Sam Ricketts, proud Dharug man and Director of Walanga Muru, reflects on this year’s NAIDOC Week theme – ‘For Our Elders’ – ­and his mother’s own trailblazing legacy.

Every year, NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week is celebrated from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday.

NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories as well as participate in celebrations of the oldest continuous living cultures on Earth. This is not to be confused with National Reconciliation Week, the focus of which is learning about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and exploring how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘For Our Elders’. Across every generation, our Elders continue to play an important role and hold a prominent place in Indigenous communities and families. They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.

My mum is the trailblazer in our family. She knew the difference education could make in our lives. She was the first in her family to go to university, completing a teaching degree. After seeing mum’s determination and success, two of her three brothers also went on to complete university studies. My brother and I both attained university degrees and went on work in education (perhaps not surprising, with such a strong role model and advocate for education in the house). Today, Mum’s legacy continues with her eldest granddaughter currently studying at university and her younger grandchildren aspiring to higher education when they finish school.

The inspirational lives of our Elders are varied and many. Their stories and achievements will be celebrated this NAIDOC Week in many different ways. How will you celebrate For Our Elders?

Find a NAIDOC Week event near you >

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I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage you to include an Acknowledgement of Country in your email signature. An example is below:

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Macquarie University stands – the Wallumattagal clan of the Dharug Nation – whose cultures and customs have nurtured and continue to nurture this land since time immemorial. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.