Hundreds of NT residents march for the next generation, celebrating NAIDOC week

ABC NEWS (Australia)

First Nations territorians have spoken of their hopes for the next generation at the end of NAIDOC week, while reflecting on the challenges many still face.

Transcript

00:00The theme of this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations

00:07rang loud through the Todd Mall as hundreds of residents marched for the next generation.

00:13It's everything that I do, everything is around my kids.

00:16I've got so many looking up to me and following me

00:19and everything that I do really is encompassed by the theme this year.

00:25Celebrations included a flag raising, smoking ceremonies, wood carving and children's crafts.

00:32The way that we carry culture forward is by having young people

00:35because the thing is, you know, they have to be involved in these things.

00:39It's the 50th year of NAIDOC which celebrates and recognises the history and culture of First Nations people.

00:45But some say progress for Indigenous Australians has been slim in that time.

00:50I think we're still combating against the policies of our current governments, state and federal,

00:57on what's needed for Aboriginal people.

01:00I think that's where NAIDOC has sort of failed.

01:04But despite ongoing challenges...

01:06I don't think that whole thing with the Closing the Gap initiative anyway

01:11hasn't even been quarterly touched.

01:15You know, we take a look at the Northern Territory emergency response, the intervention,

01:18look at how damaging that was to our men.

01:21So our men barely touch their children anymore.

01:24And you take a look at our women.

01:26Our women are still struggling to hold our men and children up together.

01:30There's still something to look forward to.

01:33We were actually given the message stick for the 2026 National NAIDOC Awards

01:39to be hosted by Mbantua here in Alice Springs.

01:45Celebrating the oldest living culture in the world in the spiritual heart of Australia.

01:50and about 22 Shopinal C

02:06and a half years ago.

02:09There's a lot throughout the world,

02:10a lot of people who thought they could be doing,

02:12are still out there gettingoperators,

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