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5 deadly ways to celebrate NAIDOC Week in our region (3-10 July)

5 deadly ways to celebrate NAIDOC Week in our region (3-10 July)

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. This Year’s NAIDOC Week theme is “Get up! Stand up!” which calls for everyone to keep rallying for systemic change and collaborative and cooperative reforms. 

We’ve compiled a list of deadly NAIDOC Week events happening around the region that you can share with your children and families to build their knowledge of history, culture and allyship.

1. An immersive experience at our national museum.

What: Connection: Songlines from Australia’s First Peoples. Connection is an immersive journey through Indigenous art and culture in Connection. It’s a breathtaking new digital experience in its world premiere at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. Connection comes from Grande Experiences, the creators and producers of the most visited multi-sensory exhibition in the world, Van Gogh Alive.
When: From now until 9 October 2022.
Where: National Museum of Australia
Cost: On weekends, public holidays and ACT school holidays – $35 adult, $28 concession, $17.50 child (5–16 years), $87.50 family (2 adults and 2 children), $24.50 Museum Friend, Exhibition members free.

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2. Adam Goodes’ Welcome to Our Country.

What: Storytime: Ceremony – Welcome to our Country by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing. Celebrate NAIDOC Week with a reading of Ceremony: Welcome to Our Country written by former AFL player and Brownlow Medal winner Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing. The reading will be followed by some colourful and playful activities.
When: Wednesday 6 July 2022 (10:30am – 12pm or 1:30pm – 3pm)
Where: National Portrait Gallery
Cost: $7 child
Bookings essential: http://www.portrait.gov.au/calendar/story-time-july2022

3. Megafauna After Dark.

What: Explore the Botanic Gardens by night and discover MEGAfauna illuminated after dark. Be enchanted by a local Gurulidj (Bunyip) story and song by First Nations storyteller Tyronne Bell. A rare opportunity to see the Gardens and meet the megafauna at night.
When: Thursday 7, Friday 8 & Saturday 9 July (5.30 pm–8.30 pm)
Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens
Cost: Adult $32; Child (4–14 years) $30; Family (2 adult + 2 child) $120.
Bookings: http://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/megafauna-afterdark-tickets-339665256927

4. Paint your own boomerang. 

What: Join Dreamtime Connections to paint your own wooden boomerang. Learn about traditional Indigenous symbols along with their meaning and create your own story through art.
When: Friday 8 July 10am-1pm.
Where: Coolamon Court, Weston Creek, near Aldi
Cost: Free

5. Wiradjuri Storytime.

What: Join Larry Brandy as he brings his award-nominated book Wiradjuri Country to life during NAIDOC Week. Larry Brandy is a Wiradjuri man who is passionate about his culture. Larry often shares his culture in Queanbeyan schools, pre-schools and education settings. He lives in Canberra and performs his storytelling across Australia. Larry involves the children in his performance ‘as they become kangaroos, emus and hunters as they learn about traditional Wiradjuri culture.’ Larry will also teach some words in Wiradjuri. This session will also include cultural craft.
When and where:
Friday 8 July at 10.30am – Gungahlin Library
Saturday 9 July at 10.30am – Belconnen Library
Friday 15 July at 10.30am – Woden Library
Cost: Free

About the Author: Holly Winchester

Part Jennifer Coolidge, part Jennifer Garner (gaudy and geeky), Holly idolises Dolly Parton and Princess Di and loves NRL. When she's not creating killer content, you’ll find Holly at the Maccas drive thru getting her chai latte fix or buying 1990s memorabilia for the walls of her Googong home. Specialist subject: the Woolies carpark.