Reflection and celebration: First Nations artists urge allies to ‘get into’ NAIDOC Week

“NAIDOC Week is very important for us mob. It is like Blackfella Christmas! It is a week where we get to celebrate our black excellence across many many fields,” Konstantina said.

Konstantina (Kate Constantine) is an artist and proud Gadigal woman of the Eora nation. Credit: Supplied

She said she loved NAIDOC Week as it was an opportunity for her people to be proud of who they were not only in their own communities but also outside in the mainstream.

“This year’s theme is ‘Black! Loud and Proud’ and I think there are many ways to be loud and proud. You don’t have to be the one that shouts the loudest. You can be the one that is the quietest and still be proud of who you are and where you have come from,” she said.

In his NAIDOC Week message, Power called on First Nations artists to get up, show up and showcase culture to heed the call to action voiced in this year’s theme.

Mau Power, born Patrick James Mau, is a hip hop artist from Thursday Island in the Torres Strait and is the first Australian rapper to tour from this region. Source: Supplied

“When we get the opportunity to speak about culture, speak about the history of the journey, it is very important to take that opportunity because, if you are the spokesperson today, you are educating the next generation,” Power said.

“The (NAIDOC community) and also the celebrations would not be here if it was not for those staunch, resilient elders moving the agenda forward,” he said.

Money delves into the profound meaning behind her work, exploring how joy can be both a tender, domestic space, and a radical act of resistance, particularly in the context of colonialism.

Jazz Money is a poet and artist of Wiradjuri and Irish heritage currently based on Gadigal Country in Sydney. Credit: Supplied

“I use joy as a form of thinking about the complex experience of First Nations people,” she said.

In his message, Tambo emphasised celebrating his people’s resilience.

Mitch Tambo, Gamilaroy man, didgeridoo player, traditional dancer and singer. Credit: Fernando Barraza

“(It’s the) idea of getting up, standing up and keeping the fire burning, whatever it is you know … it is about keeping our culture alive, keeping it strong, keeping community strong, celebrating community. Just coming together above all the overrepresentation in statistics and celebrate,” he said.

“Celebrate our people, celebrate our achievements, and celebrate our survival. And celebrate life.”

Allies encouraged to join in

Tambo echoed Power’s call to engage and support First Nations artists and communities adding that it was vital to break down barriers. 

“Come into our communities and see, and feel, and partake in the beauty of our culture. Feel the love of our elders and people, feel the joy of our kids and community and be immersed. And you’ll see how loving and beautiful and authentic our communities are.”