NAIDOC Week (derived from the acronym for the group originally responsible for the event, the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) is an important time to recognise the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Taking place on 3-10 July, NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity for not only Indigenous people but Australians from all walks of life to participate in a range of activities and support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Learn more about the event and the ways you can get involved, below.
Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
The 2022 NAIDOC Week theme is “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” and is both an acknowledgement of those who have been champions of change for generations, and a call for continued momentum to secure collaborative institutional and structural reforms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. While there are many ways to take action, from calling out racism to seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, this can only be achieved by rallying around our mob, our Elders and our communities.
The relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non Indigenous Australians should be based on equity, justice and recognition of the innate rights and unique heritage of First Nations peoples. Getting up, standing up and showing up means moving beyond good intentions and empty commitments to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and create lasting systemic change.
Ways to Celebrate
During NAIDOC Week, people across the country are encouraged to participate in local community celebrations organised by government agencies, local councils, businesses and schools. Whatever your interests and schedule, there are a variety of ways to celebrate and raise awareness.
Here are a few suggestions for how you can get involved:
- Attend a NAIDOC Week event in your local area (options include art competitions, virtual poetry readings, webinar presentations and video conferences)
- Plan your own NAIDOC event for your friends, colleagues or community
- Learn the meanings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names and words, and visit local sites of significance
- Download the 2022 National NAIDOC Poster, ‘Stronger’, and display it around your classroom or workplace
- Watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history or listen to Indigenous musicians
- Use the 2022 National NAIDOC logo in your email signatures and social media profiles
- Research Indigenous history online or visit your library to find books about First Nations Peoples
- Share NAIDOC teaching resources with teachers, schools and students in your area
- Invite local Elders to speak at your school or workplace
How are you planning to participate in NAIDOC Week 2022? We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating!