Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Next week, from 7 July to 14 July, is NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC Week this year has a sensational theme: Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. NAIDOC celebrates the spirit of our communities and invites everyone to stand in solidarity, amplifying our voices that have long been silenced. The fire represents an enduring strength and vitality for First Nations cultures, passed down through our generations despite the challenges that we have faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other and to the tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC Week sparks pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches Australia. Blak, Loud and Proud encapsulates the celebration of First Nations identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. We are reclaiming narratives, amplifying voices and promoting justice and equality.

NAIDOC Week invites all Australians to listen, learn and engage in meaningful dialogue. Together we can build a future where the stories, traditions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of our nation with the oldest living culture in the world. This is why during this week the Greens will kick off our campaign for Australia's first truth and justice commission, and we need everyone to join us. Happy NAIDOC Week, everyone. Keep the fires burning. Continue to be Blak, Loud and Proud.