Westfield acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which our business operates, and we pay our respect to their Elders past and present.

National NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to learn, celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, the NAIDOC Week theme 'Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud' celebrates the unyielding vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.

To understand more about the significance of NAIDOC Week, we sat down with proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta Black Fulla, ENOKi (they/them) - the artist behind this year’s NAIDOC Week creative at Westfield. ENOKi is based in Wurundjeri Country (Melbourne) and is a multi-media artist, with a focus on digital media.

How do you typically involve yourself in NAIDOC Week celebrations, cultural events and/or educational moments?

I show up for the mob in my community, whether it be the annual NAIDOC march or events held by people in my community, especially queer events such as gigs, talks or exhibitions.

How is your culture and identity represented through your art?

When I think about how my culture and identity are represented through my art, it's more than just my Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta culture that I grew up with (across VIC and NSW). It is also my Queer identity that comes along with that, and how they both intersect with each other. From the colours and sounds around me that are made from the natural and industrial environment to the stories from my elders, and the new stories and sounds that are being made by mob. These are all the things that inspire me and are the things that show in my art.

What drew you to multi-media art? 

Having ADHD I tend to hyper focus on activities, hobbies and different types of crafts, so I'll get a random urge to pick up an art medium and then become completely obsessed with the media. I will learn everything I can about that medium, or at least the aspects the that interest me. From working with different mediums, I've found that materials are fluid to the story, where one material may become a part of the story and by changing that material, it can also change the story and how it’s viewed.