NAIDOC Week 2022: "Name a Seeing Eye Dogs pup" names revealed

Seeing Eye Dogs are delighted to announce the selected names for NAIDOC Week 2022 as part of our “name a Seeing Eye Dogs pup” initiative.

To celebrate the NAIDOC Week 2022 theme of, 'Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!', Vision Australia extended an invitation to all clients, their families, friends, VA partners and stakeholders, and community, who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to submit a special name for consideration to name a Seeing Eye Dogs pup.

The names selected demonstrate a strong connection to country and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. The names chosen, and what they signify, were:

‘Mil’ - means eye in the Gamilaraay language from the people of South West Queensland. Rachael submitted this on behalf of her son Yarren and is a client of VA and who is a descendant of the Kamilaroi people of South West Queensland.

‘Galnya’ - means "beautiful, sweet and happiness" in the Yorta Yorta language from the people of Goulburn and Murray rivers. Holly who submitted this name is a recognised artist and also designed Vision Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan artwork.

‘Buruma’ - means ‘dog’ in the Gamilaraay language and was submitted by Jodi.

‘Bula’ and ‘Sissy’ - these two names submitted by Lisa were chosen as ‘Bula’ means close brother and the name ‘Sissy’ means close sister to the Torres Strait Islander culture

These pups will now be placed with a Seeing Eye Dogs puppy carer whilst they learn the skills required to become a working Seeing Eye Dog.

Congratulations again to the successful submissions and thank you for helping us celebrate NAIDOC Week.