NAIDOC Week at the RCH (1–8 July 2012)

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2012 is Spirit of the Tent Embassy: 40 years on.

Inspired by the National Gallery of Victoria’s Bunjil’s Nest project, the Education Institute started building our own Bunjil’s Nest sculpture during Education Week in May and the nest will be completed during NAIDOC Week. In the lead up to NAIDOC Week, RCH patients have been exploring pre settlement Kulin people and society and developing understandings of Koori cultural practices.

During NAIDOC Week, patients and families will have the opportunity to learn more about the famous Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. Established in 1972, the embassy became a powerful symbol of unity. Its founders instilled pride, advanced equality and educated the country on the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

What’s on?

Monday 2 – Friday 6 July

12.00pm–2.00pm

NAIDOC Week on Main Street

RCH Education Institute teachers will lead activities on Main Street from 12.00pm–2.00pm daily, including a collaborative dot painting, Aboriginal storytelling with symbols, and an exhibition of the Bunjil’s Nest sculpture and related artefacts.

Bunjil’s Nest on Main Street in the RCH