This year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 7 – 14 July 2024. NAIDOC week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whilst sharing these histories and oldest, continuous living cultures with all Australians. The 2024 theme is Keep the Fire Burning!
One way to participate in NAIDOC Week is through reading and education, especially by teaching children about the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Firstly, what does NAIDOC stand for?
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
The origins of NAIDOC can be traced back to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s that sought to increase awareness in the wider community about the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. The National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee was officially established in the early 1950s, with the first official "Day of Mourning" held in 1938 on the 150th anniversary of British colonisation.
Today, NAIDOC Week is marked by a variety of events including cultural performances, art exhibitions, educational activities, and community festivals, reflecting the diverse and vibrant traditions of the First Nations communities.
Here are 5 thoughtful and engaging books to read with readers this NAIDOC week.
Sister Heart by Sally Morgan
Category - Young Adult
‘This beautiful verse novel from Sally Morgan can be used as a personal and approachable conversation-starter about the Stolen Generations for mature young readers ... its message is powerful.' - Books+Publishing
Sorry Day by Coral Vass
Category - Children
Two stories entwine in this captivating retelling of the momentous day when the then Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, acknowledged the sorrows of past and said 'Sorry' to the generation of children who were taken from their homes.
Took the Children Away by Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter
Category - Children
In this special 30th anniversary edition, Archie’s iconic lyrics sit alongside evocative illustrations by his beloved soulmate and musical collaborator, Ruby Hunter. Also included are Archie’s recollections of his family and rare historical photographs.
Lowitja The authorised biography of Lowitja O'Donoghue
Category - Young Adult
The profoundly moving biography of a truly great Australian who, against the greatest of odds, became one of Australia's most respected and recognisable Indigenous leaders
'I am sometimes identified as one of the "success stories" of the policies of removal of Aboriginal children. But for much of my childhood I was deeply unhappy. I feel I had been deprived of love and the ability to love in return. Like Lily, my mother, I felt totally powerless. And I think this is where the seeds of my commitment to human rights and social justice were sown.' Lowitja O'Donoghue
Somebody's Land: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes
Category - Children
An accessible picture book for young children that introduces First Nations history and the term 'terra nullius' to a general audience, from Australian of the Year, community leader and anti-racism advocate Adam Goodes and political adviser and former journalist Ellie Laing, with artwork by Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.
Join us in acknowledging Naidoc Week by reading and sharing these powerful stories with the young readers in your life.
Looking for something else? Shop our full range online or in store, today.
At Red Kangaroo Books, we are dedicated to providing a platform for Indigenous voices and stories, and we believe that these books offer readers a valuable opportunity to engage with and learn from the rich traditions of Australia's First Nations People.
