NAIDOC Week about culture and country

THIS week, Bendigo First Nations people have been celebrating NAIDOC Week, recognising and showcasing their history, culture and achievements.

Dja Dja Wurrung man Trent Nelson said the ceremonies and events that have taken place are for the wider community, including the non-Aboriginal community.

“All these different events, films, talks happening are about connecting and talking about those things on a culturally safe space,” he said.

“It’s also a safe space for non-Aboriginal people to talk, ask questions, bring their kids along.”

At the City of Greater Bendigo’s flag raising ceremony on Monday, Mr Nelson said the turnout was the strongest it’s been.

“Each year it’s getting bigger and bigger,” he said. “My first one I did 10 years ago there was probably a handful of people and some walking past thinking ‘what’s going on?’

“It’s getting to a point where every time we do something there’s big crowds. They’re taking time out of their day to witness what we’re doing here.”

This year’s NAIDOC Week’s theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! and is aimed at encouraging First Nations people to take pride in their culture.

“It’s a really important theme around leadership,” Mr Nelson said.

“A lot of our people still struggle with being front and centre in the limelight and talking about their feelings as an Aboriginal person or the struggles they go through.

“A lot of our people are really shy to stand up and do that. This week is about being proud of who you are.

“It also goes to the point of people who are of the Stolen Generation as well who might not know who they connect to, it gives them a platform to be a part of it and own a bit of that culture for themselves.”

NAIDOC Week officially wraps up on Sunday but before then St John of God will launch its Aboriginal art exhibition on Friday and the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League match between FC Eaglehawk and Strathdale will be First Nations themed.