Aunty Violet Sheridan

There is a strong relationship between health and connectedness to country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Country is a term we use to describe the lands we have a traditional attachment to or relationship with. Caring for country generally means our approaches to land and water management. Caring for this country is based in the laws, customs and ways of life that we have inherited from our ancestors and ancestral beings.

With this in mind, it is important for all people – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – to understand the importance of looking after our environment, and enjoying the experience of “walking on country” to be able to better understand and appreciate Indigenous culture and history.

I am really happy to see so many local organisations and individuals holding “on country” events and activities as part of their Children’s Week celebrations, and getting local Indigenous people to come along to share our culture. It is also good to see the number of ACT Children’s Week Indigenous Awards gradually increasing – recognising individuals, groups or organisations who work to improve outcomes for Indigenous children and young people, or who have worked to improve understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups within the community.