NAIDOC Week is being celebrated in Mossman this week, with a number of activities planned with the theme of Change: The Next Step is Ours.

On Monday, NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week kicked off with a flag raising ceremony outside Cairns Regional Council’s Mossman offices, with Cr Julia Leu acknowledging the Kuku Yalanji people and their elders past and present, before the cutting of the NAIDOC cake during a well-attended morning tea.

The ceremony was followed by an indigenous dance performance at Port Village Shopping Centre in Port Douglas and a precious memories photo night at Mossman’s CWA Hall.

Enjoyment was had by all on Tuesday at the Mossman Gorge Community with the Gorge Fun Day after the HAAC visit to Julatten’s Mt. Kooyong Nursing Home.

A Kuku Yalanji art display is scheduled to run Thursday and Friday at the CWA hall, where attendees can view images and hear stories from indigenous people, while multi-cultural activities were planned for classes at Mossman State Primary School this morning.

Respected Kuku Yulanji elder, Hazel Douglas, will be the focus of Ngayku Wawu (My Life) between 5.30pm and 8.30pm tonight at the Port Douglas Community Hall in Mowbray Street, with the underlying theme of Yindubuda Jurrkjin – The Next Step is Ours.

On Thursday, indigenous story telling and craft activities for kids aged 0-5 years will take place at Mossman library, Mill Street, between 10.30am and 11.30am; Mossman State High School will be participating in various activities at the school throughout the day; and a free screening of the movie Jedda will take place at Mossman Shire Hall between 6pm and 9pm with food and drinks available.

Friday will see NAIDOC Week wrap up with the “Which Way – Our Way” community street march on Friday morning from Council’s Mossman office car park. Participants are asked to assemble at 9.30am for the commencement of the march at 10am down Front Street to Bubu Kinkari (George Davis) Park.

The street parade will combine in the park with the NAIDOC Family Fun Day until 3pm, where there will be traditional dancing, live music, food, guest speakers, and community agencies and indigenous artist stalls with giveaways and crafts available for purchase.