8 July 2009

Free movie at ANU during NAIDOC Week

| johnboy
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NAIDOC Week is a subject I’ve been trying to avoid for fear of coming across as an arsehole.

But given that I probably am one anyway, and it’s a certainty someone is going to call me one today (more likely several people) no matter what I do, I may as well embrace it.

Firstly what the hell is a NAIDOC when it’s at home? Because it’s NAIDOC week the media is all a twitter with indigenous issues, but what’s the root cause of the commemoration? Well NAIDOC stands for “National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee”.

So we’re having a week to celebrate a committee established to observe a day.

Which goes some way to explain why I struggle to muster any interest in the events. If the whole thing stood for anything at all maybe I could be bothered even having an opinion about it.

For the non-arseholes Jon Stanhope is pleased to be a part of it. And you can read all about it on the NAIDOC website.

But something my simple mind can get around is that ANU have announced they’re showing a free movie, Yolngu Boy, on Friday at 8pm in the Coombs theatre.

For those with an interest there is a 23 page program of NAIDOC events in Canberra alone.

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FREE screening of Samson and Delilah at the National Gallery of Australia at 6 pm Thursday 9 July – part of the NGA’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. Be early! (no bookings)

Woody Mann-Caruso6:04 pm 08 Jul 09

I’m with JB. It’s a stupid name.

non-Aboriginal people

Stop defining people by what they aren’t.

swamiOFswank5:39 pm 08 Jul 09

Bugger. I missed the traditional cultural experience of NAIDOC bingo.

barking toad4:41 pm 08 Jul 09

I tend towards JB’s view on this.

When’s DOICDOC week?

Pelican Lini3:44 pm 08 Jul 09

“So we’re having a week to celebrate a committee established to observe a day.

“Which goes some way to explain why I struggle to muster any interest in the events. If the whole thing stood for anything at all maybe I could be bothered even having an opinion about it.”

Even the most rudimentary search of the internet would provide plenty of information about NAIDOC and its history.
It has evolved from marking the beginnings of modern-day Aboriginal political activism in the 1920’s and 1930’s to an opportunity for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to learn a bit more about each other.
Fancy that, a whole week aimed at securing positive media on Aboriginal culture as opposed to the usual black bashing and denigration.
I am frankly astounded at the tone of your posting, which is ignorant, patronising and begrudging about a very significant part of our nation’s history and community.
I know you’ve had a bad week so far but on the strength of this posting alone, you’re right … boy are you an arsehole.

The NAIDOC day event at the National Museum on Sat 10-3.00 is supposed to be good value for families. Stalls, craft and music.

http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/news/events/naidoc_on_the_peninsula_2009/

NAIDOC week is great for focusing attention on indigenous Australian culture. Much better than the conflict-based media that indigenous issues usually get. Thanks for the reminder that this is on.

We’ve been to the National Museum events in past years, best day out if you have small children. My kids particularly liked the dancing.

The NAIDOC day event at the National Museum on Sat 10-3.00 is supposed to be good value for families. Stalls, craft and music.

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