With the growing conversations around climate change and environmental sustainability, this year’s NAIDOC Week theme Heal Country! seems to have arrived at just the right time.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC stands for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’, though the term ‘Aborigines’ is outdated in the twenty-first century. The Committee’s origins can be traced to the 1920s, wherein Aboriginal groups emerged to increase awareness of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Today, the term NAIDOC no longer refers to the Committee itself, but has grown into an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.
What’s the meaning of this year’s theme?
Held this year from 4 – 11 July, NAIDOC Week 2021 seeks to explore spiritual, physical, emotional, social and cultural sustainability by speaking to the country that nourishes us all.
The theme Heal Country! seeks substantive institutional, structural and collaborative reform that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been advocating, marching and fighting in support of for more than 250 years. Greater protections for Indigenous lands. Respect for water systems. Safeguards against the exploitation, desecration and destruction of sacred sites. Understanding of tens of thousands of years of Indigenous culture, values and practice.
How can you celebrate NAIDOC Week?
Wherever you live, you can take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations. To find out about NAIDOC Week activities in your area, see the NAIDOC Week events page or contact your nearest Regional Office.
To celebrate virtually, follow the NAIDOC Week Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media accounts and use the #NAIDOC2021, #NAIDOCWeek or #NAIDOC hashtags on social media.
Griffith University also has resources you can check out.
- Find out more about the GUMURRII Student Success Unit on their website.
- Check out the University’s Reconciliation webpage and read our Statement on Reconciliation.
- Explore the University’s relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through the Griffith Archive.
2021 National NAIDOC logo.
Source: naidoc.org.au
