NAIDOC Week: Keeping The Fire Burning
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and NAIDOC Week, observed in Australia, is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and achievements. This year, NAIDOC Week is between 7-14 and this year’s theme, Keep The Fire Burning! Blak, Loud And Proud is a call to action. It urges people to stay strong and proud of their Indigenous heritage.
The event has grown significantly since its inception in the 1920s. Back then, it started as a day of mourning, protesting the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration of survival and culture.
As part of recognising NADOC Week, DNA will celebrate LGBTQIA+ Indigenous Australians this week.
Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future
NAIDOC Week is about recognising Indigenous history and looking ahead. It’s a time for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures. People join in through art shows, concerts, and community events. These events take place across the country, from big cities to small rural towns.
The colors of NAIDOC Week are significant. Black represents the Aboriginal people, red symbolises the land and ochre used in ceremonies, and yellow stands for the sun, giver of life. These colours appear on the Aboriginal flag, designed by Harold Thomas in 1971, and in many NAIDOC Week materials.
Unity in Diversity
NAIDOC Week events happen all over Australia. In cities, towns, and remote areas, people come together to celebrate. Schools often have special lessons about Indigenous culture and history. Workplaces might hold cultural awareness sessions. Museums and galleries frequently showcase Indigenous art and artefacts.
The 2024 theme, Keep The Fire Burning is about maintaining momentum in the fight for Indigenous rights and recognition. It encourages Indigenous Australians to be proud of who they are and where they come from. This theme applies to all aspects of Indigenous life and culture, from traditional practices to modern achievements.
NAIDOC co-chair Aunty Dr Lynette Riley spoke about this year’s theme. She emphasised that it represents the ongoing fight for rights and showcases Indigenous excellence. The theme resonates with the long history of Indigenous activism in Australia, dating back to the Day of Mourning protests in 1938.
There are many ways to take part in NAIDOC Week. People can attend local events, learn about Indigenous history, support Indigenous businesses, watch Indigenous films or TV shows, and read books by Indigenous authors. Many local councils and community organisations publish calendars of NAIDOC Week events.
As the 2024 theme suggests, it’s about keeping the fire of Indigenous culture and pride burning bright, loud, and proud.
