NAIDOC stands for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate NAIDOC
•Hold a flag raising ceremony
•Display Indigenous posters around your class room.
•Invite local Indigenous elders to speak at your school or workplace.
•Listen to Indigenous music.
•Study a famous Indigenous Australian.
•Research the traditional Indigenous owners of your area.
•Study Aboriginal arts and crafts.
•Read a Dreamtime story.
•Start your own Indigenous hall of fame featuring any local role models and achievers.
•Create your own Aboriginal art.
•Visit Indigenous websites on the Internet.
•Make your own Indigenous trivia quiz.
•Visit local Indigenous sites of significance or interest.
•Learn the meanings of local or national Aboriginal place names.
Wherever you live, you can take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations. To find out about NAIDOC Week activities in your area, contact your nearest ICC on free call 1800 079 098, except Nhulunbuy (1800 089 148), Kalgoorlie (1800 193 357) and Kununurra (1800 193 348).
