Dr. Daniel Hunt is the 2023 NAIDOC Person of the Year. This award celebrates his profound commitment to Indigenous communities and his transformative efforts in arts advocacy. The event was a demonstration of both amazing talent and powerful leadership. It paid tribute to many other trailblazing figures from the Indigenous community. Malarndirri McCarthy, who presented the award, highlighted the heritage of the area and the value of cultural celebration.
The ceremony was held in a celebratory, meditative atmosphere and most of the night’s awards honored Indigenous Australians and their accomplishments. Dressed in a black suit and white button-up shirt, Dr. Hunt expressed gratitude for the honor and dedicated his award to his mother and “the people that came before us that really paved the way.” He highlighted the significance of legacy within the Indigenous community, stating, “Legacy is the thing I turn to most … because it is those who have come before us, those trailblazers, who really have paved the way.”
A Night of Recognition
What I loved Malarndirri McCarthy, who presented the awards, looked absolutely stunning in a white silk top and her natural brown curly hair. In her address, she reflected on the essence of NAIDOC Week, affirming that it serves as a reminder that “our people, our voices, our culture is worth celebrating.” McCarthy’s remarks struck a chord with many of the attendees, as a reminder of the need to respect and recognize Indigenous identity and accomplishment.
The awards ceremony was attended by Uncle Harry Hall who cut an impressive figure in his black suit with Aboriginal-designed tie. In his remarks, he focused on the Freedom Rides’ crucial influence. These rides are credited with making huge strides for Indigenous rights across Australia. His remarks highlighted the event’s emphasis on honoring and acknowledging historic struggles while celebrating current achievements.
Other notable award recipients included Michael Long, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership in addressing racism within the AFL and advocating for Indigenous rights. Long took the opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you in his acceptance speech. “It’s an award I will cherish,” as he thanked everyone who had helped him during his 35 year journey.
Honoring Community Heroes
Aunty Rosalie Kickett was posthumously recognised for her important work in mental health and domestic violence sectors. Aunty Rosalie was so proud to dedicate her award to her parents and her late daughter. Her daughter, who sadly lost her life to an act of gender-based violence, motivated this respectful sonnet. During her emotional acceptance speech, she shared, “I never walked this path for recognition; I did it for my community … for my family, for those that don’t have a voice.” Her testimony underscored the incredibly immediate personal toll taken on those who dare to demand justice and transformation in their communities.
Aunty Rosalie’s lamentations did not stop there as she strongly called on every individual to speak out against the acts of violence and injustice. She declared, in a prophetic voice, that “silence is lethal,” and declared with power, that “truth is our greatest path to healing.” Her message of community empowerment and activism struck a chord with many in attendance.
In a moment of solidarity, she told the audience, “When you can’t see the light, we’ll carry it for you until you can carry the flame yourself. Thank you for walking this journey with me.” Her powerful, deep, soul-wrenching words described well the energy of resilience, remembrance and community love that ruled the night.
A Celebration of Creative Talent
The event celebrated Christine Anu, who received this year’s Creative Talent Award. Anu’s contributions to music, arts and culture have shaped the way Indigenous voices are represented today in the Australian public sphere. The recognition of her work brought a much-needed dimension to the Indigenous excellence that was being showcased and celebrated throughout the awards ceremony.
Dr. Hunt continued to emphasize the importance of events like this to really highlight Indigenous excellence in all disciplines. He remarked, “We have to be absolutely proud of what has been accomplished … The term Blak excellence can’t be expressed enough when I see what is happening in Australia.” His words were an aspiration to all who were lucky enough to be in the audience, echoing a spirit of pride for all Indigenous Australians.
