NAIDOC Week is held annually in Australia in July. It is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.
This year's theme
VOICE. TREATY. TRUTH. LET'S WORK TOGETHER FOR A SHARED FUTURE.
acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia's democracy.
During NAIDOC Week I attended several events held at Knox Community Arts Centre including a musical theatre performance of THE SAPPHIRES and a film screening of WARRIGAL CREEK MASSACRE followed by a panel discussion.
On a cold and wet Friday I spent a very enjoyable afternoon at the Knox Community Arts Centre listening to MISSION SONGS performed as a quartet by Jessie Lloyd on guitar, Kristel Kickett, Candice Lorrae and Rob Mahoney on double bass.
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| © Barbara Oehring 2019 |
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| (L-R) Kristel, Jessie and Candice © Barbara Oehring 2019 |
The MISSION SONGS PROJECT is an initiative to revive contemporary Australian Indigenous songs from 1900 to 1999. Jessie Lloyd, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musician, has travelled Australia in search of hidden songs. Prof Marcia Langton AM and Archie Roach AM are the project Patrons and Advisors.
Following last Friday's wonderful performance we had a chance to meet the singers in the foyer.
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| Jessie Lloyd © Barbara Oehring 2019 |
CDs and song books were available to purchase. The album The Songs back home - Mission Songs Project include a booklet with chords and lyrics as well as a foreword by Marcia Langton and Uncle Archie.
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| © Barbara Oehring 2019 |
For further information on the MISSION SONGS PROJECT visit http://missionsongsproject.com/
