By Laura Michell
Indigenous culture is being celebrated at The Northern Hospital to mark NAIDOC Week.
The hospital kicked off its celebrations with an official launch on Wednesday, featuring a performance by the One Fire Aboriginal Dance company.
Yorta Yorta/ Gunditjmara woman Kanisha Bamblett and Aboriginal Cardiovascular Health Disparities Program leader Luke Burchill also spoke at the event.
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Northern Health chief executive Siva Sivarajah said the hospital was committed to celebrating Aboriginal culture.
“Creating a warm and culturally welcoming space for our Aboriginal community has been a priority for Northern Health this past year,” he said.
“We are displaying plaques acknowledging the traditional owners of the land; in April this year we launched Jornung-Bik- A Pleasant Place, our smoking garden; and just last week we also relaunched the Stow Garden, which incorporates Aboriginal artwork and native plants.
“These initiatives aim to provide a welcoming environment for our Aboriginal community at Northern Health, as well as strengthen our connections to our diverse community.”
