NAIDOC Week 2021

Running from 4–11 July, NAIDOC Week 2021 is here!

Held every July, NAIDOC is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The theme of this year’s event is Heal Country.

Country is inherent to our identity.

It sustains our lives in every aspect – spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally.

It is more than a place.

When we talk about Country it is spoken of like a person.

Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it has been this way since the dawn of time.

Through our languages and songs, we speak to Country; through our ceremonies and traditions we sing to – and celebrate Country – and Country speak to us.

Increasingly, we worry about Country.

Read the full meaning of the Heal Country theme here.

COVID-19 restrictions in many parts of the country have inhibited in-person events, but NAIDOC organisers have provided some ideas on how we can celebrate NAIDOC week safely. Please adhere to all relevant COVID-19 restrictions in your area.

• Display the National NAIDOC Poster or other Indigenous posters around your classroom or workplace.
• Start your own hall of fame featuring Indigenous role models.
• Listen to Indigenous musicians or watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
• Make your own Indigenous trivia quiz.
• Study a famous Indigenous Australian.
• Research the traditional Indigenous owners of your area.
• Study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts.
• Work with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist to produce an artwork representing the theme.
• Run an art competition for your school or community.
• Research Indigenous history online or visit your library to find books about Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples.
• Visit local Indigenous sites of significance or interest.
• Learn the meanings of local or national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names and words.
• Invite local Indigenous Elders to speak or give a Welcome to Country at your school or workplace.
• Invite an Indigenous sportsperson or artist to visit you.
• Invite Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander dancers to perform.
• Host a community BBQ or luncheon.
• Hold a flag raising ceremony.
• Organise a smoking ceremony.

Visit NAIDOC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NAIDOC/ or online www.naidoc.org.au/