NAIDOC Week
Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2023
Acknowledgement of Country
The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters throughout Australia. We pay our respect to Elders and acknowledge their continuing relationship to this land and waters and the ongoing living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We also acknowledge future aspirations of all First Nations peoples. Through respectful relationships we will work for the mutual flourishing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We commit ourselves in prayer and practice to this land of Australia and its people, seeking reconciliation, unity and equity.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee, which was founded in 1957 to encourage Australians to focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on the first Sunday in July.
NAIDOC Week encourages all Australians to celebrate the unique and rich histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their achievements.
The week provides an opportunity to explore one of the oldest and most diverse cultures that exist today, and to participate in the various NAIDOC celebrations held across Australia.
When is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week celebrations occur in the first week of July each year. NAIDOC Week dates run from Sunday to Sunday. NAIDOC Week 2023 is held from 2-9 July. NAIDOC Week dates back to prior to the 1920s.
NAIDOC Week 2023 theme
The NAIDOC Week 2023 theme is ‘For Our Elders’.
Generations learn from previous generations.
For many years, Elders have played an important role within communities and families across Australia, and we learn from their lived experiences and the knowledge they passionately share with us.
Our Elders have experienced many challenges, paving a way forward for younger generations and we are fortunate to be able to learn from these past experiences. Elders continue to play an integral role in preserving and passing down traditional cultural knowledges, practices, wisdom and insight that have been ongoing since time immemorial.
Why do we celebrate NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week promotes the understanding, respect and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The week is aimed at supporting reconciliation and reminds all Australians of the importance of the rich histories and cultures we can all learn from.
NAIDOC Week celebrations can take place in homes, schools and workplaces.
How to celebrate NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC activities are held across Australia, to acknowledge and appreciate the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Here are some ways to celebrate:
- Visit Indigenous sites of significance in your community
- Display the NAIDOC Week poster in your classroom or workplace
- Conduct a flag raising ceremony
- Invite local Elders to give a Welcome to Country or conduct a smoking ceremony at your school or workplace
- Research about the Traditional Owners of your local area
The National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony is held in a chosen city each year and showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander award winners.
A theme for NAIDOC Week is chosen each year and a downloadable poster is designed, based around what is important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The poster competition is a traditional component of NAIDOC Week, encouraging young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to enter.
What is the importance of NAIDOC Week
As many Australians celebrated the 150-year anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet on 26 January 1938, a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples gathered to protest against the unjust treatment they experienced 150 years ago. This signified the mourning for those who were mistreated.
The Day of Mourning, held on the Sunday before Australia Day from 1938 to 1955, recognises the impact that was endured upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is for all Australians to educate themselves about the rich histories and cultures of First Nations peoples.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
Our programs and partnerships at The Salvation Army help us to collaboratively work towards ‘Closing the Gap’. Some of our programs, such as early intervention programs, youth justice programs, housing programs and sports programs, support greater equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Learn more by visiting our program page below.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
Our commitment to reconciliation is outlined in our Innovate Reconciliation Action plan, available on our page below. We nurture and respect the unique histories, cultures, spiritualties and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Stories
Forging friendships at Sunset Skate
It’s not often that police are surprised by the effect of sausages and chatting, but after Gladstone Salvos in Queensland started engaging with young people, the outcomes are generating appreciation. Read more
Honouring Elders with Launceston NAIDOC service
Ever-deepening ties between the Launceston Salvation Army, and the Launceston-based Aboriginal Elders Council of Tasmania, will enrich the first 2023 NAIDOC Week Launceston Salvos church service Read more