March 21, 2024
by Courtney Dunn
Blog
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2024
March 21st marks a significant day on the global calendar – World Down Syndrome Day. It’s a d...
This year from 8-15 November we celebrate NAIDOC week – an incredibly important event designed to celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with people from all walks of life across Australia.
As always, a good celebration is not without a theme to share stories and memories alike. This year’s theme, “Always Was, Always Will be” recognises the First Nations people that have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.
It’s about seeing, hearing and learning the First Nations’ 65,000+ year history of this country – which is Australian history. We want all Australians to celebrate that we have the oldest continuing cultures on the planet and to recognize that our sovereignty was never ceded
How to get involved
Whether you celebrate in your own time, with a loved one, or are wanting to encourage activities in the workplace, there are many free events and resources available. Here are our some of our favourite ways to celebrate NAIDOC week.
#1 Tune in to events in your local area
NAIDOC week is celebrated in many local communities, with inspirational and fun filled cultural activities taking place across Australia. To find an event near you, simply visit the NAIDOC events website and browse through all the community led events in your area.
If you’re looking for something a little more COVID-safe, there are also a variety of online events such as poetry, art sessions to webinars that can be accessed from the comfort of your own home.
As part of NAIDOC week celebrations last year, Breakthru’s Liverpool customers enjoyed an artistic session by creating colourful versions of the ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth.’ Poster. It was a great opportunity for those to reflect on the importance of NAIDOC week. If you don’t have any plans this could be a great way to get into the NAIDOC week festivities!
#2 Post on social media
If you have a social media account, a great way to show support for NAIDOC week is by promoting or encouraging the importance of the celebration.
NAIDOC encourages people to use #NAIDOC2020 #NAIDOCWEEK or #NAIDOC hashtags when talking about the week on social media. You can find more social media resources for NAIDOC week here to start raising awareness and celebrating the week.
You can also tag the National NAIDOC week social media accounts via their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
#3 Share resources to support learning
To further support your next NAIDOC event, we have created a small list of free resources that are available. Here are some great engaging resources:
An interactive map that showcases over 780 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
NAIDOC Week resources, including clips and practical activities.
The NAIDOC Week Poster that can be placed in your workplace, organisation, school, website, or social media.
Read or share this year’s theme Always Was, Always Will be.
Get Inspiration from NAIDOC 2017 Activity Pack including recipe’s and colouring activities.
If you would like to learn more, visit SBS Learn or check out NAIDOC Week ideas for more inspiration to support your week.
NAIDOC week at Breakthru
This year, Breakthru celebrated NAIDOC week by hosting a variety of activities for customers and employees by sharing the culture of Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.
Offices were decorated with NAIDOC posters, trivia was played, and some went to explore the beautiful land that we call Australia.
It has been a great week to bring together people to reflect on the culture and explore new ways to communicate the meaning behind NAIDOC.
There are many more ways to celebrate NAIDOC this week, so please feel free to explore other ideas that can spark a conversation or reflect on the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
