First Day of NAIDOC Week 2025 in Australia

The first day of NAIDOC Week marks the beginning of a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements. It often starts with opening ceremonies, community events, and flag-raising to honor First Nations peoples.

First Day of NAIDOC Week: A Public Holiday?

The first day of NAIDOC Week is not a public holiday, but it is widely recognized with events, ceremonies, and community activities across Australia.

First Day of NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, when Aboriginal Australians protested against the mistreatment and exclusion of Indigenous people. Over the years, this day of protest grew into a broader movement to recognize the rights and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In the 1950s, churches supported the idea of a special day to celebrate Indigenous Australians, which later expanded into a whole week.

By the 1970s, NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) was formed to support and promote this celebration. The first day of NAIDOC Week now marks the beginning of a national observance highlighting Indigenous culture, history, and contributions. It sets the tone for the week with opening events, speeches, and ceremonies that reflect both the struggles and the achievements of First Nations peoples.

Observance of the First Day of NAIDOC Week in Australia

NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to learn about and celebrate the culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The first day is often marked with official ceremonies, Welcome to Country, smoking ceremonies, and flag-raising events. These ceremonies are respectful and powerful, creating a sense of unity and recognition across communities.

Throughout the week, schools, local councils, workplaces, and community groups organize events like art exhibitions, storytelling, music performances, and cultural workshops. These activities help people connect with Indigenous traditions and learn about the rich heritage of Australia's First Nations peoples. Many children participate in school-based programs, while public spaces come alive with artwork and displays focused on this year's NAIDOC theme.

NAIDOC Week plays a key role in promoting understanding, respect, and reconciliation. It provides a platform for Indigenous voices and allows all Australians to reflect on the past while embracing a shared future. Celebrating this week encourages recognition of the oldest living cultures on earth and supports efforts to build a more inclusive and united Australia.

First Day of NAIDOC Week Observances