The cool Australian winter in July becomes a colorful blend of history, culture and pride when National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee Week begins.

This year’s NAIDOC Week, as it’s more commonly called, kicks off in the Sydney suburb of Woolloomoo with a special smoke ceremony.

[Max, Culture Show Performer]:
“It’s a purification of the land and the people. Get rid of the bad spirits and let the good spirits in.”

It started as a protest in 1938 – just before World War Two – but by 1956, it became a celebration of Aboriginal traditions. One Aboriginal elder says she didn’t have a chance to learn much about her own roots.

[Janice Kennedy, Elder]:
“I was a member of the stolen generation…We weren’t allowed to learn our language. Because I remember, when I was a little girl…and my grandma was talking in the lingo we had to go away. So that’s why we lost our culture, lost our language.”

NAIDOC Week has helped Aboriginals be more recognized for their achievements.

[Janice Kennedy, Elder]:
“I think Aboriginal people are getting more recognized for their work.”

One cultural performer has even learnt to mix the best of Aboriginal and Western culture.

[Max, Culture Show Performer]:
“It’s the first time I done [line] dancing like that. I do corroboree, I do the corroboree.”

Wilma Reynolds, NTD News, Sydney.