Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are resilient and NAIDOC week is the chance to celebrate this and the people behind all of the positive change and progress for first nations people in so-called Australia. This year's theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
To move beyond acknowledgement and make sure we are pushing for real change we must all continue to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! as indigenous communities have done for generations.
First Nations people's connection to country is vital to caring for this land, and we need to act on this and use our power to uplift Indigenous action and voices. We cannot have environmental justice without indigenous sovereignty.
Paying the rent and reparations is not a new concept but one that many feel is an important step to moving forward, acknowledging the past actions of this country and ensuring that first nations' people have the autonomy to govern and manage their land. Watch this documentary to find out more!
Here are some incredible Indigenous-led organisations to follow and support financially if you can:
Seed is Australia's first Indigenous youth climate network! They have mobilised young indigenous people to take action, campaigning for a just and sustainable future with strong cultures and communities, powered by renewable energy.
We are Seed Mob from Seed Mob on Vimeo.
Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous led network that aims to re-invigorate the use of cultural burning through education on fire and land management. It is an initiative for Indigenous and non- Indigenous people to look after Country, share their experiences and wisdom. This is particularly important
Common Ground is a First Nations-led not-for-profit working to shape a society that centres First Nations people by amplifying knowledge, cultures and stories. Storytelling is an important part of gaining understanding and strengthening connection.
WUURN OF KANAK is a landback initiative. They are an exercise of sovereign strength and self determination to regenerate land and waters through native plants and bush medicine gardens, create a seed library, and nurture and protect the existing ancestor trees and cultural landscapes surrounding.
IDA is an Indigenous controlled, member based organisation that plays a vital role in 'Keeping the Desert Connected' and building resilience for desert ranger programs. Desert Rangers have been standing up for Tjukurrpa for many years and have been keeping Tjukurrpa strong.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Indigenous Desert Alliance (@indigenous_desert_alliance)
ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation)
ANTaR is a national advocacy organisation dedicated specifically to the rights - and overcoming the disadvantage - of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We do this primarily through lobbying, public campaigns and advocacy. focus is on changing the attitudes and behaviours of non-Indigenous Australians so that the rights and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are respected and affirmed across all sections of society.
ALS have been fighting for the rights of Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT since 1970. They provide legal advice & representation, and advocate for justice. They are just one of the incredible organisations campaigning to close the gap, about the gaps in the system that build up barriers for indigenous people, to not be overly represented in the prison system and for women & girls free from domestic violence.
Sisters Inside is an independent community organisation based in Queensland, which advocates for the collective human rights of women and girls in prison, and their families, and provides services to address their individual needs. At Sisters Inside, they believe that no one is better than anyone else. People are neither "good" nor "bad" – our environment and life circumstances play a major role in how we behave. Improved opportunities can lead to a major transformation in criminalised women's lives!
Happy NAIDOC week 2022!