NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It acknowledges the true history of Australia, one that dates back thousands of generations.

We celebrate and embrace the true history of Australia and our culture.

NAIDOC Week 2020's theme, Always Was, Always Will Be, recognises that our Indigenous community have set many firsts for Australia.

“The very first footprints on this continent were those belonging to First Nations peoples,” states the NAIDOC Week website.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.”

Their unwavering spiritual and cultural connection with our country has allowed them to live in unison with our land for over 65,000 years.

NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to celebrate our nation’s story and to participate in a range of activities in schools to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Ideas to celebrate NAIDOC Week

Here are some suggestions from naidoc.org.au on how to celebrate NAIDOC Week in your school or workplace:

• Display the national NAIDOC poster or other Indigenous posters around your classroom or workplace.
• Start your own hall of fame featuring Indigenous role models.
• Listen to Indigenous musicians or watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
• Make your own Indigenous trivia quiz.
• Study a famous Indigenous Australian.
• Research the traditional Indigenous owners of your area.
• Study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts.
• Work with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist to produce an artwork representing the theme.
• Run an art competition for your school or community.
• Research Indigenous history online or visit your library to find books about Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples.
• Visit local Indigenous sites of significance or interest.
• Learn the meanings of local or national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names and words.
• Invite local Indigenous elders to speak or give a Welcome to Country at your school or workplace.
• Invite an Indigenous sportsperson or artist to visit you.
• Invite Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander dancers to perform.
• Host a community BBQ or luncheon.
• Hold a flag raising ceremony.
• Organise a smoking ceremony.

For more information about NAIDOC Week, the annual National Awards Ceremony or for teaching guides and resources visit the NAIDOC Week website.