THERE’S a great line up of events in Chookland for the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC week.
This year’s theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ which acknowledges the rich history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people while looking forward to an exciting future.
In Melville, there will be a special family event at Melville Library from 10:30am-12pm on Sunday July 13.
Author Jayden Boundry will read from his book Boodja Barna: Land Creatures, which teaches kids about Aussie animals and their Noongar names in a fun way.
Boundry is a man of many talents – he’s a Noongar language teacher, cultural consultant, didgeridoo player, and a traditional dancer and storyteller with Ngalak Nidja.
Children will get to draw animals like the yongka (kangaroo), the weitj (emu) and the nyingarn (echnida), alongside talented artist Tyrown Waigana, who illustrated Boodja Barna: Land Creatures.
• A basket and earring weaving course held in Fremantle during NAIDOC Week.
The event promises to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
As part of NAIDOC week, there will be a premiere of Boodjara, a powerful documentary about how Melville restored Nyoongar place names to its public spaces.
Part of the Revelation International Film Festival, Boodjara will be screened alongside films by indigenous creatives in a segment honouring NAIDOC week at Luna Leederville on Thursday July 10.
Due to popular demand in East Fremantle, the council and Yard Property have added an extra NAIDOC kids craft session (Thursday July 10 10am-11:30am and 2pm-3:30pm at the Town Hall).
Excited children will get to make an animal inspired by one of the large water birds or creatures found along the river, contribute to the giant NAIDOC Week poster, and sample some damper.
Kids also learn about the Nyoongar words for animals, and the critters and colours of the six Nyoongar seasons found in East Freo. Materials and light refreshments supplied.
Cockburn has some cool activities during NAIDOC week including Aboriginal Riverstone Making (Tuesday July 8 11am-12pm at Spearwood Library).
Presented by Boorloo Aboriginal Cultural Experiences, attendees will learn about Noongar symbology in art and create their own design on a riverstone using paint pens.
Another fun event is Aboriginal Bush Toy Making (Saturday July 12 1pm-2pm at Success Library).
Create your own bush dolls/toys using a combination of natural materials, Noongar style.
Use sticks, banksia seed pods, leaves, material, wool, and glue guns to create your own personally -designed figure. The event is for eight year olds and over.
There’s also a Boodjar Biddi (Bush Track) walk with Cyril Yarran (Wednesday July 9 10am-11am at Yangebup Lake) and a screening of the powerful coming-of-age film Like My Brother (Tuesday July 8 5:20pm-7:30pm).
One of the highlights in Fremantle is Painting and Nyoongar storytime with Betty Garlett.
It’s a double win for parents – kids are kept busy during the school holidays and learn about their country’s heritage in a fun way.
Recommended for children ages four and over, the one-hour workshop is at the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre on Wednesday July 9 from 11am-12pm.
Other fun activities for little ones include a special NAIDOC Buster session with boomerang decorating (Aboriginal Cultural Centre Wednesday July 9 from 10.30am-12.30pm) and an interactive NAIDOC Storytime with music, dancing and craft making (Fremantle Library Thursday July 10 from 10.30am-11.30am).
Adults haven’t been left out of the NAIDOC fun and there will be a two-week basket and earring weaving course at the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Led by an experienced first nations weaver, learn how to make your own baskets and earrings from a variety of natural and dyed raffia. All materials provided.
On certain days throughout NAIDOC week, young Noongar/Maori artist Danielle Williams will be the artist in residence at the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Come in and have a chat with Williams, who grew up in the Fremantle area, while she works on her latest artwork.
NAIDOC Week is on July 6-July 13. For more details see naidoc.org.au.