The NAIDOC Week Perth Opening Ceremony was held at Supreme Court Gardens on Sunday 7 July from 12-4pm. The sun was shining and the skies blue at the park next to the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).
Relationships Australia WA and the Rotary Club of Wanneroo cookied up a storm at the barbeque, providing a free sausage sizzle for the attendees, who chose from beef, kangeroo and vegan sausages.
NAIDOC Week 2019 was celebrated from 7 July to 14 July 2019 across Australia to celebrate the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Opening Ceremony is an opportunity for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Perth to come together to share their culture with the wider community of Perth through music, dance and song.
The 2019 NAIDOC Week theme is ‘Voice, Treaty, Truth – Lets work together for a shared future’.
The afternoon will began with a traditional Welcome to Country from Whadjuk Nyoongar Elders who will speak in Nyoongar language to welcome everyone to the land; and a Smoking Ceremony to bring the good spirits to the land and chase away the bad spirits.
The crowds enjoyed a traditional performances of songs, dancing and singing, a traditional sand artwork depicting Nyoongar cultural elements, a youth fashion parade and entertainment, as well as community stalls, kids activities, and an elders marquee.
The event welcomed all Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people in Perth, as well as non-Indigenous people to share in Aboriginal culture together.