This year’s NAIDOC theme is ‘Heal Country’. The theme “calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage” (NAIDOC, 2021).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and identity is inextricably connected to Country. Country, in Indigenous culture, encompasses not only land and sea, but also aspects of life like family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. First Nations peoples have been protecting country since the beginning of time. However, for years Indigenous lands, waters, sacred sites, and culture have been exploited, and desecrated.

The theme: Heal Country, calls on Australia to protect and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to ensure protection of country. For generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have been trying to increase measures to protect culture, and we are yet to see any put in place. Healing Country means bringing First Nations voices to the front of decision making, management, involvement, and empowerment.

NAIDOC (2021) is calling on everyone to embrace First Nation’s cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage. It is possible, that the increasing threats of bushfire and drought to Country has prompted this theme. Indigenous Australians have been effectively managing bushfires and droughts for generations, and yet our Country is being destroyed by the lack of protective measures and the lack of Indigenous knowledge being utilised.

Remember to take time to celebrate Indigenous culture this NAIDOC week from July 4-11 2021. Go to https://www.naidoc.org.au/ to find events near you and find our how you can get involved.