Ways to Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2021

NAIDOC Week 2021 poster by Maggie-Jean Douglas - a Gubbi Gubbi artist from South East Queensland - winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC poster competition for 2021. Courtesy of naidoc.org.au, 2021.

With NAIDOC Week just around the corner, now is the time to start planning your 2021 celebrations! NAIDOC Week is held nationwide from the 4 - 11 July. It invites the nation to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia's national heritage, and to equally respect the culture and values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The NAIDOC Week theme for this year is “Heal Country.” The theme calls for us to all continue to seek greater protections for Indigenous lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage. Here at Yarn, we recognise Indigenous peoples’ connection to Country and the importance of maintaining healthy Country and culture.

NAIDOC week isn’t just celebrated within Indigenous communities, but also at schools, local councils, government agencies and workplaces. Hosting a NAIDOC event is an excellent way to engage with your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and community organisations, and it helps in the journey to reconciliation. If you are looking to hold an event, make sure that it is staged in a COVID safe manner to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. 

Torres Strait Islander peoples performing at the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony at the National Convention Centre in Canberra, July 6, 2019. Courtesy of NAIDOC Facebook, 2021.

Here are some ways to celebrate NAIDOC Week in 2021:

  • Listen to Indigenous musicians or watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
  • Study a famous Indigenous Australian.
  • Research the Traditional Owners of your area.
  • Run an art competition for your school or community.
  • Display the National NAIDOC Poster or other Indigenous posters around your classroom or workplace.
  • Start your own hall of fame featuring Indigenous role models around your home, classroom or workplace.
  • 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 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander dancers to perform at your school or workplace.
  • Hold a flag raising ceremony at your school or workplace.
  • Visit local Indigenous sites of significance or interest.
  • Attend an Indigenous arts and crafts workshop.
  • Host a community BBQ or luncheon.
  • Organise a smoking ceremony.

The national NAIDOC online events calendar is now open! Click here to find NAIDOC events in your area. If you are running a NAIDOC Week event in your local area, register your event here. Once checked by the NAIDOC team, your event will be published on the NAIDOC website. If you are looking for resources to help promote your NAIDOC event, then visit the NAIDOC Week website logo and banner page here. 

We encourage you to use the #NAIDOC2021 #NAIDOCWeek or #NAIDOC hashtag when talking about NAIDOC Week and promoting your NAIDOC event on social media. Check out the NAIDOC organisation Instagram here and Facebook here.

In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2021, we have partnered with eight talented Indigenous artists to bring you a stunning new range. Each artwork's story is an embodiment of this year's powerful theme. Don’t forget to grab your merch and join us as we come together to recognise and protect First Nations Country, culture and heritage!