The Wire

“Self-Determination – Our Community – Our Future – Our Responsibility” is the focus for NAIDOC week. It now seems ironic – but the theme was chosen long before the federal government announced it’s plans to dissolve the nation’s peak indigenous body, ATSIC. NAIDOC week is a chance for all Australians to celebrate and learn more about Indigenous cultures – and the nation will this year look to Perth as the centre of commemorations. West Australian ATSIC Commissioner, Farley Garlett, says the turmoil in Indigenous affairs won’t separate but unite Indigenous people. Democrats Indigenous Affairs spokesman Aden Ridgeway says NAIDOC celebrations are being impacted by the Federal Government’s mainstreaming of indigenous services.