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The Geraldton Guardian

Camera IconGeraldton has enjoyed an action-packed NAIDOC Week, showcasing Indigenous culture, history, stories and knowledge. Activities included community cook-ups, tree-planting days, portrait painting and open days. Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service chief executive Deborah Woods said this year’s theme of Heal Country resonated with her. “Out of all the themes, I think this one really has a deep impact on me,” she said. “Our people use our country to do a lot of things — for healing, connecting us to our ancestors, connecting us to who we are and what we do, and showing the importance of maintaining culture.”Ms Woods said for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the idea of self-care extended to looking after the environment.“When you go through something like the world is going through now with COVID, it makes you realise how important it is to look after yourself and ... the land is such an integral part of who we are,” she said.Pictured is Joylissa Whitby, Romina Dickerson, Leanne Taylor, Tilly Whitby, 15, and Jakodi Whitby at Yamaji Art. Credit: Geraldton Guardian

Photo Gallery: Community cook-ups, art activities and tree planting mark NAIDOC Week in Geraldton

Geraldton Guardian
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Jane Simmons, Stacey Adamns and Renessa Nelson

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Geraldton has enjoyed an action-packed NAIDOC Week, showcasing Indigenous culture, history, stories and knowledge. Activities included community cook-ups, tree-planting days, portrait painting and open days. Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service chief executive Deborah Woods said this year’s theme of Heal Country resonated with her. “Out of all the themes, I think this one really has a deep impact on me,” she said. “Our people use our country to do a lot of things — for healing, connecting us to our ancestors, connecting us to who we are and what we do, and showing the importance of maintaining culture.”Ms Woods said for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the idea of self-care extended to looking after the environment.“When you go through something like the world is going through now with COVID, it makes you realise how important it is to look after yourself and ... the land is such an integral part of who we are,” she said.Pictured is Joylissa Whitby, Romina Dickerson, Leanne Taylor, Tilly Whitby, 15, and Jakodi Whitby at Yamaji Art. Picture: Geraldton Guardian

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Roni and Lily-Mae Kerley with Nicole Dickerson at Yamatji Art's NAIDOC Week open day. Picture: Elise Van Aken

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Carolyn Lewis, Nola Gregory and Helen Merritt at Yamatji Art's NAIDOC week open day. Picture: Elise Van Aken

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Kevin and Helen Merritt at Yamatji Art's NAIDOC Week open day. Picture: Elise Van Aken

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Maxine Dann, 10, and Erin Mongoo