NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is a national celebration held each July that recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.

What NAIDOC Week is
NAIDOC originally stood for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, a group that once coordinated national activities and whose name has since become the title of the week itself. The week provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and to participate in celebrations of the world’s oldest continuing cultures.

When and how it’s marked
NAIDOC Week is held in the first full week of July each year, running Sunday to Sunday. Events are held in communities, schools, workplaces and cultural institutions around the country, often including flag-raisings, community festivals, cultural performances, exhibitions, talks and award ceremonies.

Why NAIDOC Week matters
Each year a national theme is chosen to highlight a key issue or focus, and the week is used to honour Elders and celebrate the strength, resilience and contributions of First Nations peoples. NAIDOC Week grew out of early Aboriginal rights movements in the 20th century and is now a time for reflection, respect and relationship-building between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous Australians.