To mark the beginning of NAIDOC week, 10 News First used the traditional names for our capital cities in today’s weather forecast – and I really hope they do this more often.
Presented by Network Ten’s national weather presenter Amanda Jason, she used traditional names for each Aussie city instead of the colonial names.
“Now the first Sunday of July is the first day of NAIDOC week to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land,” she said.
“We acknowledge the traditional names of our capital cities for our national weather.”
https://twitter.com/MichMyersMUA/status/1411598066201726977
The above tweet has been gaining traction online, with many calling the move a step in the right direction.
“Groundbreaking moment for Aus TV. I hope we see much more of this,” one person wrote.
“Very cool and should happen way more often,” wrote another.
These ancient names are so much cooler and more legit than the colonial names, please use them all the time!
— Nate (@nathanael_moore) July 4, 2021
So what is NAIDOC week (4-11 July)? It happens every year to celebrate the culture, heritage and achievement of First Nations people.
Every year there is a theme and this year it’s ‘Heal Country’ – which means both a call for action for Aussies to protect Aboriginal land and water from destruction, and a promise to keep protecting and preserving First Nations culture.
“Country is inherent to our identity,” the National NAIDOC Committee said in a statement.
“It sustains our lives in every aspect – spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and culturally.
“It is more than a place.”
Head to the official NAIDOC website here to learn more about the history of NAIDOC week, what this year’s theme means and what events are on in your area.
