The theme for NAIDOC Week 2022 was, ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’
It’s a week to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for 2022 called for action to bring about systemic change and emphasised the importance of continuous support for Aboriginal communities and Elders. NAIDOC Week 2022 builds on the desire to “change the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians to be one that is “based on justice equity, and the proper recognition of Aborignal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.””
What is NAIDOC Week about?
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about the First Nations cultures and histories. Furthermore, to participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
The 2022 theme encourages us to champion institutional structural, collaborative and cooperative change while celebrating those who have already driven and led change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over many generations.
Howie Vandyke is a proud Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr man. He said that NAIDOC Week is important to him because it’s a time to reflect and acknowledge the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have on this land.
“It’s such a long and old history,” he said.
“It needs to be recognised and it needs to be celebrated.
“I encourage you all to get amongst it and get into a NAIDOC Week celebration.
“The theme, Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! means actions speak louder than words, showing up to events and challenging yourself.”
Howie encouraged everyone to come together and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“If you don’t know Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the only way you’re going to meet them is by going to these major events,” he said.
“It’s really about being courageous and getting out there because it’s time for us all to come back together in a sense of reconciliation and that’s just one positive way to go about doing that.
“NAIDOC week is a time for us all to come together and celebrate together, in the spirit of coming together.”
Anglicare’s commitment to First Australians
Anglicare Southern Queensland acknowledges that our nation’s history began 65,000 years ago. First Nations people are at the forefront of this history. As part of our commitment to promoting a culture of listening, learning and doing, it’s important for us to acknowledge the past and present injustices that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have endured. This will allow us to seek to understand and reconcile these histories to move forward together in unity. For more information about our commitment, please visit our First Nations page on our website.