Learn about the history and significance of NAIDOC Week, and find out how you can get involved in celebrating and learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
NAIDOC Week is an annual observance in Australia that celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginals and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which was originally National Aborigines Day Observance Committee.
NAIDOC Week is a time to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australian society, and to celebrate their unique culture and heritage. It is also a time to learn about the challenges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have faced, and to continue to work towards a more just and equitable society for all Australians.
History of NAIDOC Week
The first NAIDOC Week was held in 1938, as a way to promote Aboriginal rights and awareness. The week was originally called "Aborigines Day", but it was renamed "National Aborigines Day Observance Committee" in 1955. The name was changed again to "NAIDOC Week" in 1991.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2023 is "Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!". This theme is a call to action for all Australians to stand up against racism, inequality, and injustice. It is also a call to action for First Nations Islander peoples to continue to celebrate their culture and heritage, and to demand respect and recognition.
How to Get Involved in NAIDOC Week
There are many ways to get involved in celebrating NAIDOC Week. You can attend events, learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and support Indigenous businesses.
Here are some ideas for how you can get involved in NAIDOC Week:
- Attend a NAIDOC Week event in your community.
- Visit a First Nations art gallery or museum.
- Read a book about Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture.
- Watch a film or documentary about Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander history.
- Support a business.
- Wear something with the Aboriginal flag or Torres Strait Islander flag on it.
- Have a conversation with a First Nations Islander person about their culture.
NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is also a time to learn about the challenges that First Nations peoples have faced, and to continue to work towards a more just and equitable society for all Australians.
This post should have inspired you to get involved in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2023. There are many ways to get involved, so find something that interests you and get involved!