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First Nations cultures

State Library celebrates NAIDOC

By Sophia Sambono | 25 July 2018

NAIDOC week is a a national time of celebration and commemoration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture, once recognised as the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) it is now held over a week (and sometimes longer!). The 2018 theme for NAIDOC is 'Because of her we can!' which was an opportunity to take a moment to acknowledge the strong women who make a difference in our lives and communities.

Jasmin Herro in the reading nook

Jasmin Herro in the reading nook

Celebrating NAIDOC (and just in time for QLD school holidays!) we had Torres Strait Islander author and businesswoman Jasmin Herro in the kuril dhagun reading nook, sharing her Tetermek stories of a TSI girl's amazing adventures with some themed art and craft activities.

Sporting fun on Maiwar green

Sporting fun on Maiwar green

Drawing on the themes of our current kuril dhagun showcase, Our Sporting Greats: Murri and Ailan athletes in the spotlight, we held a sports day on Maiwar Green. Deadly rugby star Andrew Walker joined us for traditional Indigenous games with the jarjums before a packed out sausage sizzle!

Left to Right: Elliot Hearne, Andrew Walker, Harrison Hearne and Tyler Acres

Left to Right: Elliot Hearne, Andrew Walker, Harrison Hearne and Tyler Acres

 

The biggest NAIDOC celebration in Brisbane has to be the Musgrave Park Family Fun Day. This year SLQ joined up with Cultural Centre partners, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Festival and Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art to co-host a tent and put together an amazing raffle prize of goodies, including a range of books, gifts, vouchers and tickets to hot events like Yothu Yindi and Bangarra!

Aunty Roxy for storytime

Aunty Roxy for storytime

Our winner was drawn by Aunty Lesley Williams who features in Our Sporting Greats as a Cherbourg Marching Girl.

Alethea Beetson with her prize!

Alethea Beetson with her prize!

 

Thank to everyone who entered and earned a deadly medal, and all who stopped by for storytelling, dancing, art and craft and our First 5 Forever gift bags.

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