Hundreds of residents attended the official launch of NAIDOC Week at the Gosnells Civic Centre earlier this week.
Launched by the City of Gosnells and the Langford Aboriginal Association the weeklong celebrations began with an official flag raising ceremony on July 3.
This year’s theme Our Language Matters aimed to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role, which indigenous languages play in cultural identity, linking people to their land and water and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites, through story and song.
National NAIDOC Committee co-chair Anne Martin said languages were the breath of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the theme would raise awareness of the status and importance of indigenous languages across the country.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait languages are not just a means of communication, they express knowledge about everything,” she said.
“This includes law, geography, history, family and human relationships, philosophy, religion, anatomy, childcare, health, caring for country, astronomy, biology and food.”
The city celebrated the launch with cultural performances, live music and traditional food.
City of Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said it was an opportunity for everyone to learn, reflect and acknowledge the unique contribution of the Indigenous people of Australia.
The event was also attended by Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh, Member for Thornlie Chris Tallentire and Member for Jandakot Yaz Mubarakai.
Mr Mubarakai said it was his first NAIDOC Week celebration as an MP.
“It was a wonderful experience,” he said.
“It was nice to see the traditional dancing which incorporated the girls as well and to hear about the Indigenous community talking about being close knit and caring towards one another.”
