Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! is the theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week, from July 3 to 10.
Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Bigambul man Damien Saunders said the week was for people to learn about the “oldest living culture” and remember their ancestors who started the fight for Indigenous rights.
“It means we've got to get up, stand up and show up and continue the fight that our Elders and ancestors have continued,” he said.
“For a voice to be heard ... to be recognised and be part of the system.”
Damien said NAIDOC Week provided First Nations people with a voice, which helped gives them an identity.
“We get a chance to tell our story, people can hear local Indigenous people by having that interaction with them during this week. They can hear the truth,” he said.
“The non-Indigenous people can learn a lot about the Country they are on, and where they live.
“We get the good side and the bad sides, as it sort of wears you out when you bring up these stories.”
Damien said understanding Indigenous history was important so it did not “disappear”.
“If we don't all stand up, and non-Indigenous people don’t hear these stories — well, it's going to disappear.
“From day one, its always been told to me, like a bedtime story.”
Damien wants to emphasise that “it shouldn’t be one week of the year”, when First Nations people are celebrated.
“It's a living culture every day, every week — there’re more opportunities instead of waiting for NAIDOC Week.
“NAIDOC Week makes me feel proud and strong.”
To learn more about NAIDOC Week and this year’s theme, visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au/awards/current-theme