Western Sydney University ‘stands up’ for NAIDOC Week
Western Sydney University will celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of national NAIDOC Week to be held from 3 to 10 July.
In acknowledgment of this year’s powerful theme, ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’, the University invites the community to learn about the rich Indigenous history and knowledge that underpin the institution, while acknowledging more needs to be done to bring about change.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, Professor Michelle Trudgett, said Western Sydney University is proud to serve a region that is home to the largest Indigenous population in the country.
“We celebrate Indigenous people, pay tribute to the deep learning that has occurred on these lands for tens of thousands of years, and celebrate Indigenous knowledge as an integral part of our University, but we can all do more to stand up for systemic change,” said Professor Trudgett.
“NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity for everyone to connect with our valued Indigenous community and elders while reflecting on the ongoing and sustained commitment needed to support the Indigenous community.”
As part of the week, the University will host several events and activities, including the ‘Deadly Challenge’ – an annual competition that invites Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, University staff members and for the first time, local schools in the area, to submit a performance video.
The activities at Western Sydney University across NAIDOC Week are underpinned by the University’s Indigenous Strategy 2020-2025 (opens in a new window). The strategy establishes how the University will position itself as a national leader in Indigenous higher education by committing to objectives that will lead to significant positive outcomes.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
This year’s theme calls on everyone to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change. Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, Constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism.
To learn more about NAIDOC Week activities at the University and the Deadly Challenge, please visit the web page (opens in a new window).
ENDS
5 July 2022
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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