A flag raising ceremony kicked off NAIDOC Week at the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Lands Council yesterday.
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A crowd of 20 gathered outside the Wood St office to watch Elder Steve Charles lead a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony while the Aboriginal Flag was raised to acknowledge the week-long celebration of First Nations cultures.
A lunch with tea and coffee was provided so guests could catch up before the ceremony took place.
The flag was raised by Clive and Brenda Harradine and Yvonne and Asher Parsons.
The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is ‘Heal Country’, which Lands Council board member Karen Mobourne said is about reconciling the whole country with the trauma experienced in the past.
‘‘It includes healing communities in a social and emotional way,’’ she said.
‘‘Everyone should get involved to help heal the whole country.’’
The week has also become one of significance to Mr Charles, who was born in Deniliquin and moved back in 2011.
He said his grandchildren’s interest in NAIDOC Week, as a way to show their pride in their own culture, has encouraged him to get more involved with the week.
He has been leading Welcome to Country ceremonies for the Lands Council since.
Mr Charles said everyone should get involved in NAIDOC Week so First Nations and non-Indigenous people can learn from one another.
‘‘It’s for everybody, and we’ll accept anyone who wants to celebrate with us,’’ Mr Charles said.