Indigenous gay elder and actor Uncle Jack Charles and gay Torres Strait human rights activist Elijah Manis are among those who were honoured at the 2022 National NAIDOC Week Awards. “It was hoot beyond measure receiving one of the highest, nicest accolades ever,” Uncle Jack posted on social media, after winning the National NAIDOC Male Elder Of The Year 2022 Award. The awards ceremony took place last Saturday at the Melbourne Convention Centre. “Having Pam Pederson, Uncle Sir Pastor Doug Nicholls’ daughter, handing over the award to me was a very significant moment in my long life being so honoured by this remarkable woman. This night of nights, came spinning out of nowhere,” said the Bunurong, Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta actor, and a member of the Stolen Generations.