National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
This year Rugby Australia is holding their inaugural First Nations Round for Community Rugby on July 9. For season 2022, this will be the fifth year John I Dent Cup is holding a First Nations Round.
To celebrate NAIDOC Week this year each John I Dent Cup 1st grade and Women’s Premier 15s teams will be wearing special socks during their games with indigenous designs incorporating a yarning circle and handprint.
This year’s socks are produced in each of the teams’ colours and utilise elements of the 2022 Brumbies First Nations Artwork by artist Budda Connors.
For thousands of years Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have used Yarning circles as a harmonious, creative and collaborative way of communicating to encourage respect, build relationships and to provide a safe place to be heard and to respond.
The handprint symbolises strength and unity.
These socks are just one way our rugby community hopes to create a space of respect, strength and unity and acknowledgment of the rich culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Teams throughout the ACT & Southern NSW region will be hosting their own celebrations on July 9, all are invited to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! And celebrate together and recognise the importance of making progress towards Reconciliation.
