It is fascinating to learn that the oldest living culture in the world is in Australia. For more than 65,000 years, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have inhabited this land, demonstrating a commitment to caring for country, sharing stories, and transmitting knowledge across generations.
NAIDOC Week provides the time to celebrate and acknowledge these cultures. It is not just an event but a time to listen, a time to learn, and a time to honor the voices that have enriched this country well before we were here.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week takes place in July every year, giving Australians a chance to celebrate the rich history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is when individuals from all backgrounds come together to look to the past, cherish the present, and strive towards a brighter future.
NAIDOC is an abbreviation for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which was initially a group that advocated for Indigenous rights awareness.
Today, while the name remains the same, its meaning has broadened. NAIDOC Week is a national event marked by pride, learning, connection, and celebration of culture.
History of NAIDOC Week
In 1938, Aboriginal leaders organized a Day of Mourning to protest against the treatment of Indigenous Australians. While the rest of Australia was celebrating 150 years of colonization, Indigenous Australians wanted recognition and respect.
Through the years, these events peaked when the NAIDOC committee was formed and the idea of devoting a specific time of the year to the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was born.
It started from one day to a week, and today it is a national movement involving cultural events, learning programs, and calls for justice.
Theme for 2025
Every year, NAIDOC Week is based on a theme that captures an essential message from the First Nations people. This year’s theme is: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”.
This theme is in recognition of strength, identity, and pride. It celebrates the enduring strength of indigenous culture, honors the legacy of the elders, and empowers the new generation of leaders.
It’s a reminder to the rest of us: Indigenous culture isn’t something from the past, it’s alive and well today. And it needs space, respect, and recognition.
How is NAIDOC Week Celebrated?
NAIDOC Week is celebrated with different festivities throughout Australia. Some communities organize marches and flag raises.
Some communities organize art exhibitions, cultural workshops, and music or dance performances. Elders tell stories to children. Schools organize classroom activities, and employers organize discussions or morning teas to raise awareness of First Nations histories.
Also, the NAIDOC Awards exist to honor Indigenous Australians who are making a significant contribution in the fields of education, health, sport, and leadership.
Regardless of size, these festivals are intended to exchange culture, foster understanding, and express support.
Why is NAIDOC Week Important?
NAIDOC Week is important because it brings to the forefront the lives, challenges, and accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
It is a time to learn about the history of Australia, namely, colonization, dispossession, and how that has impacted First Nations people.
It is an educational moment for non-Indigenous Australians. It calls us respectfully to listen, sensitively to ask, and actively to tread the path to truth and justice.
How You Can Contribute
You don’t have to be an expert or visit a large gathering to take part in NAIDOC Week. Here are a few simple ways to take part:
- Go to a neighborhood event, parade, or community function.
- Watch, read, or listen to something by an Indigenous creator, filmmaker, or speaker
- Support Indigenous-owned enterprises and artists
- Listen to First Nations voices on social media
- Discuss with family, friends, or school friends what NAIDOC Week is.
- Learn about the earliest inhabitants of the place you live.
Reflecting on the Legacy and Future of NAIDOC Week
Small things are able to have a large effect if they are based on respect and inquiry. Looking back at the past and the future of NAIDOC Week, it is not just a celebration period; it is also a period of recalling the fight for rights and respect that has been continuing for decades.
It celebrates the Elders who paved the way, the youth who are shaping change today, and the communities who have preserved culture in the face of so much adversity.
Let us keep learning, keep listening, and keep showing up, not this week, but every week of the year. The stronger we are, the more we know together.
A passionate International Relations student with a strong interest in diplomacy, policy, and global affairs. Dedicated to contributing thoughtful analysis and research on international issues.
