The cool Australian winter in July becomes a colorful blend of history, culture and pride when National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee Week begins. <br /><br />This year’s NAIDOC Week, as it’s more commonly called, kicks off in the Sydney suburb of Woolloomoo with a special smoke ceremony. <br /><br />[Max, Culture Show Performer]: <br />“It’s a purification of the land and the people. Get rid of the bad spirits and let the good spirits in.” <br /><br />It started as a protest in 1938 – just before World War Two – but by 1956, it became a celebration of Aboriginal traditions. One Aboriginal elder says she didn’t have a chance to learn much about her own roots. <br /><br />[Janice Kennedy, Elder]: <br /> “I was a member of the stolen generation…We weren’t allowed to learn our language. Because I remember, when I was a little girl…and my grandma was talking in the lingo we had to go away. So that’s why we lost our culture, lost our language.” <br /><br />NAIDOC Week has helped Aboriginals be more recognized for their achievements. <br /><br />[Janice Kennedy, Elder]: <br />“I think Aboriginal people are getting more recognized for their work.” <br /><br />One cultural performer has even learnt to mix the best of Aboriginal and Western culture. <br /><br />[Max, Culture Show Performer]: <br />“It’s the first time I done [line] dancing like that. I do corroboree, I do the corroboree.” <br /><br />Wilma Reynolds, NTD News, Sydney.
