NAIDOC Week is a fantastic time for everyone to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and join in the many events celebrating the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
This year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,” is about celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, a shared commitment to justice and equality, and fully valuing and respecting First Nations Peoples voices. This includes our PWDA members who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, many of whom face intersectional discrimination. We encourage all PWDA members to get involved.
This week PWDA unveiled two new artworks we had commissioned. These paintings are displayed in our Sydney office for all staff, members, clients and visitors to enjoy. You can learn more about these beautiful pieces below.
Aunty Julie Ruttley, a proud Gomeroi Woman, created an artwork for PWDA’s Redress project promotional items. She explained how her piece resonates with this year’s NAIDOC theme.
“Cool burns bring back the colours, foods and new growth and that’s what this painting entails. We dance, we sing, we give thanks and give back to Mother Earth and she in turn has kept our people and our culture strong.”
Wiradjuri Elder, artist, and PWDA member Uncle Paul Constable Calcott developed the other artwork for PWDA’s Reconciliation Plan. His unique, tactile artwork tells the story of our reconciliation journey and is designed to be interactive.
PWDA encourages you to “Keep the fire burning!” and explore the NAIDOC Week events that are happening in your local area. You can find resources and national events on NAIDOC Week website. Let’s keep the fire burning together!