Check out some of the NAIDOC events happening around Perth this week
Each year, from the first Sunday in July to the following Sunday in Australia is NAIDOC Week.
It is a chance for the country to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.
2024 NAIDOC Week Perth Opening Ceremony (July 7)
To kick off proceedings, the NAIDOC Week Perth Opening Ceremony will get underway at Wellington Square on Sunday from midday. There will be performances running back-to-back featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to bring in the spirit of NAIDOC Week. Alongside the performances, there will be community stalls, traditional food, an Elder’s Marquee and plenty of other attractions – Aboriginal dancers, didgeridoo players, face painting and cultural activities. For more details, head to NAIDOC Perth website.
Special NAIDOC Vic Park Markets (July 7)
The Vic Park Markets this Sunday is going to be a good one with a special NAIDOC theme. Get down there to watch award winning Noongar signer/songwriter Lilly Gogos and take a look at a new giant SandArt activation on the lawn. It all kicks off at 9.30am with a cultural dance performance.
Maar Koodjal @ Raine Square
Raine Square has teamed up with local mob to highlight the history and practice of First Nations art and culture. Called Maar Koodjal, the extensive art exhibition has already run for six weeks ahead of NAIDOC Week but will reach its peak during the next seven days until July 14. You can experience weaving workshops, fashion showcases, visual art and digital exhibitions, musical performances, storytelling sessions and a pop-up market. For more information about the exhibition, click here.
Screenings of Genocide in the Wildflower State @ Luna Leederville/SX
During NAIDOC Week at Luna Leederville, there will be 16 screenings of WA filmmaker Frank Rijavec’s documentary Genocide in the Wildflower State at Luna Palace Cinemas. The documentary will be shown at both Luna Leederville and Luna on SX from July 7-14. The film follows a violent, state-run system of eugenics, racial absorption, and social assimilation in Twentieth-Century Western Australia. Tickets range from $16 to $22, which you can book here.
Art exhibition @ Central Park
For NAIDOC Week, Central Park has partnered with the Waalitj Foundation to put on a new art exhibition focussing on healing stories. The exhibition is free and opens to the public on July 8. Aptly called Waalitj Foundation Wangening Bardip (Healing Stories), the exhibition was created by 11 First Nations artists across Western Australia. Through the artwork, the artists have expressed moving narratives within the NAIDOC communities in WA. Learn more.
Lubly Dae at The Bird (July 7)
The very popular annual NAIDOC Dance Party returns to The Bird on Sunday and it is set to be a great night once again. There will be a full local line up of household names on the decks, and some fresh talent will make their debut straight from the Deadly Decks DJ Workshops. And for those who consider themselves a good singer, there will be karaoke hour later in the evening.
Family fun day @ Maritime Museum (July 9)
On Tuesday 9 July the WA Maritime Museum is hosting a family fun day which feature a performance of Boodjar Kaatijin by the Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company. The audience will be able to join Koorlbardi (Magpie), Weitj (Emu), Nyingarn (Echidna) as they journey through Nyoongar Boodjar sharing stories of how the land was created. On top of that, there are plenty of games and craft activities on offer – you can even get creative by crafting your beaded NAIDOC colours friendship band! See more about the family fun day here.
Immersive cultural event @ Yagan Square (July 12)
For one night only, Yagan Square is hosting a free immersive cultural event showcasing stories, dance, and art of the local Noongar people, centred around their profound relationship with “karla” (fire). Called Karla Yaanginy, the show has a stellar lineup filled with local Noongar performers from Perth. BYO picnics are allowed in the amphitheatre, and there will be plenty of local street food vendors as well – more info here.
Drop-in animal totem experience
From Friday 12- Sunday 14 July families can head to RE//Perth for a drop-in animal totem experience. Children and families will be able to weave their own totem with meadow hay and wool and through techniques in a hands-on experience all while learning more about Nyoongar culture – more info here.
Queer Fundraiser Ball @ The Rechabite (July 13)
On Saturday 13 July The Rechabite will be hosting an LGBTQIA+ focussed fundraiser ball which will be spread across their entire venue. Expect First Nations DJs, performers and creatives and plenty of dancing, market stalls and plenty of professional photo ops during this glamorous event. For those of you looking to dress up, there is a $1000 cash prize up for grabs to the best dressed on the night – so go crazy. It is also a not-for-profit event, with all proceeds from ticketing to be donated to Langford Aboriginal Association, Nyoongar Outreach Services, and Camp 4 Mob. For tickets click here.
Find out more around all things NAIDOC week via naidoc.org.au.
Header Image Credit: Miles Noel Photography