NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Aboriginal communities but by Australians from all walks of life.
The National NAIDOC Committee had decided to postpone NAIDOC Week 2020 celebrations (originally from 5–12 July) due to the coronavirus pandemic in the interest of safety for Aboriginal communities. It is being held on 8 to 15 November.
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate NAIDOC Week in an Early Childhood Service:
- Display the National NAIDOC Poster or other Indigenous posters around your classroom or workplace.
- Start your own hall of fame featuring Indigenous role models.
- Listen to Indigenous musicians or watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
- Study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts.
- Acknowledge Of Country at all meetings and important events, including meetings with children.
- Create a calendar of indigenous events that can be celebrated at the service. Add local events that are happening within the Indigenous community to the parent and staff notice board.
- Invite indigenous performers and artists into the service and hold workshops for children and families.
- Network with the local Aboriginal community and partner with them on a specific project.
- Invite Elders from your local community to take part in celebrations and significant events.
- Name an area in your service in a local language, Consult with local Aboriginal Lands Council in regards to protocol and use of language in your local community.
- Set up a "sister service" in-country or remote areas. Stay in contact through internet or exchange postcards or mail.
- Plant a tree in your service to acknowledge a significant date on the Indigenous calendar.
Play traditional Indigenous games. - Ensure your service has a range of Indigenous resources - maps, flags, music, puzzles, books, dolls, videos, posters etc.
For more ideas: Including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures In Your Service
NAIDOC week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
For more information: Creative Spirits, NAIDOC Week
References:
NAIDOC Week 2019 - Teaching Resources, NAIDOC.ORG
NAIDOC Week - Creative Spirits,