NAIDOC Week 2024: “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud”

The illustrations in this design were created by Sheri Skele, also known as Bigi Nagala, a proud Bidjara woman and contemporary Aboriginal artist.

NAIDOC continues its tradition of celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The theme this year for NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud”. Chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee.

NAIDOC is a cultural week celebrate by not only the indigenous community, but by all Australians all over Australia and worldwide.

This year’s theme is a nod to the persevering strength, endurance and vibrance of the First Nations culture with the fire symbolising the connection that the Indigenous peoples have to Country, and to the abundance of traditions that are encompassed in this incredible culture.

The need to consult Indigenous peoples no decisions was reiterated by Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese in 30 July 2022 where he confirmed the Government’s promise to implement Uluru Statement from the Heart:

“I believe there is room in Australian hearts for the Statement from the Heart. We are seeking a momentous change – but it is also a very simple one. It is not a matter of special treatment, or preferential power. It’s about consulting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on decisions that affect you. Nothing more – but nothing less”.

Created by Sheri Skele.

A brief history of NAIDOC Week

It was in 1984 that Nation Aborigines Day was requested to be made a national public holiday to celebrate the rich cultural history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.

NAIDOC stretches back to the 1920s when Indigenous rights groups boycotted 26 January (Australia Day) by protesting against the unfair treatment of Indigenous peoples. During Australia Day in 1938, there were protests throughout Sydney. This was labelled a major civil rights movement and became known as the Day of Mourning. Subsequent to this, William Cooper proposed a national policy for Aboriginal peoples, which was rejected as a result of the broad nature of the Constitution.

Following this, there was public outcry which proposed that this event should be an annual event.

It was in 1984 that Nation Aborigines Day was requested to be made a national public holiday to celebrate the rich cultural history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. However, the actual roots of NAIDOC are entrenched in the Day of Mourning, which became a week-long event in 1975.  

Originally, the event was referred to as NADOC (The National Aborigines Day Observance Committee) however, this was changed to NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee), to acknowledge and include Torres Strait Islanders. The date was also changed from January to July in order to better reflect the celebration of Indigenous rich culture, and heritage.

What happens at NAIDOC?

NAIDOC activities are held Australia-wide (capital cities and Alice Springs, Hermannsburg, Shepparton and Mildura) and include educational and cultural events in schools, workplaces and schools. These may include listening to Indigenous Australian music, reading of dreamtime stories, observing art displays and competitions.

Presently, there continues to be a growing impetus to recognise the distinct cultural history of the various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, the Albanese Government announced $1.7 million in grants in support of local communities and organisations celebrating 2024 NAIDOC Week, and the abundance and vibrance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians culture.

This year, the theme "Blak, Loud and Proud" is an unapologetic celebration of the identity of Indigenous Australians, reiterating its place within contemporary Australia. This theme takes hold of the stories, voices and uniqueness of this culture and invites all Australians to engage in meaningful conversations about the wisdom, knowledge and continuing contributions of Indigenous peoples. It is through this collective engagement that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities facilitate an acknowledgement of the enriching history and traditions of the Indigenous identity.

Carbon LCA Certified acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we work and pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging.