The power of language, how it connects and shapes us as a community and nation, was at the centre of talks that opened NAIDOC Week in Port Stephens.
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Andrew Smith, chief executive officer of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, spoke passionately about language, this year's NAIDOC theme, during the launch in Raymond Terrace on Monday.
“It's interesting how instinctively we can feel a sense of connection to a stranger that we hear speaking in an Australian accent when we're out there amongst those foreign landscapes in other countries,” Mr Smith said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people identify strongly with a traditional language.
“The clan we identify with either is or forms part of a language group and in most cases the clan name is the language name.
“The language of this land is Gadjang and it connects Aboriginal people right along the east coast to as far as Gosford and Coffs Harbour and right inland to the Upper Hunter Valley.
“Language is the strongest medium of passing down knowledge throughout each generation. It is integral in affirming and maintaining well being, self esteem and a strong sense of your identity.
“There is strong evidence that language supports positive associations with health and education that leads to positive outcomes for employments for our people, as well as an overall general well being.”
Mr Smith further spoke about the importance for all to recognise the hundreds of unique languages that have been spoken in Australia for tens of thousands of years.
It is believed some 250 distinct indigenous language groups were spoken before European settlement in Australia in the late 18th century.
Today only around 120 of those languages are still spoken and many are at risk of being lost.
Anne Martin, the national NAIDOC committee co-chairperson, said languages are the breath of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait languages are not just a means of communication, they express knowledge about everything: law, geography, history, family and human relationships, philosophy, religion, anatomy, childcare, health, caring for country, astronomy, biology and food,” she said.
“Each language is associated with an area of land and has a deep spiritual significance and it is through their own languages, that Indigenous nations maintain their connection with their ancestors, land and law.”
NAIDOC Week started on July 2 and will run until July 9.
The week of NAIDOC activities in Port Stephens began with a march through Raymond Terrace on Monday followed by a morning tea, smoking and flag raising ceremony at the Port Stephens Council administration building.
A number of activities that the community can get involved in will run throughout the week, including storytime and film screenings at the Port's two libraries and a family fun day at Murrook Cultural Centre on Friday.
A friendly football competition will be held between the Worimi community, Port Stephens Council, RAAF, police and emergency services at Lakeside Oval in Raymond Terrace on Thursday.
“This week is an opportunity to understand the importance of language and the sharing of Aboriginal history and spirituality as well as the connection that language can bring both to the land and to one another,” Port Stephens deputy mayor Chris Doohan said.
“This NAIDOC Week I encourage everyone to participate in celebrations of history, culture and language.”
Port Stephens NAIDOC Week schedule at a glance:
Monday, July 3
Raymond Terrace March and Flag Raising
8.30am: Gather at Raymond Terrace Cenotaph (cnr Port Stephens St and Jacaranda Av)
9.00am: March via Hunter, William & Sturgeon Street to Port Stephens Council
10am: Flag Raising and speeches - Port Stephens Council Forecourt (116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace)
10.15am: Free morning tea
Tuesday, July 4
NAIDOC Storytime
10.30am-11.15am: Tomaree Library - suitable for ages 2 and above, cost $1.40 per child.
Wednesday, July 5
Nelson Bay March and Community BBQ
9am: Gather Nelson Bay Bowling Club car park (cnr Dowling and Stockton Street)
9.30am: March to Apex Park via Stockton Street
10am: Laying of wreath and free BBQ at Apex Park, Nelson Bay
Free Family Movie Afternoon
2.30pm-3.30pm: Black Screen: a selection of short indigenous films (PG and G rated) at Raymond Terrace Library.
Thursday, July 6
Touch Football Tournament
8am-3.30pm: Friendly competition between Worimi Community, Port Stephens Council, RAAF and NSW Police/Emergency Services at Lakeside Oval, Raymond Terrace
NAIDOC Storytime
10.30am-11.15am: Raymond Terrace Library, suitable for ages 2 and above, cost $1.40 per child.
Free Family Movie Night
5pm-6.30pm: Bran Nue Dae (PG), Tomaree Library, Free.
Friday, July 7
Family Fun Day
10am-2pm: Murrook Cultural Centre, Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
