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 is '50 Years of Deadly'. NAIDOC Week runs from 5 - 12 July.

"Fifty Years of Deadly marks a milestone. It’s a tribute to the people who built this movement. the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression, and the communities who keep showing up, year after year."

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.

Image credit: Annie Harvey

As a young, First Nations person and artist, what kind of messages do you hope to convey to communities through your art?

In my practice I try to focus on Blak joy whilst I still highlighting our struggle. I find it is equally important to spread hope and happiness in my art. My art is a reminder, especially for Queer Blak people, that we've always been here and will continue to be here.

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.

To discover what NAIDOC Week events are happening near you, visit your local centre's website.