By Robert Hiini
NAIDOC week is about taking stock of Indigenous successes and working towards a brighter future, an Aboriginal elder told Mass-goers at the Redemptorist Monastery on Sunday, 3 July.
Nyoongar elder and Order of Australia recipient Robert Isaacs said that, in contrast to mostly negative media attention, Indigenous peoples have notched up many success stories in the past 10 years.
He noted the existence of around 130 Indigenous doctors, surgeons and medical academics; more than 100 lawyers, barristers and magistrates; and the presence of Indigenous people in senior positions in the public service.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia are making positive changes for a better future for themselves and their families,” Mr Isaacs said.
“We want to go forward with NAIDOC being a major culture festival in Perth that is celebrated by everyone and which showcases Aboriginal and Torres Striat Islander people.”
NAIDOC, standing for National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Observance Committee, was first formed in 1957, Mr Isaacs said. Its roots can be traced back to Aboriginal activism in the 1920s and protest on Australia Day over the treatment of Aboriginal people.
The Redemptorist Monastery Social Justice Group were pleased that Mr Isaacs was able to address Mass-goers. “This is the third successive year that Mr Isaacs has honoured us with his presence, sharing with us his knowledge and wisdom of Aboriginal history and culture, and his passion for reconciliation amongst all Australians,” the group said.