NAIDOC Week – Get up! Stand up! Show up!

National NAIDOC Week will be held this year from Sunday 3rd July to Sunday 10th July. National NAIDOC Week is a celebration and recognition of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! Learn more about NAIDOC Week here.

NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to teach kids and teens about the rich culture of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Therefore, we’ve created a list of some of our favourite activities and books from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, illustrators, and creators.

Our favourite NAIDOC Week books…

This NAIDOC Week some of our favourite reads for kids are:

  • The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples. Australia’s First Peoples have the longest continuing cultures on Earth, and developed amazing innovations in the areas of astronomy, engineering, science, health and more! This colourful book written by proud Kamilaroi author Corey Tutt, and illustrated by Blak Douglas is sure to capture the attention of curious older kids.
  • Kunyi. This important book shares the story of author Kunyi June Anne McInerney, a renowned Yankunytjatjara artist. The stories highlights the author’s experiences as part of the Stolen Generation, living in a Children’s Home with other kids. This is a valuable book for older kids who are interested in learning about the history of what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experienced.
  • Young Dark Emu. Through this fascinating book author Bruce Pascoe uses the diaries of early explorers to show a truer history – one that challenges terra nullius. Pascoe’s book explores topics such as the land grab, agriculture, aquaculture, home, food storage, fire, sacred places and sustainable futures. The history in this book is sure to command the attention of older kids and teens.
  • Family. A light and engaging picture book that acknowledges the different things that make up a family; from caring for our country, to connecting to anscestors, stories and songs, to kinship. This wonderful book, written by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson, and illustrated by Jasmine Seymour, is a great read for younger kids to learn about the practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Awesome activities…

Here are some fun and engaging activity books for kids to  learn about themselves:

  • My Cultural Connections Journal. This book for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids is great for allowing them to explore their identity. My Cultural Connections Journal has great activities that cover history, identity, connection to country, cultural beliefs and goals. With worksheets, colouring pages, and journal pages, this workbook is perfect for kids of all ages.
  • My Deadly Book About Me. Created by Michelle Tyhuis, this activity book allows Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people to explore their cultural identity. The book is 78 pages, and has six chapters, with approximately 10 activity sheets in each. We think this workbook is great for older kids looking to explore their family history, cultural identity and community connections.

For more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources, check out our Resources and Activities page here! This page has lots of printable activities, multimedia and book suggestions.

This NAIDOC Week remember to Get Up! Stand up! Show up! in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Let’s work hard to recognise and amplify the history, culture and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Read about our commitment to reconciliation here.