NAIDOC Week is an annual event that celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2024 it runs from Sunday July 7 until Sunday July 14.

The name NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee, which originally organised the event. It has grown from a single day of observance to a week-long celebration, reflecting the rich heritage and diversity of Indigenous communities across Australia.

Learn more on the NAIDOC Week Official Website

Who is NAIDOC Week For?

NAIDOC Week is for everyone. While it primarily celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it encourages all Australians to engage with Indigenous culture, history, and issues. Whether you are part of an Indigenous community or a non-Indigenous ally, NAIDOC Week offers a unique opportunity to learn, reflect, and participate in activities that promote reconciliation and mutual respect.

Why Do We Celebrate NAIDOC Week?

NAIDOC Week is a time to recognise and honour the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australia. It serves several important purposes:

  • Education: It provides a platform for sharing knowledge about Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
  • Reconciliation: NAIDOC Week promotes understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, fostering a sense of unity and shared history.
  • Celebration: It is a chance to celebrate the survival and resilience of Indigenous cultures, despite the challenges they have faced.

A Brief History of NAIDOC Week

The origins of NAIDOC Week date back to the 1920s, when Aboriginal rights groups began advocating for better treatment and recognition of Indigenous peoples amidst the general lack of awareness by the Australian public. The first “Day of Mourning” was held on 26 January 1938, protesting Australia Day, which commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet and is seen by many as the start of colonisation and oppression. This was one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world. Despite repeated protests, governments consistently failed to address the requests and demands of Indigenous communities.

From 1940 until 1955, the Day of Mourning was held annually on the Sunday before Australia Day and was known as Aborigines Day. Recognising the need for education alongside protest, the day evolved in 1955, shifting to the second Sunday in July and transforming from a singular protest to a broader celebration of culture. From 1956 to 1990, Aboriginal organisations, along with State and Federal Governments, supported the formation of an independent National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC).

This committee was tasked with setting dates and determining annual themes based on the most pressing issues and events of each year, and selecting the winners of both the National NAIDOC Week Awards, and the National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition.

It wasn’t until 1974 that all ten committee members were Aboriginal. The decision to cover a whole week was made in 1975 and in 1991 the Committee was expanded to include Torres Strait Islander people. It became the National Aboriginal and Islander Observance Committee (NAIDOC).

Over the years, it has expanded to include a wide range of events and activities that highlight the contributions of Indigenous Australians and their ongoing fight for rights and recognition.

In 2024 the theme “Keep the Fires Burning. Blak, Loud and Proud” appears particularly pertinent after the defeat of the Voice referendum. Looking back, the track record of government and law makers listening to First Nations people has been abysmal, however First Nations voices have persisted and grown stronger. The fires have certainly been kept burning and spread widely. NRG pledges to be the
best allies we can to support First Nations people in their ongoing journey.

National NAIDOC Week Awards & Poster Competition

The National NAIDOC Week Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across ten award categories, including art, culture, education and training, sport, environment and leadership.

The National NAIDOC Poster Competition, an iconic part of NAIDOC Week since 1967, showcases the artistic talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists while reflecting significant social changes over the decades. These posters, often exhibited by prominent cultural institutions like the National Museum of Australia, align annually with the National NAIDOC Week Theme and invite submissions from Indigenous artists aged 16 and over.

2024 Events and Activities to Participate In

NAIDOC Week features a variety of events across the country, from cultural performances and exhibitions to educational workshops and community gatherings. Here are some suggestions on how you can get involved:

  1. Attend a NAIDOC Event
    Check out local community events in Nillumbik or Melbourne such as celebrations, flag-raising ceremonies, art exhibitions, or cultural festivals. Many cities and towns host events that are free and open to the public.
  2. Visit an Indigenous Cultural Centre
    Explore the rich history and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at a local cultural centre or museum. These institutions often offer special NAIDOC Week programs and exhibits.
  3. Participate in a Workshop
    Learn about Indigenous art, music, dance, or storytelling through hands-on workshops. These activities provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures.
  4. Support Local Indigenous Businesses
    Use this week as an opportunity to start supporting more Indigenous-owned businesses and artists from Nillumbik and surrounds. Purchase goods or services from Indigenous entrepreneurs and help sustain their contributions to the economy.
  5. Educate Yourself and Others
    Take time to read books, watch documentaries, or attend talks about Indigenous history and contemporary issues. Share what you learn with friends and family to spread awareness and understanding.
  6. Join a Community Project
    Get involved in local initiatives that promote reconciliation and Indigenous rights. Whether it’s volunteering for an organization or participating in a cleanup of culturally significant sites, your efforts can make a difference.

NAIDOC Week is a powerful reminder of the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It offers everyone a chance to celebrate, learn, and participate in activities that build bridges of understanding and respect. Whether you attend an event, support Indigenous businesses, or simply educate yourself about Indigenous issues, your involvement contributes to the ongoing journey of reconciliation and unity in Australia.