As a trans-Tasman sustainability business, we seek to learn from the cultures of both countries. It’s NAIDOC Week in Australia, this year focusing on Elders. NAIDOC (National Aboriginals and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week celebrates the achievements of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. It runs during the first week of July and is a chance ‘for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.’
Listening to and learning from valued elders
This year’s theme is ‘For Our Elders’. NAIDOC notes that Elders ‘are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones’.
Communities working together
You learn a lot when you and your ancestors have lived in a country for more than 60,000 years. In contemporary Australia, Indigenous Elders continue to play a vital role in maintaining community and caring for country. We know there’s a lot to learn from them. Sharing knowledge reminds us of SDG17, Partnerships for the goals. By listening and learning from each other, we can build a global partnership for sustainable development.
Our Indigenous engagement work
NAIDOC Week encourages us to pause and celebrate the significant histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Celebrating NAIDOC Week will also help us to build respect within our organisation for Indigenous histories and cultures as we continue to develop our Indigenous Engagement Plan.
4 July 2023