2024 Theme: Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud!
National NAIDOC Week 7- 14 July
This year’s theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.
“Blak, Loud and Proud” encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.
Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.
In 2024, how will you Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud?
Check out all events at our Events Calendar
Download the Supporting NAIDOC Toolkit – PDF 4.19MB.
Poster title: Urapun Muy
SAMUAWGADHALGAL, TORRES STRAIT
‘Urapun Muy’, from the Kalaw Kawaw Ya dialect of the Top Western Islands of the Torres Strait, means ‘One Fire’. The title of this work pays homage to Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people everywhere, as we all have that one fire: our passion for our culture.
In this work, I have depicted the hands of our ancestors that have carefully dropped a burning ember on to a fire. This ember burns hot with intensity, stoking the flames, as it combines with the new fire. The linear detail shows the energy and power as cultural knowledge is transferred from our ancestors to us today. Culture is the fire that gives us knowledge, wisdom and purpose.
It is our responsibility to maintain, practice, and pass on our fire to our future generations.
Afterall, Culture keeps us Blak, Loud and Proud.
RecNSW Lunch & Learn Sessions for this NAIDOC
This year’s NAIDOC theme ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’ 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.
Lunch & Learn with Belinda Huntriss
Belinda Huntriss (Worimi) Aboriginal Education Advocate is a a mum, early childhood and Primary School teacher with 15 years experience working in Aboriginal education. Belinda is currently working as an independent consultant mentoring educators around embedding Aboriginal perspectives and building cultural safety.
Her family business Freshwater Education provides culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable resources, cultural incursions, and mentoring for educators and businesses around cultural safety and embedding Aboriginal perspectives.
Find out about her work in Aboriginal Education in schools and how connecting young people to Aboriginal culture keeps the fire burning, keeps culture and kinship alive, and promotes healing.
Lunch & Learn with Brenden Broadbent
With over 10 years in public service and experience as a sustainable land use advisor, Brenden has successfully led major Indigenous projects and stakeholder engagements at local, state, and national levels. His strong project management skills have driven strategic priorities in Reconciliation Action Plans, arts, health, cultural practices, heritage projects, and large sporting events. Brenden’s knowledge and achievements continue to inspire and lead Aboriginal communities to set goals and achieve positive outcomes.
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. Find out about cultural burning and how gardens keep culture and kinship alive, and promote healing for communities.