Thousands of Canberrans flocked to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies’ (AIATSIS) annual NAIDOC on the Peninsula event on a cool but sunny Sunday to start the week of NAIDOC celebrations.
The free family-friendly event was also a chance to celebrate AIATSIS’ 50th birthday with the Canberra community.
AIATSIS Principal, Russell Taylor said NAIDOC on the Peninsula is a great way to kick off NAIDOC Week and to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to the wider Canberra community.
“We are proud to host the largest NAIDOC event in the territory. The family friendly atmosphere and free activities mean the day is always well attended and this year was no exception,” Mr Taylor said.
“I would like to thank all those who came down to celebrate NAIDOC and AIATSIS’ 50th anniversary with us.”
One of the highlights of the day was the ACT Torres Strait Islanders Corporation food stall, which brought a taste of the Torres Strait to the Peninsula on a cold Canberra day.
AIATSIS Director of Community Engagement and Torres Strait Islander, John Paul Janke said the music this year was also exceptional.
“There were wonderful Performances from hip-hop trio The Last Kinection, Torres Strait Islander guitar virtuoso Chris Tamwoy and celebrated singer song-writer Troy Brady with his ten-year-old son Dean,” Mr Janke said.
“Local acts Hung Parliament, Johnny Huckle, Conversation, The Riverbank Band and dancers from the Solid Young Fellas and Sistas program show the strong talent of the local Indigenous community.
“It was fantastic to see so many Canberrans join in our celebrations and acknowledge the contribution we make locally and across Australia.”
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