National NAIDOC

National NAIDOC

NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians. Today, NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields. See the National NAIDOC website at www.naidoc.org.au.

2013 National NAIDOC Theme

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2013 is "We value the vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963".

This year’s theme proudly celebrates the 50th anniversary of the presentation of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions to the Federal Parliament.

In August 1963, the Yolngu people of Yirrkala in northeast Arnhem Land sent two bark petitions – framed by traditional ochre paintings of clan designs – to the Australian House of Representatives. The petitions protested the Commonwealth’s granting of mining rights on land excised from Arnhem Land reserve and sought the recognition by the Australian Parliament of the Yolngu peoples’ traditional rights and ownership of their lands. Asserting title to Yolngu country under Yolngu law, the petitions were the first traditional documents recognised by the Commonwealth Parliament and helped to shape the nation’s acknowledgment of Aboriginal people and their land rights. If you would like to know more, read on for a comprehensive insight into the Petitions.

National NAIDOC Poster Competition

The first NAIDOC poster was created in 1972 to promote ‘Aborigines Day’ which had become widely accepted as a day for Australians to come together in support of better rights for Indigenous people. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) launched the official NAIDOC poster competition in the mid 1990′s inviting entries from around the country and offering prize money and opportunity for newly emerging artists. The competition still runs annually. Entrants are required to develop an artwork based that year's NAIDOC Week theme.

Read more about the past National NAIDOC themes.

Take a look at the poster gallery for previous National NAIDOC Posters.

The 2013 National NAIDOC Poster Competition is until 29th March 2013. The winning entry attracts a $5000 cash prize and will feature on the 2013 National NAIDOC poster and be displayed across Australia in workplaces, schools and community organisations. To find out more or to enter the competition click here.

National NAIDOC Awards

The National NAIDOC Awards recognise inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are making their mark in all areas of society including music, art, culture, community, education, environment, sport, employment and politics. Each year the awards provide the opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be recognised for the difference they make in the lives of others. Recognition by our people, for our people, contributes to the pride and strength of our culture and our communities. Nominations for the 2013 National NAIDOC Awards are open until 26th April 2013. The entries will judged by the National NAIDOC Committee with the winners announced at the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Perth on 12th July this year. For more information, click here.

National Focus City

The 2013 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony and Ball will be held in Perth on Friday 12 July 2013. This special event celebrates vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, recognises inspirational award winners and provides high profile Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entertainers.

National NAIDOC Logo

To obtain use of the National NAIDOC Logo, contact the National NAIDOC Committee.

Reproduced with permission of the Department of Families,

Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.