Jane Simmons, Stacey Adamns and Renessa Nelson

Geraldton has enjoyed an action-packed NAIDOC Week, showcasing Indigenous culture, history, stories and knowledge. Activities included community cook-ups, tree-planting days, portrait painting and open days. Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service chief executive Deborah Woods said this year’s theme of Heal Country resonated with her. “Out of all the themes, I think this one really has a deep impact on me,” she said. “Our people use our country to do a lot of things — for healing, connecting us to our ancestors, connecting us to who we are and what we do, and showing the importance of maintaining culture.”Ms Woods said for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the idea of self-care extended to looking after the environment.“When you go through something like the world is going through now with COVID, it makes you realise how important it is to look after yourself and ... the land is such an integral part of who we are,” she said.Pictured is Joylissa Whitby, Romina Dickerson, Leanne Taylor, Tilly Whitby, 15, and Jakodi Whitby at Yamaji Art. Picture: Geraldton Guardian

Roni and Lily-Mae Kerley with Nicole Dickerson at Yamatji Art's NAIDOC Week open day. Picture: Elise Van Aken

Carolyn Lewis, Nola Gregory and Helen Merritt at Yamatji Art's NAIDOC week open day. Picture: Elise Van Aken

Kevin and Helen Merritt at Yamatji Art's NAIDOC Week open day. Picture: Elise Van Aken

Maxine Dann, 10, and Erin Mongoo