NAIDOC Week runs every year from the first Sunday in July, until the following Sunday. NAIDOC – National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee – brought about the creation of NAIDOC Week in 1975 to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Each year NAIDOC Week has a theme.
This year’s theme is: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.” It’s a powerful call to honour the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to look forward to a future shaped by strong, culturally grounded leaders.
At Heritage Now, we were honoured to speak with Elder Michael Green OAM, our Aboriginal Liaison Officer and a proud Kamilaori/Gomeroi man from the Kwiambal Murri Mob. With decades of experience in cultural leadership and advocacy, Michael shared moving reflections on his journey, his hopes for the next generation, and what NAIDOC Week means to him.
A Life of Strength
Michael’s work began long before reconciliation became a national conversation. In the early 1980s, he was involved in supporting the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 and helping to establish the land councils that still operate today. His dedication to housing, health, and education projects has improved outcomes for countless Aboriginal families. But for Michael, strength isn’t just about policy or recognition—it’s about empowering others, particularly young people, to find pride in their culture and step into leadership roles.
Vision for Change
Michael has witnessed a shift from tokenistic gestures to more genuine inclusion—but the journey isn’t over. He believes that the next generation holds the power to bridge divides between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
“Kids are proud now,” he said. “They want to know their culture. That wasn’t always the case.”
He emphasised the importance of truth-telling, education, and cultural connection—believing that vision is built through understanding, respect, and shared learning.
Rethinking Respect
Michael also shared a thoughtful reflection on the way Acknowledgement of Country is currently used. While he appreciates the intent behind it, he’s concerned that it’s sometimes delivered so frequently and automatically that its meaning is being lost—and in some cases, creating unintended division.
“People are starting to take offence,” he said. “It’s become automatic. We need to slow it down—make it meaningful. Otherwise, it loses its purpose.”
To Michael, genuine respect is not about repetition—it’s about relationship, listening, and action. He also reminded us that, ultimately, this is a journey we are all on together:
“This is all of our Country,” he said with a smile. “We all drink the same beer.”
Guiding the Next Generation
As we look to the future, Michael’s advice to young Aboriginal people is to step forward and embrace opportunity.
“You’ve got to get on the bus,” he said. “Otherwise, it takes a long time to catch it.”
He believes deeply in the importance of role models, employment, and strong cultural identity—and he sees hope in the energy and pride of today’s youth. He also called for young people of all backgrounds to walk together in mutual respect, breaking down the barriers that still exist.
Conclusion
Michael’s words are a reminder that legacy is not something we wait to leave behind—it’s something we build now, through respect, courage, and connection.
In NAIDOC Week, let’s honour the past, celebrate the strength of today’s Elders, and empower the next generation to continue the journey with pride and respect.