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In the spirit of NAIDOC Week, we have some exciting and historic news to share. The Federal Court has (finally) recognised the Kabi Kabi people as native title holders over 365,345 hectares of land and water on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

This landmark decision recognises the Kabi Kabi people's rights to areas like Gympie, Noosa, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Bribie Island, and Mudjimba Island.

Brian Warner, a Kabi Kabi traditional owner, expressed a mix of exhaustion and elation after nearly 30 years of effort. This recognition marks a major milestone, not just for the Kabi Kabi people but for all Australians, emphasising the importance of understanding and integrating First Nations' stories into our appreciation of the land...

Pictured: Brian Warner, Kabi Kabi traditional owner.

As we celebrate the incredible recognition of the Kabi Kabi people's native title, let's continue to support and uplift Indigenous communities every day to ensure voices of all Traditional Owners are heard and respected.

Which brings us to...

NAIDOC Week: Embrace, Learn & Support...

What is NAIDOC?

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. National NAIDOC Week is celebrated across Australia in the first week of July (Sunday to Sunday), recognising the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is your chance to learn about and celebrate the oldest, continuous living cultures on Earth.

Five Things To Know About NAIDOC Week

1. Historical Roots: NAIDOC Week has deep roots in the Aboriginal rights movement. It all started on January 26, 1938, when protestors took to the streets of Sydney to demand better treatment and status for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This historic event, known as the "Day of Mourning," was one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world. Over the years, this evolved into the vibrant celebration we now know as NAIDOC Week.

2. Celebrating Indigenous Achievements: NAIDOC Week is all about celebrating the incredible achievements and rich culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Every year, the celebrations revolve around a specific theme chosen by the national organising committee. This year's theme, "'Keep The Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud'" is to keep fighting for what's right, after the failed referendum.

3. A Time for Everyone: While NAIDOC Week is primarily celebrated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it’s a wonderful opportunity for all Australians to learn, appreciate, and participate. Schools, government offices, universities, churches, and businesses often organise their own NAIDOC Week activities, making it a time of community learning and cultural exchange.

4. NAIDOC Week Awards: Each year, the NAIDOC Week Awards honour the outstanding contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in various fields, highlighting  inspirational figures making a difference in their communities. Plus, there's a national poster competition for Indigenous artists, giving them a platform to showcase their incredible talent.

5. Open to All: NAIDOC Week is a celebration for everyone. Capital cities and towns across Australia organise public events, and the NAIDOC Week website lists many of these activities. It's a fantastic opportunity to engage with and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

How to Support and Celebrate NAIDOC Week

I have to admit, as a nontraditional landowner, I didn't feel comfortable sharing a lot about this topic. I felt like I didn't have the right to do so. However, I realised that not speaking up was not helping the cause of inclusivity and supporting my beliefs for a better future. So, like with sustainability, I took small steps to educate myself and learn more about how I could positively impact the people around me.

Below some things you can do:

• Display and Share: Show your support by displaying the National NAIDOC Week Poster in your workplace, classroom, or home. Grab some awesome NAIDOC Week merchandise from the NAIDOC website.
• Tune In: Listen to podcasts or music by First Nations artists and creatives. It's a great way to immerse yourself in their stories and perspectives. 
• Go Digital: Join newsletters to learn (we love this one), add a National NAIDOC Week banner to your email, use a NAIDOC Teams background, or download social media tiles and frames to use on Instagram or Facebook. Check out the NAIDOC Downloads for all the goodies.
• Donate and Nominate: If your business sponsors an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander event, consider donating your tickets to the local community. Know someone amazing? Nominate them for a National NAIDOC Week Award.
• Join Events: Attend an NAIDOC Week event in your local area. You can find these through the NAIDOC Event Calendar.
• Watch and Read: Enjoy a film or TV show by a First Nations filmmaker or read a book by a First Nations author. It’s an engaging way to understand their experiences and viewpoints.
• Follow and Amplify: Follow First Nations social media accounts, share their content, and engage with their posts. Don’t forget to follow and interact with NAIDOC’s social media too!
• Shop Blak: Support First Nations businesses by purchasing their products. We love Clothing the Gaps and learn a lot from them. 
• Host Your Own Event: Organize your own NAIDOC Week event with the help of local grants. It’s a fantastic way to bring your community together in celebration and education.
• Stay Informed: Subscribe to the NAIDOC Newsletter to keep up with all things NAIDOC. Share the newsletter with friends and family to spread the word.
• Engage Locally: Connect with local Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community in your area. Find out whose Country you are on using the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia.
• Educational Resources: Download the National NAIDOC Week Educational Resources and share your newfound knowledge with friends and family.

We can make a difference by supporting the rich history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Let’s show our respect, support, and appreciation for First Nations communities. 

Happy NAIDOC Week! 🖤💛❤️

With love, Ellie x