Fun for all ages at NAIDOC in City

From hip hop workshops to weaving sessions and earth oven treats, there’s ways for everyone to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the heart of Sydney this July.

The annual NAIDOC in the City event features music, food and art in Hyde Park on Saturday 13 July and is sponsored by the City of Sydney.

People of all ages can enjoy live performances by Indigenous artists, join in the dance circle, taste treats from the earth oven or visit the marketplace for local art, craft and produce.

Active kids will enjoy traditional and hip hop dance workshops and sports including Indigenous games, basketball, netball and hockey. More crafty kids can take part in face painting, paperbark canoe making, weaving and visual art sessions.

Kids can meet and learn about Australian animals and learn songs and dances from local cultural educators.

“We recognise the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as custodians who have nurtured this land for tens of thousands of years and have an indelible connection to country,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

“NAIDOC in the City is a wonderful opportunity to experience the richness of the world’s oldest living cultures in an exciting and engaging way.”

NAIDOC stands for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. Its origins go back to the emergence of campaigning Aboriginal groups in the 1920s, who sought to increase awareness of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians in the wider community.

This year’s national NAIDOC Week theme ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future’ reflects the three key elements set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

“Our local area is home to many important individual and community voices, striving for improved health, housing, education and legal outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This year’s theme reminds us that acknowledging our shared past helps us lay the groundwork for a future that embraces all Australians.

“It’s so important that we teach kids about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as well as listen to what young people want for Australia in years to come. We hope to see you and your family there.”

A detailed program will be available closer to the event at whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/naidoc-in-the-city

NAIDOC in the City is produced by 33creative.com.au

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