Elder Craig Raeside, Area Seventy (regional leader) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attended a community event hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association at Adelaide’s Mahmood Mosque on Sunday, 7 July in honour of NAIDOC week.
According to the NAIDOC website, “National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.”
Members of a panel shared insights with those attending the event. Panelists included: Mr. Kyam Maher, Attorney General for South Australia and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Uncle Allen Edwards, a Kaurna Elder, who gave a welcome to country as part of the proceedings; Mr. Jason Downs, CEO of Reconciliation SA; Mr. Edgar Agius, Councillor for City of Charles Sturt; Dr. Munawar Rana, President of the Ahmadiyya community; and Imam Kamran Tahir, Missionary in charge. Each of the panel members shared their vision for equality and equal rights for Aboriginal people and their hope for unity, peace, and love for all.
Guests at a NAIDOC Week event in Adelaide, Australia on 7 July 2024.
Guests at a NAIDOC Week event in Adelaide, Australia on 7 July 2024.© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Reflecting on the day, Elder Raeside said, “It is always very uplifting to work together with good people in the community who seek to serve and assist those in need—physically, spiritually, and emotionally.”
He continued, "NAIDOC week not only celebrates, but reminds us of the many indigenous people over many generations who have contributed to where we are now. This week should be a constant reminder of the need to work together to lift and bless each other as brothers and sisters, equal children of the same God.”