This NAIDOC week will see the worldwide launch of Heal Together, a song and music video elevating the importance of healing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Healing Foundation has collaborated with one of Australia’s most iconic Indigenous female entertainers Christine Anu and Melbourne hip hop artist Philly for the first live performance of Heal Together at the National NAIDOC Ball in Canberra on 6 July 2019.
The Healing Foundation CEO Richard Weston said healing has a range of meanings for different people but the communities we partner with all agree on its importance.
“Over the past decade, The Healing Foundation has worked with communities to support them to lead their own healing solutions,” he said.
“We know that healing is a process that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities to address the deep wounds caused by trauma. Connecting to culture and identity are critical elements that help our people on their path to a hopeful future.
“Healing is urgent for our communities. Together we can heal trauma and highlight that a different future is achievable.”
Composed by Christine Anu and Max Lambert, Heal Together provides a message of hope based on telling the truth about Australia’s history, a key message for NAIDOC 2019.
The nation can tune in to the live launch of Heal Together by Christine Anu and Philly on NITV as part of the National NAIDOC Ball broadcast. The Heal Together EP is released with 3 remixes through ABC Music and distributed through Universal.
A music video directed by Dylan River will be incorporated into the live performance at the NAIDOC Ball by Christine Anu and Philly supported by a young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women’s choir from the Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts. The music video, song recording and live performance was produced by Vicki Gordon Music Productions. The video was filmed in locations including the Torres Strait Islands, Central and South Australia and urban Sydney.
The launch of Heal Together at the NAIDOC Ball coincides with The Healing Foundation’s 10 Year Anniversary.
In Australia’s historical context, healing must involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities healing from trauma. This involves the urgent restoring of language, dance, song and custom.
Heal Together seeks to unite the nation behind a movement for trauma recovery and healing.
The Healing Foundation is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that partners with communities to heal trauma caused by the widespread and deliberate disruption of populations, cultures and languages over 230 years. This includes specific actions like the forced removal of children from their families.
Media contact: Ben O’Halloran – 0474 499 911 or ben@healingfoundation.org.au
