The start of July brings frosty mornings, promises of snow caps on mountaintops and an annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, NAIDOC Week.
Running for a full week from the first Sunday of the month, NAIDOC Week encourages all Australians to actively learn about First Nations cultures and histories while participating in celebration of the oldest continuous living cultures.
Each year boasts its own theme that calls for truth, celebration, honoured resistance, and a reminder of the people who make up these cultures. This year’s theme, 50 years of Deadly, is a major milestone.
It is a tribute to the movement and the generations of elders, organisers, artists and communities who lit the spark and kept it alive. It also reminds us of the stories, marches, languages, the art and the leadership that have guided the way.
It isn’t just about looking back but also looking forward to the next fifty years and the return of language, return to country and new tools, new voices continuing the work that began five decades ago.
NAIDOC in the ACT
On Saturday 11 July, the Hepatitis ACT team joined NAIDOC in the North celebrations held at the Belconnen Arts Centre.
Featuring First Nations artists, performers, and creators, Canberrans were encouraged to come along for the chance to connect, share, learn and celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of our region.
Setting up a stall with our resources and goodies (attendees would have even caught a glimpse of our World Hepatitis Day beanies), we spoke to dozens of people about viral hepatitis, where and how to get tested, while also dispelling myths and calling out harmful stigma through games and friendly conversation.
We were also invited to present an impromptu radio spot, in which our education team talked about our services, liver health, how to keep yours in top shape, how to access services, and hepatitis treatment options.
Hepatitis and First Nations communities
The prevalence of viral hepatitis among First Nations communities was highlighted in the If Hepatitis Were 100 People.
An ancient disease that predates colonisation, if Hepatitis B were 100 people in Australia today, 7 of them would be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
The numbers are even higher when it comes to people living with hepatitis C, with nearly a fifth represented by First Peoples. The report noted that if hepatitis C were 100 people in Australia, 18 of them would be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
With a diagnosis rate nearly six times higher than non-Indigenous Australians, and the numbers continuing to rise, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
A widening gap could be due to several factors, including the hyper-incarceration rate among these communities as well as challenges in accessing culturally appropriate services, treatment and care, the report found.
Hepatitis ACT is committed to helping close the widening gap when it comes to viral hepatitis testing and treatment. We warmly welcome all our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to access our services.
After information and support? We’re here to help
Visit us in person and check your hepatitis status at 36 David Street Turner, ACT 2612
Feel more comfortable over the phone? Call our Heplink line on 1800 437 222
If you are most confident asking for information through text, email us at info@hepatitisact.org.au