NAIDOC Week celebrations kicked off in Busselton on July 5, 2021 recognising the community's First Nations' People.
This year's theme is Heal Country! calling on everyone 'to seek greater protections for lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction.'
While a flag raising ceremony at the City of Busselton was dampened by wild weather, guests were treated to a morning tea and special performance from the Wadan Warangkinyv - Ocean Singers Choir.
Choir member Pauline Vigus said they have been singing together for a couple of years and were based on a choir led by Aboriginal musicians in Perth.
"We have permission to sing their songs, we are about sharing Noongar language and enjoying each others company through singing," she said.
Wadandi Bibbulmun Elder Gloria Hill welcomed guests to Country with Undalup Association custodian Shannon Clohessy and Busselton Senior High School captain Damien Farrell.
"I am happy to be here to welcome you to Undalup, Busselton," Ms Hill said.
"This is Wadandi Country of the Saltwater People, we live by the sea."
Ms Clohessy said it was great to see so many people gathered to celebrate NAIDOC Week and shared a cultural story of Makuru one of the six Noongar seasons.
"Makuru is the fertility season, all of the animals are pairing up and keeping each other warm through the cold months ahead," she said.
"We finished the majority of our fire practices in the last season of Durian, the rains of Makuru have put out the last of the fires.
"During this season our People have moved away from the coast inland towards the rivers protecting them from the harsh winds.
"They have turned their kangaroo cloaks inside using the fur to insulate them from the cold and rubbing emu fat on the outside to make them waterproof.
"We have built our maya mayas (houses) and fire to keep us warm through the season ahead."
Mr Farrell is the first Indigenous school captain at BSHS in its 60 year history.
"NAIDOC Week is about celebrating the richness and diversity of First Nations' People, our history, culture and stories," he said.
"It is a week everybody can celebrate, learn and grow as one.'
City of Busselton deputy mayor Kelly Hick said the ceremony during NAIDOC Week was part of the city's Reconciliation Plan.
