Did you know the origins of NAIDOC Week date way back to the pre-1920s? It wasn’t until 1938 though, when white Australians, with growing awareness of what Australia Day meant for Aboriginal people, marched in protest alongside Aboriginal people. (Yes, you read right – the debate about Australia Day has been going on for over a century).
NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself. You can find out more about the origins and history of NAIDOC Week.
In short, NAIDOC week is about recognising and celebrating the history, culture and achievements of our First Nations’ people. Each year there is a different focus theme as well – this year’s very relevant theme is Heal Country, Heal our Nation.
NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It is also an opportunity to ask yourself, your friends, family and work colleagues, what can we do to celebrate our First Nation’s people, their incredibly old culture (considered the oldest culture in the world), their history pre and post the first fleet settlement, and the significant achievements and contributions that influence us today?
These achievements include cultural, political, scientific, environmental and spiritual contributions that have a positive impact on all Australians. Through education and recognising these achievements, all of us can further support to bridge the gap to ensure all Australians have equal opportunity. Through cooperation, we are closer to achieving this year’s theme to Heal Country, Heal our Nation.
How we will be getting involved
Paul Miles, Managing Director for The BUSY Group Ltd (which includes BUSY At Work, BUSY Schools, BUSY Ability and Skill360) said, “The BUSY Group is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through education, skills and employment programs; to ensure they too have not only the financial security to support themselves and their family, but the opportunity to make meaningful contribution. We’re also committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan to hold us accountable in achieving this.
Our teams will be celebrating the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders next week by hosting morning teas, inviting and listening to our local Aboriginal representatives, and focussing on the theme to Heal Country, Heal our Nation”, Paul further stated.
You can find further information regarding NAIDOC Week 2021 and how you can get involved HERE
Read more below about how the BUSY Group is supporting our First Nations people through education, skills training and employment opportunities.