Awards ceremony and concert will launch national celebration of First Nations peoples.
Held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week will celebrate and recognise the history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud”.
It will be marked by events across Queensland and the entire country.
The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week, which began in 1975, provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Commenting on the theme of this week’s celebration, National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Aunty (Dr) Lynette Riley, said, “The resilience of mob, our shared experiences, collective memories and kinship is a source of tremendous pride.
“We honour the flame of the fire, kindling the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.
“This year’s theme is a clarion call to continued unity and solidarity for all Australians to come together and celebrate.”
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Steven Satour, said that the theme “encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world”.
He added, “This theme calls for a reclamation of our narratives, an amplification of our voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.”
The ABC will telecast the First Nations’ night of nights, the NAIDOC Awards live from Tarndanya (Adelaide) on Kaurna Yerta from 7.30pm on Saturday, 6 July.
The awards will be hosted by Total Control star Rob Collins, 10 News First presenter Narelda Jacobs, and comedian Steph Tisdell.
MTV and ARIA award-winning musician Jess Mauboy will headline the night’s entertainment.
Resources
Queensland Government. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
W. https://www.qld.gov.au/firstnations
NAIDOC. W. https://www.naidoc.org.au/
Search local NAIDOC Week events.
W. https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events
National Indigenous Agency Far North Queensland.
W. https://www.indigenous.gov.au/regional-network/far-north-queensland
National Indigenous Agency North Queensland.
W. https://www.indigenous.gov.au/regional-network/north-queensland
National Indigenous Agency South Queensland.
W. https://www.indigenous.gov.au/regional-network/south-queensland