Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Fun Day to mark NAIDOC Week

A family fun day will be held at St Columban’s College in Caboolture as part of NAIDOC Week Celebrations (2-9 July 2017).

The 2017 NAIDOC theme – Our Languages Matter – aims to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role that Indigenous languages play in both 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.

The event, to be held from 10am-2pm on Tuesday 4 July, will feature a Welcome to Country, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancing, art and cultural workshops, traditional games, language and storytelling. AFL Queensland will also host a sports clinic and various community organisations and government departments will hold health promotional stalls.

Metro North Hospital and Health Service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit Director Paul Drahm said NAIDOC Week was an important time of the year to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.

“NAIDOC Week provides an important opportunity for our staff, community members, local elders, patients and visitors to all come together to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society,” Mr Drahm said.

“There really is something for everyone at our family fun day and I encourage our staff, patients and local communities to come together as one to celebrate our unique and diverse Indigenous culture in Queensland.”

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit will also be proudly supporting two community events – Kilcoy NAIDOC Celebration on Sunday 2 July at Yowie Park and the Northside NAIDOC Event held on Koobara Kindergarten grounds in Zillmere on Thursday 6 July.For further information on these NAIDOC Week events contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit on (07) 3139 3231 or email A_TSIHU_MNHHS@health.qld.gov.au