NAIDOC Week at Good Shepherd Lutheran School
At Good Shepherd Lutheran School we proudly celebrate NAIDOC Week (7-14 July 2024), honouring the rich history, culture, and achievements of First Nations people.
We importantly pair this celebration of the history, culture and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with student learning, however this year, NAIDOC Week falls during the school holidays. Through storytelling, art, music, and community events, we encourage our students to engage in a variety of the following educational and cultural activities designed to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous heritage.
Are you aware of what NAIDOC stands for?
On 26 January 1938, while many Australians celebrated the 150th anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival, over 1,000 Aboriginal people gathered at Australia Hall in Sydney to demand full citizenship status and laws to improve the lives of First Nations people. This significant civil rights gathering became known as the Day of Mourning. Since then, National NAIDOC Week has evolved to commemorate this day and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations people. Nationally, NAIDOC Week is observed annually from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday.
These school holidays, why not do some or all of the below together as a family to celebrate NAIDOC Week! (7-14 July)
Attend a NAIDOC Week Event
Find out what NAIDOC Week events are happening and join in the celebrations. (We love the NAIDOC March & Family Festival happening on Friday July 12)
Reach Out and Engage
Reach out and engage with local Traditional Owners and your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Share Positively on Social Profiles
Follow, share and comment on the official NAIDOC Week social media profiles:
Whose Country Are You On?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia is made up of many different and distinct groups, each with their own culture, customs, language and laws. The AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia is an interactive map where you can find whose country you live on!
Watch a Show or Movie
There are many amazing Australian First Nations filmmakers, actresses and actors. Why not watch something together as a family? For young children, we love ‘Little J & Big Cuz‘!
Buy From First Nations Businesses
Make sure profits go to First Nations people by buying from Blak businesses.
Read a Book by a First Nations Author
There are sooooo many wonderful books written by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors. Here’s just a few that we recommend:
- Come Together: Things every Aussie kid should know about the First Peoples (Isaiah Firebrace, Jaelyn Biumaiwai, and Keisha Leon)
- Back on Country (Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing, and David Hardy)
- Guardians (Wylah the Koori Warrior, Book 1) (Jordan Gould and Richard Pritchard)
- Koori Princess (Anita Heiss)
- This is me! (Sally Morgan)
Listen to Music
Find and listen to podcasts or music created by First Nations artists and creatives. You can find them on ABC Kids and Spotify.
National NAIDOC Week – 7 to 14 July 2024
Celebrate NAIDOC Week on social media using the hashtags #NAIDOC2024 #NAIDOCWeek and #BlakLoudProud
To find out more about NAIDOC Week, local events, learning resources and more, visit the National NAIDOC Week website.
