NAIDOC Week is held around Australia in the first week of July to celebrate and recognise the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their culture and history and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
This year's theme—'Keep The Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud'—celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples identity and pride in heritage and place. It invites us all to stand in solidarity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.
Kindling a passion in the youngest generation
Katrina Knapp, Centre Director at Vickers Road Community Childcare Centre, Townsville has been building the cultural knowledge and capability of educators, children and families over many years.
'We have found children learn best when they build on their cultural knowledge all year round and when they do it regularly, the children build a passion and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' cultures,' Katrina said.
'Because it is so strongly practiced throughout the year, when we get a cultural visitor or someone from the community, the children remember them and the activity.'
Over the years, the service has incorporated many activities such as dot painting, dancing and clay building into their programming, as well as having visits from local community members.
'We have visits from Elders and an Uncle who regularly comes in to play the didgeridoo for the children.
'He will also do art activities, talking through the meaning of symbols and creating masterpieces with the children and educators.'
Katrina said they also share cultural knowledge with families too.
'It’s important for us to inform families about why we are doing specific activities throughout the year and the history behind these activities.
'We have an array of different cultural activities planned with families throughout the year, one example is that we incorporate our families’ local totem animals into our artwork so that the children can learn the meanings and the local connection,' Katrina said.
Building cultural knowledge in educators
The service incorporates regular professional development to build up their educators' knowledge and confidence in teaching children about cultural heritage.
'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' culture is important to us, how we do it and why we do it, making sure everyone understands and is confident in the purpose,' Katrina said.
'Our educators' knowledge has gone from strength to strength, they recognise the importance of continually participating in professional development to keep building their knowledge.'
Getting started
For services starting out building their cultural knowledge, Katrina said it is important just to take the first step and start small.
'Not everyone has access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders or community members, however, we all have access to the online resources and learning tools,' she said.
Katrina's husband has both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, enabling her to learn from his knowledge and family.
'I have learnt so much from his family and community as they are quite involved in their cultural practices, it's great to have him as someone I can learn from.'
For those who might not have someone to share with through their family or community, Katrina suggests starting a conversation among peers or co-workers.
'There may be someone who has more cultural understanding or knowledge than you and you can get a positive outcome by working together to plan activities and gain and share knowledge,' Katrina said.
Making a positive difference
NAIDOC Week is a fantastic opportunity for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to reflect upon continuing to develop and build cultural capability and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' perspectives into everyday learning.
There are a number of ways all educators can make a significant and positive difference to
reconciliation (PDF, 829KB) at all times throughout the year.
Take time to read these actions and discuss how we as individuals and as a wider community can move towards braver and more impactful action for all children.
Help ensure children have access to early childhood education and care that respects their family, culture and other identities and languages, which is reflected in the:
To help your service celebrate NAIDOC Week, there are
resources and materials and you can also get involved through a
local NAIDOC event.
Related resources