Just recently, I have come across several comments from friends and colleagues inquiring about the significance of NAIDOC Week. For those unfamiliar with the occasion and its purpose, NAIDOC Week is an Australian observance that spans from the first Sunday in July to the following Sunday. The acronym “NAIDOC” represents the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
NAIDOC history dates back to 1991 when the organizing committee officially adopted this name. The origins of NAIDOC can be traced back to a poignant letter penned by William Cooper, directed towards Aboriginal communities and churches. This letter, composed on behalf of the Australian Aborigines Progressive Association, which served as an umbrella organization for various Aboriginal justice movements, brought together a collective of influential Indigenous leaders, including Douglas Nicholls, William Ferguson, Jack Patten, and Margaret Tucker. In 1937, these leaders were laying the groundwork for the historic DAY of Mourning in 1938. This event not only sparked a powerful one-time protest but also catalyzed a national observance initially championed by churches, eventually evolving into a nationwide celebration.
NAIDOC Week is a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and accomplishments of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This significant week is not only observed within Indigenous communities, but also garners increasing participation from government agencies, schools, local councils, and workplaces. Each year, a unique theme is embraced. In 2018, the theme “#Because of her – I can” was chosen, symbolizing the recognition of the invaluable contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to their communities and the nation as a whole.
NAIDOC activities are held across Australia. The activities include cultural and education activities in schools and work places and public displays. NAIDOC week activities might include listening to Indigenous Australian music, reading dream time stories, visiting Indigenous Australian websites on the internet and organising an art competition. This major celebratory events take place in Australian major cities as well as in larger rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In many ways, it unifies the communities and to share with the rest of the nation.
I had the great opportunity to witness some of the Boigu dancers from Torres Strait Islands performing at Bunnings at Port Smith in Cairns. They certainly gave us something to enjoy while shopping. It gives me great satisfaction to see how people celebrate the events that is so significant to them. They take pride and without a doubt display their culture to the people that knows very little about their history and probably about their own country as well.
I was not only fascinated about their performances but the musical instrument they use. This include the long hollow tree which they call varup. This is very similar to what my people use in their traditional celebrations but we called them Kundu drums.
To better understand about this celebrated event among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, go to NAIDOC official website.