Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney in the Tiwi Island last week: NAIDOC Week 2024 is the first since the defeat of the Voice referendum. Photo: Linda Burney.
The APS is currently embracing National NAIDOC Week.
Parks and near vicinities of government buildings are hosting smoking ceremonies, welcomes to country, and custodial land recognitions (attended by the secretaries even) to foster a greater awareness of NAIDOC’s theme.
And this year’s theme is quite a powerful one – Keep The Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.
The spelling of ‘Blak’ is interesting in itself, with artistic origins in 1994 and deliberate efforts to reclaim the word ‘black’ to redefine it from derogatory labels placed on it by some non-Indigenous people.
Since that time, Blak has evolved to more broadly indicate the active engagement and political consciousness of Indigenous Australians.
It is a bold statement.
So, too, is the use of the term Keep the Fire Burning.
For some Canberrans, across all cultures, the term might conjure images of the sovereignty fire burning at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on the lawns across the road from Old Parliament House.
The official NAIDOC Week website states: “This year’s theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.
“The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced.
“It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.
“Blak, Loud and Proud encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world.
“This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.
“Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.”
These words are as direct as they are elegant – and it is encouraging to see the public service not just getting on board but leading by example.
The APS is at the forefront of initiatives designed to advance the empowerment of First Nations people.
Far more than the private sector, the public sector includes Indigenous Australians – both with its promotion of executives and its eagerness to share First Nations’ stories.
Following the brutal and divisive journey of last year and the Voice referendum, it is good to see that the APS’s First Nations embrace has not waned. Quite the contrary, in fact.
The SES100 recruitment initiative is all about increasing the representation of First Nations Senior Executive Service leaders in the APS from 54 to 100 by mid-2025.
The latest update shows the representation has so far increased to 68.
There is also a commitment to grow First Nations employment across the APS to 5 per cent by 2030.
New programs are being designed and implemented to address barriers to First Nations recruitment, retention and advancement within the APS.
Talent development pipelines to better support emerging First Nations talent at the EL2 and SES Band 1 levels are also being designed.
While there is still much more progress to be made (not to mention the woeful tracking of Closing the Gap targets), the work that is being done in these areas suggests the smoking ceremonies might not just be symbolic for the APS.
The National NAIDOC Week Awards were held last Saturday (in Adelaide) and with a 2000-strong crowd, it was the first major gathering of First Nations people since the referendum’s defeat.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney’s comments to the audience perhaps defined this year’s NAIDOC theme of Blak, Loud and Proud, even in light of that defeat.
“I think us coming together tonight in such huge numbers is really important to build our spirits and build our joy and our belief in just how incredible our people are,” Ms Burney said.
Happy NAIDOC Week, everyone.
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