7 Ways You Can Mark NAIDOC Week

Wherever you are.

An important week every year, “NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” says australianstogether.org.au. Usually marked in July, this year NAIDOC week had to be moved due to COVID-19, but it’s finally in the calendar this November 8th - 15th. As always, there is a theme and this year is, 'Always Was, Always Will Be.'

Want to take part in events to mark the occasion? Here’s how you can.

1. Workshops and demonstrations
Liverpool City Council, NSW, is running events all week, from performances to workshops and stories in Language. On Friday 13th why not check out the talks on Indigenous artefacts and weaving as well as a cooking demonstration? Hero artwork, Abstract In Trees by Geoff Sellman with thanks to Liverpool City Council, NSW.

@brookeblurton wears Indigenous brand, Haus of Dizzy earrings on @theiconicau

2. Watch 'Let’s Be Frank Fridays'
Some of our First Nations friends have been pretty frank with us, talking on Q&A sessions across various topics, including how to be better allies. Thank you to those who have taken over our IG so far – Marlee Silva, Teela Reid, Olivia Williams and Jarin Street – after you’ve watched these conversations, tune in for more next Friday!

3. Get the poster
Display this year’s NAIDOC Poster, featuring the artwork titled Shape of Land by 23 year old Noongar and Saibai Islander artist Tyrown Waigana, who says of the piece, “The Rainbow Serpent is represented by the snake and it forms the shape of Australia, which symbolises how it created our lands. The colour from the Rainbow Serpent is reflected on to the figure to display our connection to the Rainbow Serpent, thus our connection to country. The overlapping colours on the outside is the Dreamtime.”

“NAIDOC Posters have been celebrating and promoting NAIDOC Week since the late 1960s,” naidoc.org.au says, “and rose to national prominence in the 1970s with the establishment of the Indigenous rights movement.”

NAIDOC encourages downloading and displaying your own – get your poster here.

4. Attend a virtual exhibition
On Sunday 8th November, Children’s Ground – an organisation, run by Aboriginal families, that works to create a better future for Indigenous children – is hosting a virtual exhibition.

According to the organisation, “Children's Ground is thrilled to celebrate and profile three First Nations artists in our first online art auction ‘Grandmother’s Lore'. ”

“Exploring the relationship between two generations, Grandmother's Lore is a body of work documenting the transmission of cultural knowledge from grandmother to granddaughter. Amunda Gorey, Grace Gorey and Myra Gorey, three sisters from Arrernte country, are celebrated community leaders and artists who draw upon their connection to country and family in their pieces.”

5. Listen to stories
'Always Was, Always Will Be' In Conversation Webinar. “Crucial to change, is the ability to decipher when to use your voice and when to listen.” On Wednesday 11th November, Children’s Ground is inviting you to listen to the stories and experiences of First Nations peoples.

“We are excited to bring together four First Nations panellists to discuss their interpretation of the NAIDOC 2020 theme ‘Always Was, Always Will be’.”

6. Get the app
In time with NAIDOC week, Children’s Ground is also launching a Children's educational app. It’s created by First Nations authors and illustrators and uses interactive games to teach the Arrernte language!

“Combining ancient language with new technologies, Senior Arrernte educators have created an app that promotes language learning through interactive games and dynamic illustrations of the Central Australian landscape, First Nations kinship and family relationships.

“At Children’s Ground, children are learning about the old ways and the new ways. Cultural learning is really important - so children can grow up feeling proud of who they are,” says Leonie Palmer, Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe (Children’s Ground Central Australia Director).

After a soft launch at Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), the app is now available for free on iPad for a limited time. A fun way for parents to educate their children on First Nations culture.