s about how far we’ve come.

Steven: NAIDOC is celebration of land rights, the work of Eddie Mabo and about recognising Aboriginal people and our connection to Country. In the 60’s, Aboriginal people weren’t even recognised as human beings. NAIDOC recognises the struggles we had – that our mums and dads and grandparents had – to be accepted. It’s about how far we’ve come.

It’s not just about Aboriginal people. We encourage all people, all cultures to come together. It’s also about reconciliation.

How can people get involved in NAIDOC or take steps towards reconciliation?

Steven: Listen, learn and respect your Elders.

Don: Check out the marches and rallies happening in Byron or wherever you live. Go to local events and get involved.

Shanti: Get to know Aboriginal history and the background of NAIDOC. It’s about everyone coming together as one.

At Beacon, we’re incredibly proud and privileged to have a great crew of First Nations people with us, and we’ll be celebrating throughout the week of NAIDOC (7-14 July) with various events and activities for our team. Follow us on social media and show your support.