Published on 29 June 2021

Five ways to get involved with NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week—the annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—is almost upon us, and there are a range of events happening in Onkaparinga.

While official celebrations take place from 4-11 July, a NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day will take place at Christies Beach on Wednesday 30 June for those who are keen to get involved early.

This year’s NAIDOC theme is Heal Country!, calling for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.

Check out the list of events below and come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.

1. Join the NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day

Enjoy a free barbecue, live entertainment and free activities for the kids with a NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day at Beach Road, Christies Beach.

March participants are encouraged to meet at 10am at the Market Grounds (near Coles), with the march commencing at 10:30am and concluding at 11am at Rotary Park, where the festivities will continue until 2pm.

The event is supported by Neporendi Aboriginal Forum and City of Onkaparinga.

2. Come to the NAIDOC Week Mayor’s Reception

Senior Cultural Custodian Karl Winda Telfer is curating this year’s free NAIDOC Mayor’s Reception, which will be held at Noarlunga’s Hopgood Theatre, Ramsay Place on Wednesday 7 July (10am–12pm).

A panel discussion will be held to align with this year’s powerful NAIDOC theme, with Traditional Owners and First Nations community leaders discussing how to “Heal Country!”

A Kaurna clay artwork will be on display, completing its journey from last year’s NAIDOC Mayor’s Reception, and there’ll be performances from dance group, Yellaka, and musician, Kahl Wallis, followed by a community barbecue.

Register for free online via Eventbrite.

3. Take the kids to a NAIDOC Week Children’s Art Workshop

A special NAIDOC Week Children’s Art Workshop is being held for 8-15 year olds at Aldinga Library on Wednesday 7 July (10am–12pm) with local Aboriginal artist and Kokatha woman, Micky Barlow.

For $15, children can create their own lino prints and dot paintings to take home and listen to Micky as she teaches them more about some beautiful Aboriginal artefacts.

Purchase your ticket via the Eventbrite link on council’s website.

4. Watch a free author talk with viral TikTok sensation, Nathan Lyons

Season two of award-winning First Nations virtual author talk series, Southern Deadly Yarns, is in full swing, and on Monday 5 July (7–8pm) viral TikTok sensation Nathan Lyons will discuss his book, Kooking with a Koori.

The Sydney dad regularly feeds his family of eight for just $8, and his #MadFeedz videos have attracted more than 97,000 followers.

Join him for free as he discusses his book, which is a collection of his best recipes and more Indigenous Australian soul foods that won’t break the bank, getting Aussies back into the kitchen to cook instead of grabbing fast food.

Register for free online via Eventbrite.

Southern Deadly Yarns is presented by Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc. and Onkaparinga Libraries.

5. Get an introduction to the Kaurna language [SOLD OUT]

Join Jack Buckskin in a two-hour workshop to learn more about the Kaurna language at Woodcroft Library on Tuesday 6 July (6–8pm).

Participants will learn about the history of the Kaurna language and heritage, and how to pronounce basic Kaurna words and simple phrases.

Cost is $10 and bookings are essential [tickets are now sold out].

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