NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It has its origins in the 1920’s activism among Aboriginal rights groups.
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’. "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." Read more about this year's theme.
Celebrate blak ingenuity with two films centring the brilliance of First Nations women as they thrive and overcome.
In The Sapphires, watch the story of four Yorta Yorta women singing for the troops in Vietnam, featuring local superstars Deborah Mailman and Jessica Mauboy. Then in Black Divaz, see past the sequins and sparkles of the inaugural Miss First Nations pageant, and learn about Aboriginal drag culture.
Complimentary catering, tea, and coffee provided.
As part of the celebrations, we are showcasing resources from our collection about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.
We've put together artwork, digital and book displays in Library sites, so check them out when you're visiting your campus Library.
Cultural advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this web page and displays in the Library may contain images of deceased persons in photographs.
Each year NAIDOC Week has a theme that is reflected in a poster designed by an Indigenous artist. Each theme focuses on an issue important to Indigenous peoples. You can view all posters on the NAIDOC Poster Gallery website.
‘Crafternoon’ sessions are held on Wednesdays for all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students studying at RMIT. Crafternoons uses a variety of mediums and modes including sensory and art therapy practices. The sessions are run by Zack, our amazing RMIT Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing Counsellor.
In partnership with the RMIT Culture, we invite you to delve into the complexity of representation and the creativity of Indigenous filmmaking in our country. This special collaboration is designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of Australia’s Indigenous Peoples.
Honor and support the voices of our First Nations Peoples and view this unique selection of film stills from the AFI Research Collection, which serves as a valuable repository of insights and stories, readily accessible to all RMIT students. Embrace the diverse tapestry of Indigenous filmmaking and become a champion of the voices and visions of our immensely talented creators.
Explore the AFI Research Collection, a specialised film and television industry resource open to the public. This collection features a diverse array of resources including newspaper clippings files, books, journals, film and television scripts, directories, reports, film promotional material, and film festival catalogues.
Image credit: Selection of stills from Two Laws (1978); Yirrkala Adventure (1985); Radiance (1998); My Survival As An Aboriginal (1979).
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.