NAIDOC Week 2017 has kicked off in Victoria with an official flag raising ceremony at Federation Square.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins joined Victorian Aboriginal Elders, Traditional Owners and members of the Victorian NAIDOC Committee to raise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags today.

Over the course of NAIDOC Week, flags will be raised throughout Australia to celebrate the identity and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is Our Languages Matter. It emphasises the part languages play in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural identity, linking people to their land and water, as well as the expression of Indigenous history, spirituality and rites through story and song.

The Andrews Labor Government acknowledges that language and connection to culture is essential, and is working with Aboriginal Victorians towards self-determination.

The Labor Government is supporting a number of NAIDOC Week events across the state, including the Victorian NAIDOC Awards, NAIDOC LGBTIQ Dance, NAIDOC State Government Reception at Parliament and  NAIDOC Ball.

For more information, visit naidoc.org.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“We’re a proud supporter of NAIDOC Week, which celebrates Victoria’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and their ongoing contribution to our state.”

“I encourage all Victorians to take part in NAIDOC Week and learn more about the language, history and culture of Victoria’s first peoples.”