The VCI joined children and families at the Meerilinga Children and Community Services grounds, to celebrate NAIDOC Week (6 to 13 July). The event held on 1 July themed, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, and Legacy’ was filled with laughter, music, and colourful displays. There were over 200 attendees and 13 stalls with activities for that kept the children busy.
Attendees watched a beautiful smoking ceremony performed by Mr. William Ponton and enjoyed performances of Noongar songs led by Tamara from Yalkarang Consulting including the popular ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes’ tune.
Meerilinga Advisor Cultural and Community Engagement Mihi Betham said the event is another opportunity for reflection, by providing attendees, particularly children, with activities about Nation’s history and cultural heritage, exploring language and customs in a fun, meaningful way.
“Our focus this year is the rights of the child and embedding culture throughout our organisation, to ensure all cultures are recognised, celebrated and acknowledged.”
The children had the opportunity to ‘speak their minds’ by making art with Cahoots and sharing their ideas on how to make the community better through the City of Swan’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
“NAIDOC celebration is a great opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community. Our City of Swan has evolved so much in the past few years and it’s all thanks to the contributions of each one of you.” Tanya Richardson, Mayor, City of Swan.
The event showed how strong and proud Aboriginal culture is, and everyone was happy to celebrate together. The Midvale Hub Parenting Service and SJOG Midland Aboriginal Maternity program Moort Boodjari also shared how they help families and pregnant women stay healthy and happy, with special programs just for kids and parents.
It is so important for all governments to ‘meet children’s basic needs and help them reach their full potential,’ (UN Convention on the Rights of the Child). Acknowledging the contributions of our First Nations brothers and sisters and empowering the younger generation, is one way to elevate our children and value them.
