Hundreds gather in Narrogin as Indigenous culture takes centre stage

Hundreds of people gathered for Narrogin’s NAIDOC opening ceremony in an annual celebration of Indigenous culture and tradition last Tuesday at the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre. Local elder Basil Kickett said the “Always Was, Always Will Be” theme recognised that the First Nations people had occupied and cared for this country for many years before settlement. “We are spiritually and culturally connected to this country,” he said. “We are the first people, the first explorers, the first navigators, the first engineers and the first farmers.” The event was officiated by MC Gloria Kickett and included the presentation of the Narrogin NAIDOC Awards, recognising those who exemplify the values important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, provide inspirational leadership and are role models and those who demonstrated involvement in the Indigenous community. Recipients included Carol Williams, who received Elder of the Year for her leadership and advocacy in the development of a program aimed at young girls aged eight to 11 years who were identified as at risk. Chante Kickett received Artist of the Year for her artwork skills in the design of the graduating Year 12 leavers shirt, KindyLink shirts, Stephen Michael Foundation football shirt and Netball WA 2020 NAIDOC ball. Jeremy Ugle was the recipient of the Up and Coming Role Model award for his commitment to leadership and his role as an umpire in the Narrogin Junior Basketball Association. Rosie Anderson was the Sportsperson of the Year for her achievements in the Stephen Michael Foundation girls’ academy, through which she was selected to play for South Fremantle Football Club. Yidarra 10 Project received Up and Coming Role Model (accepted by Shane Malek) for the successful program aimed at young and at-risk Aboriginal repeat offenders, providing them with a sense of self-worth through self-discipline and teamwork to overcome challenges. Local Noongar resident Ross Storey also took the opportunity to share his knowledge with the young people and conducted an impromptu workshop with the didgeridoo, leading a group of kids in a dance class, teaching them the traditional dances of the kangaroo and emu. “Understanding and acceptance of NAIDOC Week is a really good thing to involve schools in because it allows kids to learn bout the history of Aboriginal people,” Mr Kickett said. “NAIDOC is a week in every year to talk about our connection to the land and reflect, share and celebrate.”