Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

NAIDOC Week 4-11 July 2010: Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queensland

Queensland is home to more than 140000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Aboriginal cultures and Torres Strait Island cultures are the oldest living cultures are the oldest living oldest living cultures in the world; going back more than 50 000 years.

This rich and diverse cultural heritage is a vital part of what makes our state great.

Namalata Thusi presents some of the key activities happening throughout the state during NAIDOC Week — plus ideas to keep the celebration going year-long.

What’s reconciliation about?

Reconciliation is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians working together to strengthen relationships, foster respect and increase opportunities.

What’s on around Queensland

Monday 5 July to Thursday 8 July
Brisbane
Chasing the Lollyman
State Library of Queensland
Mark Sheppard presents a dynamic one-man comedy celebrating urban Indigenous identity. Bookings essential www.qtix.com.au or phone 136246. Cost $6.

Tuesday 6 July
Townsville
Flag raising
Youth disco
More details www.townsvillenaidoc.com.au

Wednesday 7 July
Inala
Family Fun Day, Freeman Road

Thursday 8 July
Ipswich
Family Fun and Information Day, 10am-2pm
Evan Marginson Park, Goodna

Friday 9 July
Brisbane
Family Fun and Information Day, 9am-10pm
Musgrave Park, South Brisbane.
Entry: gold coin donation

Mount Isa
Community march
Family fun day

Sunday 11 July
Sunshine Coast
Community Day, 10am-3pm
Cotton Tree Park

For more events: www.atsip.qld.gov.au

Queensland has three flags

The royal blue state flag, bearing the Union Jack and a Maltese Cross with an imperial crown in its cetre, has been used since 1901.

The black, red and yellow Aboriginal flag was designed in 1971 by Harold Thomas. Black stands for the Aboriginal people; yellow represents sun, the giver of life; and red represents earth and the spiritual relationship to the land.

The blue and green Torres Strait Islander flag with its distinctive dhari headdress and five-pointed star was designed by Bernard Namok and adopted in 1992.

10 ways to keep celebrating

  1. Read a dreamtime story. Check out your local library for titles.
  2. Hold a movie night: Bran Nue Dae is newly-released on DVD; others include Rabbit Proof Fence, Samson & Delilah and the classic The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith.
  3. Fly a flag
  4. Tune into your local Indigenous radio station. www.nirs.org.au
  5. Plant a native tree or shrub. Ask your local nursery what’s indigenous to your area.
  6. Test your taste buds: BBQ kangaroo sausages for a change
  7. Learn about the Traditional people from your area. Start with your local history librarian.
  8. Have a say online at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au
  9. Play a traditional Indigenous game: www.ausport.gov.au/participating/indigenous/games/traditional_games
  10. Learn how to say ‘welcome’ in one of the many languages spoken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland:

    Sew Ngapa (pronounced Seh-oo ng-ah-pah)
    Kalaw Kawaw Ya language of the Top Western Islands (Saibai, Dauan, Boigu) of the Torres Strait

    Jingi walu wahlu (pronounced dj-ing-gee wa-loo waa-loo)
    Language of the Yugambeh people, around Beaudesert, south-east Queensland

    Uwalla ooka minndiya (pronounced u-wwa-la u-kaa min-dee-yaa)
    Language of the Gunggari people, near Mitchell in south-west Queensland.