Released 09/07/2018
Celebrations for NAIDOC Week 2018 continued in Canberra today, with the annual Flag Raising Ceremony at Civic Square. The theme of NAIDOC Week 2018 is ‘because of her, we can’ celebrating and recognising the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised outside the Legislative Assembly this morning alongside the Australian and ACT flags to acknowledge the importance of NAIDOC Week to the Canberra community.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It was wonderful to be joined by Ms Katrina Fanning, Chair of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, who raised the Aboriginal flag, Ms Margaret Blackman, who raised the Torres Strait Islander flag and ACT Chief Police Officer, Justine Saunders, who raised the Australian flag.
The 2018 NAIDOC Week theme – ‘because of her, we can’ – acknowledges the vital role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and their dedication, commitment, service and contributions to the lives of their families, communities, city and nation.
In Canberra, we have many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are leaders and role models – from the grassroots with sisters, mums and aunties, to the Territory and national level, with social change advocates and leaders in the business and public sectors.
We celebrate all of them today and throughout NAIDOC Week.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the nominees and winners of this year’s ACT NAIDOC Awards, particularly the women whose strength and leadership was celebrated throughout the ceremony on Saturday night.
I encourage all Canberrans to use this opportunity to get involved in NAIDOC Week events and reflect on this year’s theme. To find a NAIDOC Week event near you, visit http://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases