By Holly McGuinness
A NAIDOC week flag raising and traditional smoke ceremony were held at Brimbank council chambers this morning in honour of NAIDOC week.
Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Shane Charles provided the welcome to country as well as conducting the traditional smoke ceremony.
The theme of NAIDOC week this year is “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! ” which is intended to embody amplifying indigenous voices, to encourage systemic change and support indigenous people both past and present throughout the community.
After the Welcome to Country Uncle Shane conducted a traditional smoke ceremony that he said cleanses the area of unwanted spirits, protecting those in attendance so that “you don’t have any elders go home with you” said Uncle Shane.
Special guest, Elder Uncle Boots Cooper was also in attendance with his wife Aunty Joyce and spoke during the event of his connection to culture and the importance of upholding a connection to the land for Indigenous people, passing on advice and his own story.
“Look after the land like our mob did for the last thousands of years, treat the land like your own backyard.”
NAIDOC week continues to run until Sunday June 10, 2022 and there are a number of events across Brimbank Council to commemorate the week.
Events include the Blak Voices of Brimbank film premiere this Saturday, holding a spotlight on First nations voices from the Brimbank community at the Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess St, St Albans.
Details: www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/events/blak-voices-brimbank-film-screening
