Territorians gather at NT’s biggest NAIDOC Week march 2023
More than a thousand Territorians showed up to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, pay respects to the Territory’s Elders, and show their support for the community.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Mparntwe Traditional Owner Margaret Furber embodies the spirit of NAIDOC every day when she passes on the stories and customs of a culture that is more than 65,000 years old.
The 2023 theme - For Our Elders - is a message Ms Furber holds near and dear as she uses her aged experience to connect with the younger generation of First Nations Territorians.
Ms Furber said the theme – For Our Elders – held a special meaning for her.
“I’ve got three grandsons and I talk to them all the time about listening to the Elders and what they’re telling, the stories about what it means to be Aboriginal and have that knowledge and experience telling them where they come from, where they’re going, and what’s ahead for them in the future,” she said.
“As Traditional Owners from Alice Springs, they’ve got to learn that as well and they can carry that on as well.”
Ms Furber said one of her grandson’s other grandmothers was a Larrakia Traditional Owner and he was also able to learn from her traditions.
Gloriana Luta said she was marching to acknowledge her Country.
”(NAIDOC) means to celebrate Torres Strait and Aboriginal culture and just sharing our culture with non-Indigenous people,” Ms Luta said.
“It means to support our Elders and just listen to them when they’re in Yarning Circle.”
Larrakia man Damian Williams said he was marching to show respect for his Elders.
“I was growing up with my grandmother until I was 16,” he said.
“This year is for the Elders – acknowledging the old people and respect for them.”
Other Territorians gathered at the march to show their support for the Indigenous Voice to parliament.
Jon Harris said he was marching because he believed in the “yes vote”.
“I believe that we need to do something to help Aboriginal people – especially remote – to live their lifestyle, their health, their everything,” he said.
“I’ve marched every year, but this one has sort of got a special cause.”
With Larrakia Elders at the head of the parade, more than 1000 people proudly raised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and handmade signs high as they marched from the lawns of Parliament House.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Selena Uibo said this year’s march “felt electric”.
“That is because we’ve reached such a historic time in Australia’s journey with Australians being asked to embrace the idea of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament later this year,” she said.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said NAIDOC was an important opportunity to acknowledge the rich history, diverse culture, and wide-ranging achievements of First nations people.
“This year’s theme celebrates the important role Elders play in our community,” she said.
“NAIDOC week is significant for Aboriginal Territorians and the Territory. A time to share stories and be together.
“The Territory Labor Government supports an Indigenous Voice to parliament. The Voice is a once in a generation opportunity to build lasting change and enable better quality law and policy, moulded with the voices of those most impacted by it.”
SEE THE PHOTOS
More Coverage
Originally published as Territorians gather at NT’s biggest NAIDOC Week march 2023
Join the conversation
Long time chief executive steps down from sporting body
A long-term sporting body’s chief executive has stepped down after more than eight years in the role growing the game he loves. Find out what happened.
Read more
Irishman accused of NT road trip with alleged drug lord
An Irishman remains on remand after he was arrested for a more than 4000km road trip, which AFP alleges had a sinister motive behind it. Read the latest.
Read more