NAIDOC Week commencing today is an opportunity for us to learn and celebrate the oldest continuing culture on the planet.
It is also a time to celebrate and acknowledge the culture, excellence and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the 2023 NAIDOC Week theme For Our Elders encourages people to celebrate and pay homage to the Elders in communities.
“We can learn from our Elders who are the cultural knowledge holders and who are key to guiding us on the path to reconciliation and a better future for all,” Mr Speakman said.
“Their stories reflect the past struggles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through many generations, but we also learn from them that there is much to celebrate about their culture.”
Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Leslie Williams said the future path we take and the decisions we make must focus on truth telling and reflect the knowledge and experience of Elders.
“There’s a 65,000 year legacy from which we can learn and guide us on a future with better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mrs Williams said.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have demonstrated a commitment to listening to our First Nations people and respecting their knowledge and insights through OCHRE, the community-focused plan for Aboriginal Affairs NSW.”
Central to OCHRE is working with and supporting Aboriginal communities by building strong partnerships that have at their heart respect for Aboriginal culture, leadership and decision making.
We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging and this NAIDOC Week celebrate For Our Elders.