DIYDG Indigenous youth leader introduces Cairns NAIDOC week 2022 program

The Cairns NAIDOC week program for 2022 is stacked with a bunch of fun and interesting events suitable for all ages, all with an emphasis on bringing people together. FIND OUT THE PLAN.

NAIDOC Week 2022 is energising unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of Australia through its theme, “get up, stand up, show up”.

The annual event has encouraged at least one local Indigenous woman to have greater courage in playing her part in representing her culture and achieving the national goal of reconciliation.

Ngawun and Yirandhali woman Nicole Caelli said she was young in her advocacy journey and she was inspired by this NAIDOC week to increase the action behind her advocacy.

“NAIDOC week is a celebration that we have in the community that invites all people to join together and celebrate,” she said.

“It unites us as one. It’s a good way for us to show non-Indigenous people what we’ve been through in our history and to share our culture and knowledge.”

The co-founder of DIYDG, or Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good, is working with the NAIDOC committee on Cairns NAIDOC week celebrations that include daily cultural activities suitable for all members of the community.

“DIYDG has become the auspicing body for the Cairns NAIDOC committee,” she said.

“Our organisation has events happening during that week along with other NAIDOC events that happen every year.”

NAIDOC week officially begins with a luncheon for elders on Saturday July 2 and is followed by a breakfast for all on Monday July 3.

The events organised by DIYDG include a “quirky” ultimate games night for youth at PCYC Edmonton, community stalls at Wuchopperen Health Service, advocacy training for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a masterclass on kup-muri, traditional earth oven cooking, and banner making for the crescendo of NAIDOC celebrations: the NAIDOC march through the city.

The march commences at Munro Martin Park at 9am on Friday July 8.

All members of the community are invited to walk through the city in a united celebration of Indigenous peoples culture.

The march will conclude at Fogarty Park where participants will be met by stalls, music and cultural dance performances.

Ms Caelli said the NAIDOC committee and DIYDG were seeking volunteers to assist with the co-ordination of activities and events.

“Anyone out there who wants to volunteer can contact the DIYDG office through our website or social media. We can find an event that suits their capabilities,” she said.

Details of the NAIDOC program are available on the Cairns NAIDOC committee’s Facebook page.

Information on the activities organised by DIYDG are available on its website.

Originally published as DIYDG Indigenous youth leader introduces Cairns NAIDOC week 2022 program