Embracing NAIDOC Week: Honoring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage and Spirituality

Join us in celebrating NAIDOC Week, a significant Australian event that spans from the initial Sunday in July to the subsequent Sunday. NAIDOC, short for National Aboriginals and Islanders Day Observance Committee, commemorates the rich heritage and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To commence our observance, we invite you to reflect on the words of Uncle Rev Ron Williams as he presents a unique rendition of Psalm 23 in an Aboriginal context. We have also included The Lord’s Prayer in Yugambeh.

We proudly acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. Let us acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who have walked upon and cared for this land for thousands of years. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of the First Nations Peoples to this Country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation. In NAIDOC week, we are invited to consider an eternal theme of this land: Always Was, Always Will Be. Today, we acknowledge that these lands, waterways and seas always have been, are, and will always be lands, seas and waterways of the First Nations peoples. We commit to walking with and learning from the elders of these places.

Psalm 23 – Aboriginal Style by Uncle Rev Ron Williams 

My big fella boss up in the sky is like the father Emu.

He will always look after me and take me to green grass,

and lead me to where the water holes are

full and fresh all the time.

He leads me away from the thick scrub and helps me keep safe from the hunters, dingoes and eagles.

At night time when I am very lonely and sad,

I will not be afraid,

for my Father covers me with his feathers

like a father emu.

His spear and shield will always protect me.

My big fella boss always give me a good feed

in the middle of my enemies.

In hot times he makes me sit down in a cool shade and rest.

He gives me plenty of love and care all of my life through.

Then I will live with my big fella boss like a father emu:

that cares for his chicks in good country, full of peace and safety

For evermore and evermore. 

Lord’s Prayer in Yugambeh: