A DEADLY MILESTONE
NAIDOC Week returns, marking 50 years of celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
IMAGE TAHLIA BIGGS
ACROSS GARRAMILLA/DARWIN, a vibrant program of film, live performance, storytelling, learning and community gatherings invites audiences to connect, reflect, and celebrate.
Guided by Browns Mart’s Honorary Elder in Residence, Uncle Richard Fejo Snr, curated by Emerging Creative Producer Tahlia Biggs and Producer Balla Neba, this year’s program offers something for everyone to experience, share, and enjoy.
“NAIDOC started off as a protest, and what we’re doing with Brown’s Mart this year is inviting First Nations artists and community leaders to come in and use that space, and to share,” Biggs says.
“Dr. Uncle Richard Fejo is coming in to do a series of talks with community leaders and historians around World War II Larrakia history. He’ll be talking about Black Watch, sharing how the Stolen Generations impacted the Northern Territory, and a talk about Cyclone Tracy.”
Ever dreamed of being a model? Cassie Black hosts a modelling workshop with First Nations aspiring models. This year also sees a partnership with the National Institute for Dramatic Art (NIDA), offering a development course for young First Nations people to learn about production in the arts.
Brown’s Mart displays every poster NAIDOC has created for each year.
“That was a collaboration with Larrakia Nation to showcase the history of NAIDOC. I think that’s really important work that showcases that a lot of community, connection, healing and initiatives come from when Mob come together”, says Biggs.
“A lot of strengths-based work can happen from the arts and we’re the world’s oldest storytellers.”
Celebrate black excellence and black stories over eight jam-packed days, and be sure to check out Deadly Funny as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival heads north to find the most hilarious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers in the NT.
NAIDOC Week | 50 Years of Deadly
WHEN SUN 5 – SUN 12 JUL
AT BROWN'S MART
COST FREE
INFO brownsmart.com.au
