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RAA celebrated NAIDOC Week in true style from an Aboriginal art show, to opportunities to watch orations named after two significant Aboriginal Elders.
Held each year between 2-9 July, NAIDOC Week recognises and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At RAA, unique activities and experiences shaped opportunities for staff to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture.
An art exhibition in RAA’s Mile End Headquarters, organised by local Aboriginal-owned and operated Ochre Dawn, showcased the work of two amazing Aboriginal artists, Sam Gollan and Matthew (Matty) Moore.
“Matty and Ochre Dawn founder Rebecca Wessels also came in for a ‘lunch and learn’ session with staff on buying Aboriginal art ethically,” said RAA General Manager Community and Corporate Affairs Emily Perry.
“They shared some great tips, including verifying that the artist and their mob is mentioned, as well as buying direct from the artist if possible.”
She said Rebecca’s advice around looking for Indigenous Art Code endorsement when buying from a gallery was also important.
“It was also helpful to learn about the importance of asking questions to understand the artist’s background, the artwork’s authenticity, how the artist is paid and the commission structure.”
Other RAA NAIDOC Week activities included opportunities to watch the Lowitja O’Donoghue and Gladys Elphick orations, buying special NAIDOC-themed Vilis donuts (raising funds for RAA’s community partner, Tjindu Foundation), and some team members joining the NAIDOC March in the city.
RAA Reconciliation Action Plan Specialist Lindsay Thomas said NAIDOC Week made him feel “very proud to be part of RAA”.
“It was a great experience and great to see RAA as an organisation involved in so many activities,” he said.
RAA team members, including from patrols and shops, proudly celebrated by wearing RAA reconciliation tops throughout the week.