Because Of Her We Can

Readers please be advised that this article contains mentions of violence against women and ongoing violence and discrimination against a First Nations person. As we…

For International Women’s Day, Bizzi Lavelle writes of the Blakademic womens’ voices being unheard of or left behind altogether. In 2018 the NAIDOC theme ‘Because of Her, We Can’ saw the stories of our foremothers finally get the attention and accolades they deserve. However, since then, Bizzi has noticed there are often instances where we should still be championing these stories but aren’t.

Ooodgeroo Noonuccal was a First Nations poet, activist, and educator. She was a significant voice for First Nations peoples' rights as citizens through her writing and her work as an advocate. To celebrate Ooodgeroo's birthday, award-winning Mununjali Yugambeh author, playwright and poet Ellen van Neerven has written a poem to reflect on Oodgeroo, and how she has inspired them.

Aboriginal women are strong and resilient. They have wisdom and they have the answers, when will policy makers realise that #BecauseOfHerWeCan?

Now that NAIDOC Week is over Rachael Hocking lists some of the actions you can take until next NAIDOC.

Indigenous women weather the trauma of past and present violence, oppression and policy to fight for a better future. #BecauseOfHer

Despite being 3% of the overall population, Aboriginal women make up 34% of the prison population. Dr Jackie Huggins AO, asks us to think of those women this NAIDOC week and why there is such a disparity.

The awesome and formidable power of the Gumbaynggirr Woman configured Country and natural Lore and continues to permeate the spirits of those of us today who respect and draw upon this divine, innate source of strength weaved within the DNA of our lands and our bodies.

Kamilaroi woman, and researcher at the University of Newcastle Amy Thunig writes about the strength of Indigenous women in academia. How their role is intrinsically linked to politics and activism.

Karen Wyld goes back in time to acknowledge some of the strong Aboriginal women that continue to give us strength. #BecauseOfHerWeCan

CATSINAM CEO and Narrunga Kaurna woman, Janine Mohamed celebrates NAIDOC week and the extraordinary Aboriginal nurses that have worked to serve their people.

Professor Heidi Norman writes for IndigenousX about the importance of discovery Australia’s true history in order to remedy the present in all its complexities.

Jill Gallagher is charged with creating the context in which Victorian Treaty negotiations can flourish. She talks to Daniel James about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Shellie Morris writes about her experience of working with Aboriginal women and prison and while she’ll be celebrating this year’s NAIDOC theme #becauseofherwecan

It’s good to reflect every now and then. It’s good to understand that if it wasn’t for the sacrifices, the strength, and most importantly the love of those who came before us, many wouldn’t be where they are today.

Because of her, I can’t.  Because of her, I can’t succumb to colonisation, assimilation, and genocide. Because of her, I can’t submit to the perpetual colonial and patriarchal forces that want me to forget.