From 1940 until 1955, the Day of Mourning was held annually on the Sunday before Australia Day and was known as ‘Aborigines Day’. In 1955 ‘Aborigines Day’ was shifted to the first Sunday in July when it was decided that the day should also become a celebration of Aboriginal culture as well as a day of protest. Major Aboriginal organisations, as well as state and federal governments, all supported the formation of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC).
As awareness of the distinct cultural histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples grew, NADOC was expanded to recognise Torres Strait Islander people and culture. The committee then became known as the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC).
On 26 January 1938, while many Australians celebrated the 150th anniversary of the landing of the First Fleet, a group of over 1000 Aboriginal people gathered at Australia Hall in Sydney to call for full citizenship status’ and laws to improve the lives of First Nations people. As one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world, this day became known as the Day of Mourning.
Since then, National NAIDOC Week has grown to become both a commemoration of the first Day of Mourning as well as a celebration of the history, culture and excellence of First Nations people. National NAIDOC Week is observed annually from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday.
Coming of the Light
Coming of the Light – And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” – Genesis 1:3 (NIV)
The Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society on Erub Island in the Torres Strait in 1871. It led to the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late nineteenth century.
Coming of the Light, celebrated on 1 July, reminds us of the spiritual significance of light in the context of Torres Strait Islander culture. Just as God’s words brought forth light, this day symbolizes the illumination of Torres Strait Islander traditions and the blending of customs with the introduction of Christianity, celebrating the arrival of the Christian missionaries.
Through the celebration of Coming of the Light, we recognise the profound resilience and cultural heritage of Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a time to honour their unique expressions of faith, storytelling, and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.
As we recall the Torres Strait Islander culture during this significant occasion, we are called to appreciate the beauty of diversity and the harmonious blending of traditions. It is a reminder to foster understanding, unity, and respect among all Australians, recognising the strength and richness that arise from cultural exchange.
Let us join together in commemorating Coming of the Light, embracing the spiritual significance of this day and celebrating the resilience and cultural heritage of Torres Strait Islander peoples. May it be a time of unity, enlightenment, and deep appreciation for the blending of traditions that shapes the tapestry of our nation.
Embracing Reconciliation: Forging a Path to Equality
NAIDOC Week, Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week, and Coming of the Light are pivotal moments in Australia’s journey towards reconciliation and equality. These events compel us to reflect, engage, and take meaningful action.
They remind us of the ongoing work required to dismantle systemic barriers, rectify past injustices, and build a society based on respect and unity. It is a call to actively listen, learn, and support Indigenous-led initiatives for lasting change.
Let us embrace this collective path towards reconciliation, driven by a shared commitment to equality and justice. Together, we can create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and rights are honoured and celebrated.
Indigenous Environmental Wisdom: Illuminating the Path to Climate Resilience
Within the realm of NAIDOC Week, we embark on a profound journey to recognise and celebrate the profound ecological knowledge and sustainable practices of Indigenous communities. Amidst the urgent call to address the pressing environmental challenges, Indigenous peoples stand as custodians of wisdom, offering invaluable insights and resilient solutions to combat climate change.
Embedded within Indigenous cultures is a deep-rooted reverence for the natural world — a recognition of the delicate interplay between humans and the environment. “Take only memories, leave only footprints,” echoes through the annals of Indigenous wisdom, reminding us of our responsibility to tread lightly upon the Earth and safeguard its fragile ecosystems for future generations.
While climate denialism persists, threatening our planet’s fragile equilibrium, Indigenous communities hold steadfast in their commitment to sustainable land stewardship, acting as beacons of hope and resilience. In their footsteps, we find inspiration to adopt a mindful approach — one that harmonises human progress with the preservation of ecological balance.
In the face of unprecedented ecological crises, we turn our gaze to the Indigenous-led initiatives that harmoniously merge traditional knowledge with innovative strategies in conservation, land management, and the revitalization of ancestral practices. By elevating and embracing their wisdom, we unveil a path that intertwines humanity’s survival with the protection of our planet’s fragile ecosystems.
Yet, let us not overlook the dissonant voices of climate denialism, casting doubt upon the urgency of environmental action. In this pivotal moment, we must confront these misguided narratives and stand united in the unwavering truth that Indigenous environmental wisdom offers. It is a clarion call to reject complacency, awaken our collective conscience, and cultivate a deep sense of responsibility towards the Earth and future generations.
As the embers of Indigenous ecological knowledge burn brightly, illuminating the path before us, we must actively engage with their holistic approaches to resource management, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience. By intertwining their teachings into our own lives and practices, we can forge a transformative alliance that transcends borders, cultures, and beliefs — a collective force for climate justice and sustainability.
During NAIDOC Week, as we celebrate the richness of Indigenous culture, let us also embrace the mantra, “Take only memories, leave only footprints,” as a guiding principle in our environmental endeavours. In honoring their timeless connection to the land, we can chart a course towards a future where ecological harmony, climate resilience, and the preservation of our planet thrive hand in hand.
Forging a Unified Future: Embracing Humility to Honour the First Nations and Advance Reconciliation
As we embark upon this sacred Sunday, the 2nd of July 2023, to commemorate the beginning of NAIDOC Day, let us gather in reverence and reflection. NAIDOC Week calls upon us to honour the rich heritage, profound wisdom, and enduring resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Amongst the vast expanse of this land, let us embrace humility and pay profound respect to its ancient custodians, for they hold the key to a harmonious existence.
As we tread upon this sacred ground, let us not question their rights, but instead, turn inward and ask ourselves how we can glean wisdom from their ancestral knowledge, honour their rich heritage, and stride hand in hand towards a future where reconciliation and justice prevail.
In this journey, let us listen to the voice of our inner consciousness, that reminds us that through respect and unity, we can shape a future that honours the rights and sovereignty of the First Nations.
As we wholeheartedly embrace these significant commemorative events and actively engage in the pursuit of reconciliation, let’s forge a transformative path towards a future where the cultures, histories, and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are unequivocally recognised, deeply valued, and profoundly respected.
Let us stand united in a shared vision of justice, healing, and unity, leaving an indelible imprint that reverberates through the tapestry of generations to come.
Let us humbly respect the owners of this land, for it is through respect that we lay the foundation of harmony. As we embrace respect, we empower ourselves to construct bridges of understanding and empathy, transcending the divides that threaten to fragment our collective fabric. By honouring the custodians of this land, we strengthen the bonds that unite us and pave the way for a future of reconciliation and unity.
