Bit late with this one, but HAPPY NAIDOC 2012. 

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year the theme celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

For me this years NAIDOC has been a bit bittersweet. On one hand, there seems to be an abundance of events this year and it’s great to see an explosion in the sharing of stories of life, excellence, and culture through social media. On the other hand, a dark cloud set in over many of us last week with the passage of the “Stronger Futures” legislation.

Personally, I have been a bit down and disillusioned by that last fact. I never thought in my lifetime I could honestly see so many things go backwards with regards to Indigenous rights. It’s disheartening & it’s kept me from writing anything on NAIDOC until now. Especially given the theme for this year. But, I draw strength from my brothers and sisters, Aunts and Uncles that keep on fighting on. MY heroes, that inspire me and help my refocus. And as always, I turn to my music.

Tonight I caught the new clip from The Last Kinection. Find A Way is one of my favourite tracks off the Next of Kin album, and now we have a clip for it. And as they say:

FIND A WAY OR MAKE ONE!!! 

If you’re looking for something to do this NAIDOC I recommend checking out the NAIDOC website for info NAIDCO and events around the country. For some inspiration, check  out the ABC Open Dreambox project, the IndigenousX twitter account and Deadly Bloggers.