C I T Y H U B SY D N E Y. C O M . AU @CityHubSydney
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NAIDOC Week celebrations sweep the city
BY JAMIE APPS
W
hile 2020 has been an unprecedented year filled with changes and upheaval some traditions will endure in the face off all adversity. One such event is NAIDOC Week, which acknowledges the history, culture, achievements and importance of our country’s Indigenous community. This year the theme for NAIDOC Week is Always Was, Always Will Be in order to recognise that First Nations peoples have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists. Their adaptation and intimate knowledge of Country enabled them to endure climate change, catastrophic droughts and rising sea levels.
NAIDOC Week 2020 invites all Australians to embrace the true history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations. NAIDOC Week asks all Australians to celebrate that we have the oldest continuing cultures on the planet and to recognise that Indigenous sovereignty was never ceded. Throughout Sydney we have a range of options afforded to us as we look to partake in NAIDOC Week. Whether that be through art, music, shopping or even film there is something for everyone. Perhaps the best way for Sydneysiders to support our Indigenous communities is financially. That doesn’t simply have to be in the form of donations though, you can get out do some shopping as you prepare for Christmas or pickup some great little pieces for yourself. The Blak Markets are a great opportunity to purchase authentic and unique gifts where you can be confident in the knowledge that 100% of the profits will go back into Aboriginal communities.
This year’s NAIDOC Week edition of The Blak Markets will be held on the Tallawoladah Lawn (outside the MCA) in The Rocks on November 14-15. The markets will play host to over 20 fantastic Indigenous visual arts and craft stalls right there in the shores of Sydney Harbour. Perhaps the greatest thing about The Blak Markets is the opportunity they provide for attendees to connect with and speak directly to the stallholders and artists themselves. Head down to The Blak Markets to pick up some authentic, original and affordable Aboriginal artworks, beauty products, jewellery and one-of-a-kind homewares. Another great shopping option is the Indigenous Collective Pop-up Store at Broadway shopping centre. This special event store will also play host to 20 different Indigenous designers offering Indigenous art, ceramics, clothing, and jewellery from all around the country. Continued on page 2