NAIDOC Assembly

by Jonathan Hill, Old Erowal Bay, NSW

Silence descends
as the door is opened 
the Elders enter 
not one word spoken

The students stand 
as they walk down the aisle 
towards the droning yidakis 
that make them smile

We take our seats
and are welcomed to this land
in a dialect of Dhurga
by a young Koori man

The stage is cleared 
dancers fill the space 
their painted bodies 
move with grace

Speeches are given
about the importance of this day
a chance to celebrate our culture
And pave the path for a better way

We are taken outside 
the flags are raised 
we bow our heads 
for all our ancestors gave

We reflect on the heroes 
unsung and unadorned 
who carry the fire 
ensuring justice is born… [1]

Exercises

• What does NAIDOC stand for?
• What is a 'yidaki'?
• What does this poem tell you about the importance of the event to Aboriginal people?

Where to from here?

• Check out the Aboriginal calendar to learn about NAIDOC week
• Read more about Aboriginal people
• Back to Aboriginal poems

[1] 'NAIDOC Assembly', Koori Mail 481 p.23