NAIDOC 2017: Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
On July 6 2017, staff at The George Institute, Australia, celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at its annual NAIDOC celebrations. Celebrations included a performance by the Minning Minni Kaiwarrine Dance Company, a bush tucker luncheon and art exhibit by Aboriginal artist, Chris Moore.
The event was organised by TGI’s NAIDOC Celebration Committee and chaired by Julieann Coombes, project officer in the Injury Division at TGI Australia. Ms Coombes called the event a wonderful display of Aboriginal culture and recognition.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is a major focus area for The George Institute, so it is really encouraging to see how interested people are in our culture.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture is what makes Australia different to the rest of the world, so I always jump at the chance to share it with the rest of the community”
Dr Kate Hunter, Senior Research Fellow in the Injury Division at TGI, spoke on the day and drew from this year’s NAIDOC theme, “Our languages matter”.
“Our challenge is to continually apply the core message of “Our Languages matter” to our work – that we remember that health is holistic and all encompassing, as only then will there be understanding of “lived realities” and our work more likely to be impactful. I look forward to the future.
“Our work is guided by strong Aboriginal voices in research leadership. I think of the committed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff here at The George who are applying Indigenous Methodologies in their work and casting an equity eye over care delivered and care received. I think of the incredible generosity of so many communities, individuals and organisations with whom we have partnered in our work.
“We have a strong body of work exploring health, health care and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Steering Committees, Reference Groups, Advisory Committees comprising of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders and representatives of community controlled organisations, policy makers, who collectively provide the necessary guidance for the projects”
The event closed with a raffle draw which raised $465 for Jarjum College in Redfern.
