NAIDOC week, it isn’t about politics it isn’t about ideologies, its about people being themselves, feeling comfortable in their own skin.
This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

Keep the Fire Burning, Blak, Loud and Proud.

This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

"Blak, Loud and Proud" encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.

The negative
We know the incarceration rates of indigenous is 3 times that of non indigenous, the suicide rate amongst indigenous males is 2.6 that of non indigenous and 2.5 for females.

More than four in 10 (46%) people had one or more selected chronic conditions . Chronic conditions are long-term health conditions that contribute to premature mortality and morbidity. People diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions often have complex health needs, poorer quality of life and die prematurely.

The proportion of people with one or more selected chronic conditions was about the same for males (44%) and females (47%) but higher for people living in non-remote areas (48%) than in remote areas (33%).
The positive

But through it all we, including our rejection by mainstream Australia last year, indigenous Australians, are proud of our culture, we might not always show it, sometimes we are made to feel ashamed of our culture. But all in all we are proud of being black.

Question: Have you ever felt out of place in a setting, how did it make you feel? Walking into a roomful of people you don’t know doing things that make you feel uncomfortable?

There are at least 7 bibles in first nations language, this from the Walpiri bible:
Hebrews 10:23: Kuja kangalpa nyiyarlangu-puka jangku-pinyi, kula kangalpa yulyurlku-yinyi, lawa. Kujarlanya karlipa-nyanu jarnkujarnku wangkami Kaatu-kurluju, “Milya-pinyi karlipa yangka Kaaturlu kapu-ngalpa warrarda warrawarra-kanyi.” Kujarlanyarliparla pardarni nyanungukuju, kapuru nyinanja-wangu.

Hebrews 10:24 Ngula-jangkaju, yungulparlipa-nyanu jarnkujarnku manngu-nyangkarla jungarnirli. Pirrjirdi-manirlipa-nyanu yungurlipa-nyanu yulkami manu yungurlipa-nyanu ngurrjungka-jarrimi.

Hebrews 10:25 Warrardarlipa jinta-jarrimi yungurlipa-nyanu pirrjirdi-mani. Ngalipa Kirijini-patu karliparla jinta-jarrinjarla pulka-pinyi Kaatukuju. Ngalya-kari Kirijini-patu kalu jupu-karrimi, manu kalu yangarlu nyinami turnu-jarrinja-wangu. Kuja piya-wangurlipa nyinami! Nyampunya karlipa milya-pinyi kapu Jijaji pina-yanirni walya-kurra murnma-juku ngari. Kujarlanya yungurlipa warrarda jinta-jarrimi.

Here is the NIV version.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 23-25

Feeling like there’s something missing….
It’s a bit like life without God and the peace that comes with it
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40)

In this church have you ever felt like the least of these on occasions?

Look at these three montages, first ones that come up in a web search, notice what there is an isn’t? first of all, all but one was outside, participants weren’t forced to look at each other, nearly all of them were doing something beside talking.
I think therefore I am, Descartes's philosophy. He originally published it in French in his 1637 Discourse on the Method That mindset is classically Greek/ roman inspired.
Indigenous Australians define there existence by relating/ relationships! I cannot exist without connection, be it to the land , other people or a higher power, ie dreamtime stories. I relate therefore I am. The best way I can describe it is its like Christians relationship with God with the helper in the Holy Spirit, you always know he is there communing with you, you have a peace about it, when we are in community we feel the same way, do not have to be talking but just being there, not eye contact, preferably doing something.
You need to engage at a family unit level at least and an extended family level at most. The firepit will be segregated but that’s ok, don’t be upset by the lack of eye contact. We just want to be loved for who we are, not what you think we should be.