CDU celebrates NAIDOC Week across the Territory

Charles Darwin University (CDU) staff and students will join in with the nation to celebrate NAIDOC Week and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations people across the Territory.

At CDU a total of 4,567 First Nations students studied across higher education and VET at the University in 2021, an increase of 594 First Nations students compared to last financial year.

NAIDOC Week which runs from July 3-10, is an opportunity for all Australians to participate in events held across the country and learn about and recognise First Nations cultures and histories.

This year’s theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! It aims at encouraging all of us to be champions of change as well as celebrating those in First Nations communities over the generations. 

CDU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of First Nations Leadership, Professor Reuben Bolt said NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity for First Nations voices to be heard and encourages change. 

 “At CDU, we are working hard to ensure that the work we do makes a difference in First Nations communities, especially in the NT,” Professor Bolt said. 

 “We are excited at the number of NAIDOC Week events across the Territory, and how they continue to play a critical role in the celebration of First Nations' culture and identity."

Throughout the week CDU staff and students will be encouraged to participate in a range of NAIDOC Week events taking place across the Territory. 

CDU’s Northern Institute will host a First Nations Sovereignty and Diplomacy Research Seminar on July 5, which will discuss the First Nations sovereignty and diplomacy program and self-determination and local decision making.

CDU Lecturer and researcher in Indigenous Knowledges Yasunori Hayashi and Joy Bulkanhawuy, CDU Lecturer in Aboriginal Studies and Yolŋu Elder will speak at the event along with CDU Aboriginal Futures Lecturer and Yolŋu Elder Brenda Muthamuluwuy and Yolŋu Elder Ian Mongunu Gumbula.  

The Northern Institute will hold a seminar presented by Professor Elizabeth Spencer on July 8. Professor Spencer will discuss the NT legislation that is going to unban alcohol in previously alcohol-protected communities in the Territory, the call for community consultation to transition the process, and the corporate social responsibility of the private sector.  

A lunch for CDU staff will be held at the Casuarina campus in celebration of NAIDOC Week on July 6 at the Darriba Narri Centre from 12pm. 

CDU's Alice Springs campus will hold a NAIDOC morning tea for CDU staff and students at the campus library on July 6 from 10am.

First Nations books, bush foods, bush medicine, coolamons, clapsticks and mini shells with First Nations designs will be showcased in CDU’s Alice Springs campus library. 

Further university NAIDOC Week activities across the Territory will be announced soon and are being planned for when students return to campus.