When is NAIDOC Week 2023? Check Its Theme and Evolution
by Aishwarya R | Updated May 24, 2023
Naidoc Week
Evryone is immersed in the vibrant and significant celebration known as NAIDOC Week! Taking place in Australia, this observance spans from the first Sunday in July to the following Sunday. The acronym NAIDOC originally stood for National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC), later modified to National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The roots of NAIDOC Week can be traced back to the historic Day of Mourning in 1938, a pivotal event that marked the beginning of a powerful movement advocating for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In 1975, NAIDOC Week evolved into a week-long celebration, embracing the rich heritage, culture, and accomplishments of these remarkable communities. During NAIDOC Week, the spotlight shines on the history, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It serves as a time for reflection, education, and appreciation, not only within Indigenous Australian communities but also among an increasing number of government agencies, schools, local councils, and workplaces.
Through a diverse range of events, NAIDOC Week showcases the resilience, contributions, and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It provides a platform for storytelling, art exhibitions, music and dance performances, cultural workshops, sporting activities, and community gatherings. These activities foster understanding, promote reconciliation, and strengthen the bonds between different communities across the country.
NAIDOC Week holds great significance as a unifying force that encourages all Australians to come together and embrace the shared history and cultural diversity of the nation. It is an opportunity to recognize the immense contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the fabric of Australian society and to promote respect, equality, and harmony. As NAIDOC Week approaches each year, anticipation builds, and communities across Australia prepare to engage in this enriching celebration. It is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and pave the way for a more inclusive and united future.
When is Naidoc Week 2023?
NAIDOC Week 2023 will take place from Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, until Sunday, July 9th, 2023. It's a week-long celebration that offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. NAIDOC Week activities ignite the spirit of celebration all across Australia. From schools to workplaces, public spaces to the internet, cultural and educational events come alive, creating a tapestry of experiences.
Everyone immerse in the enchanting melodies of Indigenous Australian music, as its rhythmic beats transport you to ancient lands. All are wondering about the world of dreamtime stories, where timeless tales unveil the wisdom and traditions of the First Nations people. Explore the vast realm of Indigenous Australian websites, where you can delve deeper into their rich heritage and gain a profound understanding of their cultures.
Engaging in a burst of creativity by organizing an art competition, where imaginations soar and diverse expressions come to life. And everyone tunes in to Australian television and streaming services, where specially curated programs celebrate the essence of NAIDOC Week. Stations like ABC and SBS structure their programming throughout the week, shining a spotlight on events, actors, and more, capturing the hearts of audiences across the nation.
The excitement doesn't stop there. Major cities, along with larger rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities such as Alice Springs, Hermannsburg, Shepparton, and Mildura, host grand celebratory events. These gatherings serve as epicenters of cultural exchange, where traditions are shared, talents are showcased, and the spirit of unity thrives.
NAIDOC Week is a time when the whole country comes alive with joy, pride, and appreciation for the remarkable contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's a celebration that transcends boundaries, embracing everyone in its warmth and inviting them to embark on a journey of cultural exploration and mutual respect. So get ready to join in the festivities and witness firsthand the vibrancy and diversity that define NAIDOC Week.
Naidoc Week 2023 Theme
The excitement is building as the National NAIDOC Committee reveals the inspiring theme for the 2023 National NAIDOC Week: "For Our Elders." This theme honors the invaluable role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders play in our communities. They are the guardians of wisdom, having witnessed remarkable changes throughout their lifetimes. Serving as vital bridges between the modern world and Aboriginal culture, they are the esteemed leaders of our communities. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to sit down and listen attentively to our Elders.
Our Elders hold the key to healing our people and preserving our cultural heritage. They bear the immense responsibility of upholding and passing on traditional knowledge, values, and customs while guiding us toward balance in navigating the complexities of two different worlds. Their contributions have laid the foundation for our success in various sectors, including health, education, the arts, politics, and beyond.
Their unwavering inspiration ignites the dreams of a future that is larger, brighter, and deeply rooted in our unique identity as Anangu (Aboriginal) people. This is the essence of what we celebrate during NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC Week is not limited to Indigenous Australians alone—it is a celebration embraced by people from all walks of life, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. It offers a precious opportunity to engage in culturally rich activities, showing our support and amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In conjunction with the theme announcement, the National NAIDOC Committee is thrilled to launch the National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition. This competition invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 16 years and older to submit artwork that reflects the theme of "For Our Elders." The winning artist will receive a prestigious cash prize of $10,000 (tax-free) and their artwork will become the official 2023 National NAIDOC Week Poster.
Moreover, they will be honored with a ticket for themselves and a guest to attend the esteemed National NAIDOC Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in Meanjin, Brisbane on Saturday, July 1st, 2023. The Poster Competition is open until Monday, February 6th, 2023, at 8:00 pm (AEDT). It's an incredible opportunity for talented artists to showcase their creativity and contribute to the vibrant celebration of NAIDOC Week.
Year after year, NAIDOC Week continues to grow in significance, with an ever-deepening array of celebrations at the community, state, and national levels. It is a cherished occasion for all Australians to come together and honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and remarkable achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—the custodians of the oldest continuing cultures on our planet.
Evolution of NAIDOC
From Day of Mourning to Week of Celebration
Inception of the Day of Mourning (1938)
The roots of NAIDOC can be traced back to a letter penned by William Cooper, which aimed to reach out to Aboriginal communities and churches. Cooper represented the Australian Aborigines Progressive Association, a coalition of various Aboriginal justice movements. Together with influential Indigenous leaders such as Douglas Nicholls, William Ferguson, Jack Patten, and Margaret Tucker, they laid the groundwork for the historic Day of Mourning in 1938. This momentous event served as a catalyst for a powerful one-off protest, leaving a lasting impact on the Indigenous rights movement.
Transition to NADOC Day of Remembrance (1957)
In 1957, the movement leaders decided to shift the commemorative date from January to July. This marked the establishment of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC), with the first Sunday in July designated as a day of remembrance and celebration for Aboriginal people and their rich heritage. This change allowed for a broader recognition of the historical and cultural significance of Indigenous Australians.
Transformation into NAIDOC Week (1991)
In 1991, NADOC underwent a significant transformation, evolving into NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee). This expansion acknowledged and embraced the inclusion of Torres Strait Islanders, extending the celebration beyond a single day to encompass an entire week. NAIDOC Week became a dedicated time to honor and appreciate the contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The name of the committee itself eventually became synonymous with the week-long festivities.
COVID-19
Impact and Adaptation The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the traditional observance of NAIDOC Week in 2020, leading to its postponement from July to November. The national NAIDOC Awards, originally planned for Mparntwe/Alice Springs, were unfortunately canceled due to ongoing uncertainties. Similarly, the 2021 National NAIDOC Awards ceremony scheduled for July 3rd was also canceled. Despite these setbacks, efforts were made to organize a Sydney Opera House event on the same day, but it too had to be postponed due to a COVID-19 lockdown. As a result, NAIDOC Week 2021 was rescheduled, with some events in the Northern Territory commencing on July 11th, although a few had to be canceled.
When is Naidoc Week 2023 - FAQs
The Day of Mourning, held in 1938, marked a pivotal moment in the Indigenous rights movement. It was a powerful one-off protest that brought attention to the deplorable conditions experienced by Aboriginal people after 150 years of British rule. This event laid the groundwork for the establishment of NAIDOC.
In 1957, the leaders of the Indigenous rights movement decided to shift the date of commemoration from January to July. This change led to the formation of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC). The shift aimed to provide a more inclusive and meaningful recognition of Aboriginal people and their heritage.
In 1991, NADOC expanded its scope and became NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee). This change aimed to acknowledge and include Torres Strait Islanders in the celebrations, recognizing the unique contributions of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on NAIDOC Week. In 2020, the week-long celebration was disrupted, leading to its postponement from July to November. The national NAIDOC Awards and some planned events had to be canceled or postponed due to ongoing uncertainties and lockdown measures.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, efforts were made to adapt and reschedule NAIDOC Week events. However, continued uncertainties and lockdowns have resulted in further postponements and cancellations. NAIDOC Week organizers remain committed to ensuring the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and achievements, even in the face of ongoing challenges.