Planning NAIDOC week
NAIDOC is not just a celebration for Indigenous communities but for all Australians. The week is an opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
7–14 July 2024: Keep The Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud
NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’, the committee responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week. Its acronym has now become the name of the week.
NAIDOC Week has a long history beginning with the human rights movement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the 1920s. From 1940 until 1955, the Day of Mourning was held annually on the Sunday before Australia Day and was known as Aborigines Day.
In 1955 Aborigines Day was shifted to the first Sunday in July after it was decided the day should become not simply a protest day but also a celebration of Aboriginal culture. Later the second Sunday in July became a day of remembrance for Aboriginal people and their heritage which resulted in NAIDOC week. A timeline of the history of the struggle for Aboriginal rights and recognition can be downloaded from the NAIDOC site.
Each year, a theme is chosen for the week to reflect the important issues and events for NAIDOC.
"This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced
The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.
"Blak, Loud and Proud" encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.
Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world."
How schools can be involved
- Hold a NAIDOC assembly
- Learn about this year's National NAIDOC Week Award Nominees or research National NAIDOC Week Award Finalists from previous years
- Find out which Aboriginal language was, or still is, spoken on the land where you live and where you work. Browse the Living Archive of Aboriginal Languages or watch clips about Aboriginal languages via YouTube
- Make the Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country protocols (PDF 185 KB) part of all school assemblies and events
- Invite local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders to speak at your school. Consult your local Aboriginal Land Council and local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG)
- Explore the range of resources to help you to learn more about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements.
- Have students complete one of the web quests celebrating Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
- Learn a song in language like Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
- Study famous Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and the significant role they hold in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
- Invite an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist to be ‘in residence’ for a week or period of time
- Trace the history of Aboriginal citizenship and NAIDOC Week
- Stay up to date with the work of NSW Department of Education Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships Directorate.
