5 WAYS TO KEEP LEARNING AFTER NAIDOC WEEK

The celebration of NAIDOC week in Australia has come to a close, but learning from our First Nations people continues every day. Kyiah, Princess Polly’s Social Responsibility Assistant, has gathered some helpful resources to share with you about NAIDOC week and First Nations culture (thank you Kyiah!) Before we give you the rundown of the top 5 ways to keep learning, let’s take a look at what NAIDOC week means to her.

“My name is Kyiah. I am a proud Wakka Wakka woman through my father’s side and I grew up on Quandamooka Country (Redlands, QLD, Australia). As a proud Aboriginal woman I feel that this theme for NAIDOC 2022 “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” is of great importance. To me this theme is about being proud of your culture and taking action. Being committed to standing up for our Elders and community and to help make changes to the current system and issues that greatly affect First Nation peoples. It is important to take action big or small.”

Why is it important to continue to learn about First Nations culture after NAIDOC week?

“The more that people educate themselves on the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the more Australia as a country will start to have a better understanding on how the history of First Nation peoples contributes to the injustice and issues we have now in the present. We can then work together as a country to heal and work towards ways of reconciliation.”

In what ways can everyone continue to learn?

“Some ways that people can continue to learn are through social media. There are many amazing platforms on instagram run by black creators and there are also many books and documentaries that also have valuable information. If you have First Nation friends or family respectfully ask them how you can support the community and how to be a great ally to mob.

Also look within your community. Find out if there are any First Nation run businesses or companies you can connect with and attend any community events you know of.”