Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change this NAIDOC Week


Released 03/07/2022

Today marks the start of NAIDOC Week, an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Canberra and across our nation.

This year’s theme, Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! encourages communities to come together and champion institutional, structural, collaborative and cooperative change while celebrating those who have driven positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over generations.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government is proud of its partnerships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, including through the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028 and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a long history of activism and generous partnership. This is epitomised in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which invites all Australians to walk together in a movement for a better future,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“It is up to all of us to stand up, show up and play our part in addressing the harms of colonisation and the deep institutional racism of past policies and practices.

“This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the leaders who continue to stand up for their communities and show us all that there is a better way forward.

“There will be many opportunities for Canberrans to celebrate NAIDOC Week with events including Belconnen Arts Centre’s NAIDOC in the North, and the Community Sector NAIDOC Week Event at the Woden Town Square.”

Find out more information about NAIDOC Week events taking place across Canberra.

- Statement ends -

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases


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