NAIDOC Week

This page contains a series of articles and curriculum resources that we hope inspired and encouraged the celebration of NAIDOC Week.

It also contains feature stories looking at the incredibly important role education has to play in addressing inequity and racism and in ensuring all Australians recognise the wrongs done in the past and set about making the future better and brighter.

Enjoy the material and the stories. Share them with your colleagues and your students. We hope you enjoy celebrating NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week curriculum resources

My public education

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Western Teacher reached out to some prominent Western Australians of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage who also attended public schools. We asked them about their experiences growing up and going through the state school system, their thoughts on Indigenous education and how successful outcomes for Indigenous students can be attained. These are their stories.

Dr Sue Gordon OAM

Four-year-old Sue was taken away from her mother and placed in a children's home. Forty-one years later, Dr Gordon became the first Aboriginal magistrate of a WA court. She credits her public school typing teacher for helping her get her start.

Geoff Regan

Teachers, like police officers, are born into the profession, says Superintendent of the Aboriginal Affairs Division at WAPOL, Mr Regan, who has been policing for 29 years. He chose the career to be part of something where he could make a change and a difference in a positive way.

Narelda Jacobs

From the halls of Hampton SHS to sharing a stage with prime ministers, international leaders and humanitarian advocates, journalist and news presenter Ms Jacobs has fond memories of her school days. She's passionate about promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Tyrown Waigana

The man behind 2020's stunning NAIDOC Week art work may have been headed for a career in plumbing if it wasn't for the keen eye of his high school design and technology teacher. Mr Waigana is now a professional multi-disciplinary artist and graphic designer, running his own business.

Download poster

NAIDOC Week 2023 poster

Bobbi Lockyer, a proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist, born and based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland, is the winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition for 2023 with her entry, For Our Elders.

“Where there is knowledge there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the pathways for us, taught us our knowledge, our history, they passed down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future.” said Bobbi.

Bobbi will receive a $10,000 cash prize and attend the 2023 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Meanjin (Brisbane) on 1 July this year as a guest of the National NAIDOC Committee.