NAIDOC celebrations began yesterday with an opening ceremony at Katherine Town Council.
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About 50 people gathered on the lawns to watch the raising of the flags.
Katherine NAIDOC Committee president Rodney Hoffman said NAIDOC week is important in celebrating Indigenous and Torres Straight Islander peoples and their achievements.
“This year’s theme is very appropriate, our people wouldn’t be where we are today without our women, they are the building blocks of life,” he said.
“A lot of special women make what Katherine is today and continue the fight.”
Mr Hoffman said there is still a long way to go in educating people that NAIDOC week is for all Australians.
“Today’s opening [ceremony] was our best yet in numbers and diversity of the crowd, so hopefully those messages are starting to shine,” he said.
May Rosas and her grandchildren delivered a welcome to country.
She said she feels “blessed to be a part of this multicultural town”.
As the flags were raised by three young Katherine women, Abraham Weeson and Manuel Fordham sung and played the didgeridoo.
