NAIDOC Week 2021 is on the way – how will your service help to Heal Country?

NAIDOC Week is an annual event with a specific theme chosen to reflect issues and events that are important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee and its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups seeking to increase awareness of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the 1920s.

In 2021 the theme for NAIDOC Week (4-11 July) is – Heal Country! a theme which calls for all Australians to continue to seek greater protection from exploitation and destruction of land, water, sacred sites and cultural heritage.

Healing our Country, the National NAIDOC Committee said, means “finally resolving many of the outstanding injustices that impact the lives of our people”.

“It is about hearing and actioning the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples which are the culmination of generations of consultation and discussions among our nations on a range of issues and grievances.”

“After 250 years, our children and our future generations deserve better. We cannot afford to let pass the very real opportunity that now presents itself for reform based on a fundamental change in the relationship Australia has with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” the committee added.

How is NAIDOC Week celebrated? 

Communities across the country celebrate NAIDOC Week in diverse ways. This includes cultural events, art exhibitions, movie screenings, seminars, webinars and festivals.

To find out more about NAIDOC Week events and to discover what’s on in your local area click here

How can early learning and outside school hours care services be involved? 

• Create an “hall of fame” to celebrate Indigenous role models
• Run an art show or competition
• Display NAIDOC Week posters around your service
• Hold a flag raising ceremony
• Ask a local Indigenous person to host a smoking ceremony
• Host a community event celebrating Indigenous culture
• Visit local Indigenous sites and study their history.

For more ideas click here (many ideas are for schools but can be adapted).

For logos and banners to support your event click here.

For colourful and historic posters to display click here.

SBS Learn provides a range of teaching activities and ideas to help students reflect on this year’s Heal Country theme. While many are suitable for use with primary school aged children, some tasks may be adaptable to the needs of the early years. 

To discover teaching ideas and resources, click here.