First Day Of NAIDOC Week
The first day of NAIDOC is a holiday that’s observed on the first Sunday in July and kicks off NAIDOC Week in Australia. The acronym “NAIDOC” is a term that means National Aborigines & Islanders Day Observance Committee. This day, and the week it kicks off, celebrates the unique culture, history, and accomplishments of Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal Australians.
Australia (Observance)This is a holiday that’s observed in these indigenous communities but is also observed by city councils, schools, and government agencies all over Australia. Every year, there’s a variety of events associated with this observance day including balls and award ceremonies.
The History Of The First Day Of NAIDOC
The roots of this holiday can be traced back to the late 1930s Day of Mourning. This protest was held by Aboriginal Australians on January 26, 1938, on the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet, an event that began the colonization of Australia. The protest of this event was against the 150-years of mistreatment by colonists.
In 1957, the leaders of this movement decided to change the date of this holiday to July instead of holding it in January. During this time, NADOC, or the National Aborigines Observance Committee or NADOC. In 1975, this protest event began a week-long event and in 1991, the name NAIDOC was adopted by the organizing committee of this holiday.
Observing The First Day Of NAIDOC
All across Australia on this day and the holiday week that follows, there are cultural and educational activities held in workplaces and schools. There are also public displays that are designed to educate the public about the contributions of Australia’s indigenous population and there is programming on television to that effect as well. Large celebratory take place in not only rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, but also in Australia’s major cities.
Australia (Observance)
