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Experience the rich heritage, culture and contributions of Indigenous Australians at the start of NAIDOC week! Join us in honouring their legacy.
Pack your enthusiasm and celebrate with us on the First Day of NAIDOC Week starting July 7! This observance, a salute to the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC), has been a key event in Australia since the early 1920s. It initially began as a day of protest against the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians and then, reverently transformed into an entire week of celebration that now takes place nationwide. It’s a time for us to experience and appreciate the rich culture, valuable contributions, enduring traditions and strong spiritual connection to land of Indigenous Australians. Let's come together and recognize the remarkable diversity of the oldest continuing cultures in the world!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1924</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Australian Day of Mourning</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Australian Day of Mourning, a protest against the status and treatment of indigenous people organised by the Australian Aborigines Progressive Association (AAPA), is marked.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1938</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Day of Mourning Becomes Annual Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Day of Mourning is declared to be held annually on Australia Day, advocating for Indigenous rights and calling attention to their mistreatment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1955</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of National Aborigines Day Observance Committee</div><div class='timeline-text'>NAIDOC (National Aborigines Day Observance Committee) is formed to help promote recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion to NAIDOC Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The observations are expanded from a single day to a full week, including the First Day of NAIDOC week, to allow more comprehensive celebration and education.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the NAIDOC Awards</div><div class='timeline-text'>The NAIDOC National Awards are established to recognize the outstanding contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to their communities and Australia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of NAIDOC in Australian Legislation</div><div class='timeline-text'>NAIDOC Week is officially recognized in the Australian legislation under the guidance of the Department of Prime Minister and cabinet, marking the political and cultural significance of this holiday.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend a local event</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many communities hold special events on the First Day of NAIDOC Week. These range from dances and art exhibits to storytelling sessions and traditional games. Participating in these events can help you better understand and appreciate Indigenous Australian culture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cook traditional foods</h3><p class='facts-text'>Traditions are often passed down through food, and Indigenous Australian cuisine is no exception. Consider preparing a traditional dish, like bush bread or kangaroo stew, to explore and taste the rich culinary heritage of Indigenous Australians.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn about Indigenous art</h3><p class='facts-text'>Indigenous Australian art has a long and rich history. On this day, take time to learn more about it - you could visit a local museum, watch a documentary or read up on some famous Indigenous artists.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit sacred lands</h3><p class='facts-text'>Indigenous Australians have a deep spiritual connection to the land. Visiting sacred lands can be a powerfully enlightening experience. Remember to respect local customs and rules when visiting these places.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to Indigenous charities</h3><p class='facts-text'>Consider making a donation to a charity that supports Indigenous Australians. Your contribution could help fund initiatives in education, healthcare, housing and more.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates Indigenous Australian Culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>NAIDOC Week provides us with an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant and rich culture of Indigenous Australians. It's a unique chance to experience and understand their cultural heritage through traditional dances, art, stories, and games, helping us appreciate their invaluable cultural contributions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Understanding and Respect</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>NAIDOC Week fosters unity and understanding by giving all Australians a chance to learn about the deep spiritual connection to land that Indigenous Australians maintain. By participating in events, visiting sacred lands or learning about traditional foods and art, we build respect for one of the world's oldest continuous cultures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supports Indigenous Communities and Causes</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Finally, NAIDOC Week encourages support for Indigenous Australians through charitable donations. Contributions can go towards invaluable initiatives in education, healthcare, housing and more, actively making a difference and promoting equality.</p></div></div>
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