Echoing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council’s theme, ‘Sent forth in strength and hope,’ the week emphasises unity and reconciliation through mutual respect and deep listening to First Nations peoples.

Humans have known the therapeutic value of reconnecting with nature and the earth for thousands and thousands of years, writes Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, as he reflects on the celebrations of National Aboriginal and Islanders Day held on Sunday 1 August 2021.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme Heal Country was reflected in the Archdiocese annual NAIDOC Mass held at Saint Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 1 August. The 11am Mass attended by hundreds was a way to gather in prayer with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, bound by the gift of our common faith. By Amanda Murthy.

NAIDOC Week is this year themed “Heal Country!”, which calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites, and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. Aboriginal Sunday Mass will be held at Embleton Parish at 11am on 12 July.

Students at Padbury Catholic Primary School have this term been immersed in integrated learning, driven by the central idea of exploring the cultures and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culminating in a whole-school Exhibition, Djooroobidiny.