International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
Please be advised there may be images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who are no longer with us* Do Something Near You acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australian Country, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise their forever continuing connection with land, culture, sea and community. We pay our respects to both Elders past and present, extended to emerging generations.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (IDWIP) is a time to celebrate the rich, ancient culture of Indigenous Australians, as well as the other Indigenous Cultures of our world. It’s also a time to consider how each of us, individually and joined by community response, can contribute to ensuring that Indigenous Australians lead happy, healthy and enriched lives.
The current theme of the United Nations IDWIP is ‘The role of indigenous women in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge’. In many indigenous communities, women are often the primary managers of resources, protectors of traditional knowledge and customs, caretakers of biodiversity and experts in traditional medicines and healing. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, women were responsible for the domestic sector, being seen as both powerful life-givers and compassionate caretakers of life.
Australia has a remarkable indigenous culture that have lived around mainland Australia for at least 65,000 to 75,000 years. Making Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures, the oldest living indigenous peoples of our World. The Aboriginal Dreamtime stories carry forever invaluable lessons for communities and their deep understanding of land through connection is fundamental to the wellbeing of Australia’s indigenous species.
Australia must work together to ensure the wellbeing of Indigenous communities and in amplifying the Indigenous voices seeking powerful change. Please visit the website link for more information about IDWIP and ways that you can assist our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in preserving their extraordinary culture, community and connection to land.
For events and material specific to Indigenous Australia, please look at the incredible work being done by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
