Embracing Tradition with new Kubirriwarra Art & Culture exhibition during NAIDOC Week
INDIGENOUS SHOWCASE
With the 2023 NAIDOC reconciliation Week celebrations just around the corner, Douglas Shire residents can get excited to engage with a diverse range of activities planned for the community from July 9 to July 14.
A new addition to the events of NAIDOC Week this year will be the Kubirriwarra Art & Culture Exhibition, that will put on display a range of art and artefacts of the Kubirriwarra Yalanji, the southernmost clan group of the Kuku Yalanji peoples.
With this year’s theme being ‘For Our Elders’ Newsport asked Terry O’Shane, spokesperson from the Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, for some insight on this decision, as well as the Cultural significance NAIDOC Week holds to the Douglas Shire Community.
According to Mr O'Shane, this year's theme focuses on embracing tradition and promoting dedication to the respect and recognition of Elders.
“This theme will give the youth in our area a chance to interact with Elders, while instilling a sense of tradition into current and future generations, as well as the ability to solve problems and conflict in a more traditional way,” he said.
Overall Mr O’Shane believes that NAIDOC Week brings our community together in the form of reconciliation.
He is thankful for the support from the mayor and the receptiveness of the local police in planning the week’s events.
“Everyone in the Mossman and Port Douglas area are encouraged to come along and get involved in this year’s NAIDOC Week Celebrations,” Mr O’Shane said.
“The celebrations will not only strengthen our bonds as a community but also recognise and preserve Indigenous history and culture in our area.”
The Kubirriwarra Art & Culture Exhibition will have an opening ceremony at the Port Douglas Community Hall on July 10 and will then be open daily from 10.00am to 3.00pm from July 11 to July 16. Find the full NAIDOC Week program in the Douglas Shire here.