In conjunction with the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2019, High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha Devi attended an opening reception and a flag-raising ceremony hosted by Secretary Frances Adamson at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on 8 July 2019. The highlight at the reception was the musical performance by Gawurra Gaykamangu, a Yolngu professional performing artist hailing from North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, and an exhibition of Yuendumu School Doors from the South Australia Museum. Guests were also entertained by a special performance by Torres Strait Islander dance troupes, Kara Buia and Eip Karem Beizam during the opening ceremony.
Since 1972, each year a theme is assigned with the intention to highlight important issues and events within the Indigenous communities. This year’s NAIDOC theme is “Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future’”, which reflects the three key elements based from the Uluru Statement from the Heart in recognising Indigenous Australians - a constitutionally enshrined voice to the parliament, a dispute resolution process leading to treaties (Makarrata Commission) and truth-telling. Coinciding with the celebration of the United Nations International Year of Indigenous languages, the 2019 theme calls for Australians to have a truthful understanding of the aborigine people’s voice, nature and history in progressing towards a united Australia.
