NAIDOC Week: Listen, learn and celebrate!

ReachOut Content Team
Published 15 September 2023

Every year, the week beginning the first Sunday of July is NAIDOC Week. It’s all about celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, achievements and history. It’s also a time for all Australians to learn more about the rich history and culture of First Nations peoples, and to appreciate the deep connection they have with this land and the care they have given it over many generations.

Hear from First Nations women Shannay, Marlee and Bianca on why NAIDOC Week is such a great event, and how to get involved.

This can help if:

  • you’d like to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures

  • you’ve heard of NAIDOC Week but don’t know what it celebrates

  • you want to understand why NAIDOC week is important to all Australians

  • you want to be part of a national celebration of different cultures.

Man with necklace sitting down

What does NAIDOC stand for?

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee which aims to increase awareness about the experiences of Australia’s First Nations communities. You can read more about the history of NAIDOC here.

Why is NAIDOC Week important?

NAIDOC Week is important because it celebrates the rich and enduring culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, also known as the First Nations people of Australia. It’s a time to recognise the contributions of First Nations and marks an opportunity for guests to learn and understand more about First Nations people and culture. There are also annual awards across a range of categories recognising the outstanding achievements of First Nations people.

When is NAIDOC week celebrated?

NAIDOC Week is always celebrated in the first week of July, Sunday to Sunday. Celebrations can take place in the community, schools and workplaces.

Who can celebrate NAIDOC Week?

Everyone! This time of the year is when all Australians can get together as one to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, history and achievements.

NAIDOC isn’t just a celebration for First Nations people, says Shannay, a Dharawal and Darug woman. ‘When I was little, I used to think that NAIDOC Week was only for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and that only they were allowed to celebrate it. I’ve since learnt that this isn’t the case.

‘In my community, on the first day of NAIDOC Week, everyone marches together through the main street in celebration. People from different cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds, and from different walks of life, walk with us, hold the hands of our Elders and wave the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

‘The most amazing thing is that everyone joins in to celebrate our differences as well as our similarities, and to just have fun together.’

What happens during NAIDOC Week?

There is always plenty happening during NAIDOC Week out in the community, in schools and workplaces, and online.

Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman Marlee says that, to her, NAIDOC feels like the ‘black version of Christmas in July’. ‘There’ll be community barbecues popping up left, right and centre; there’s cups of tea to be made for Aunties; Uncles’ yarns to listen to; discussions to engage in; and fairs and markets to attend. My favourite part, though, is the vital opportunity NAIDOC provides for Aboriginal voices to take centre-stage in the mainstream media and in other conversations with non-Indigenous Australia.

‘While annual events like Reconciliation Week focus on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia, NAIDOC really puts the focus just on us blackfullas – on our work and our stories.’

Where to find NAIDOC Week celebrations

If you’re unsure how to celebrate NAIDOC Week, start by searching for local events that are happening in your community. Support First Nations businesses and creatives by shopping at a NAIDOC market, or attend a talk given by an Elder or community leader to learn from First Nations people first-hand.

For a list of this year’s NAIDOC Week events, check out this event directory.

How to celebrate NAIDOC Week outside of events

If you can’t get to an event, there’s still plenty of ways to get involved:

  • Follow and engage with First Nations creators online.

  • Attend online events.

  • Put up NAIDOC Week posters at your school, TAFE or university, or in your workplace.

  • Watch movies and shows that feature First Nations stories.

  • Learn the traditional names of the land you live on and its owners.

  • Have respectful conversations with the First Nations people in your life about their culture.

NAIDOC Week themes

Every year, NAIDOC Week is built around a new theme. The theme for 2024 is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’ which invites everyone to stand in solidarity and amplify First Nations voices. Each year's theme encourages people across the country to connect with a unique part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience. The themes allow us to reflect and centre First Nations stories, just like when Bianca Hunt shared what the 2018 theme, 'Because of Her, We Can!', meant to her.

For more information on this year’s NAIDOC Week theme and what it means, you can check out the official NAIDOC Week website’s resources.

Being a First Nations ally means listening and learning

While NAIDOC Week is a celebration, it’s important not to lose sight of why we support First Nations peoples in Australia. Engaging with the experience of First Nations peoples also means listening when they speak about the challenges and issues they still face today.

‘There is still a lot of stigma around being Indigenous,’ says Shannay. ‘Events such as Sorry Day, Mabo Day and NAIDOC Week help to shed light on some of the issues/successes experienced by Australia’s First People, and encourage all Australians to engage in conversation about them.’

Marlee agrees that even though NAIDOC Week is, first and foremost, for First Nations people, the rest of Australia is encouraged to come together with them and celebrate, too. ‘It’s the best time of the year for you guys to learn more about the state of Aboriginal Australia and to reflect on what you can be doing better to walk with us into a brighter future.’

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              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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