NAIDOC Week for Kids

Woven mat (above) by Mavis Marrkula.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this blog and any links may refer to deceased people.

The history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is something that deserves to be celebrated by Indigenous communities and all Australians year round, but especially during NAIDOC week.

Australia is home to the oldest living culture on earth and NAIDOC week is a time to acknowledge this long, rich history and discover how much we can learn from the custodians of this land.

Voice. Treaty. Truth.

This is the theme of this year’s NAIDOC week celebrations.

For too long, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have sought, and been denied, the recognition they deserve – of their history and their unique role in Australian life. This NAIDOC week they are calling for their voices and stories to be heard, in order for true reconciliation and healing to take place.

The NAIDOC week website says it best:

We want our kids to know the people who have shaped Australia. People who are often publicly invisible.Last year, we suggested some ways you can celebrate NAIDOC week with your kids and our article was so popular that we’ve decided to share it again.

First and foremost, we’d recommend heading to one of the NAIDOC week events happening in your area or host your own! Check out the full list here.

Watch:

Take the chance to introduce your kids to films and TV that showcase our Indigenous culture and history. Here are some suggestions:

Play School – Acknowledgement of Country episode (available on iview)
Join Luke, Miranda and Hunter to give an Acknowledgement of Country in this special episode of Play School celebrating Australia’s First People.

Little J and Big Cuz (available on iview)
Little J and Big Cuz are two Indigenous Australian kids finding out about culture and community in this Logie Award-winning series.

Dust Echoes
A children’s series that revolves around ancient Dreamtime stories (Rated G)

Bran Nue Dae is a fun musical comedy-drama for the family (Rated PG)

Rabbit Proof Fence
A true story on the stolen generation centred around three girls who are taken from their families. (Rated PG)

The Sapphires
A musical comedy-drama loosely based on a true story with strong female leads. (Rated PG)

Bush Mechanics
An off-beat series that’s a blend of documentary and drama following the Bush Mechanics, a group of Aboriginal characters travelling through central Australia. (Rated PG)

For older teens:

Ten Canoes
A story of forbidden love it provides a glimpse into aboriginal life centuries before European settlement. It’s the first feature filmed in Indigenous language. (Rated M)

Black Comedy
Black Comedy is a sketch comedy show by Blackfellas. (Rated M)

Beneath Clouds
The story of Lena, born to an Aboriginal mother and Irish father, and Vaughn, a Murri boy doing time in minimum security prison.

Samson & Delilah
a beautiful but devastating film that tackles modern issues impacting Indigenous youth. (Rated MA)

Read:

My Place, Sally Morgan
A moving account of the author’s quest to discover her Aboriginal background, which was kept hidden for many years. The book has been extremely popular since its publication in 1987. For 15 years up or a three part series has been adapted for readers age 9-11.

The Rainbow, Ros Mariarty and Balarinji
A read-aloud story featuring indigenous art by Balarinji that shows the colour behind the Australian landscape before a storm. (ages 3-5)

Kick with My Left Foot, Paul Seden and Karen Brigg
This children’s picture book tells the story of a child in an Indigenous community getting ready to play footy. (ages 0-5)

Welcome to Country, Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy
This Welcome to Country comes from a most respected Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy illustrated by Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy. (ages 5+)

Alfred’s War, Rachel Bin Salleh and Samantha Fry
A story that brings to light the lack of recognition given to Australian Indigenous servicemen who fought in WWII. (middle and upper primary)

My Girragunji, Meme McDonald and Boori Monty Pryor
A book about a boy overcoming his fears with the help of girragundji, the little green tree frog (ages 10+)

Black Cockatoo, Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler
The story of Mia, a young Aboriginal girl exploring the fragile connections between family and culture (upper primary, young adult)

Two Ways Strong, Indigenous Literacy Foundation
A short story published with the help of a group of Aboriginal students about a teenager struggling to adapt to many challenging changes in her life. (for teens)

Head to the Magabala books site to help support Australia’s leading Indigenous publisher.

Have your own ideas on how you’ll be celebrating NAIDOC week with your kids? Let us know on social media! Make sure to keep up to date at www.naidoc.org.au and using #NAIDOC2019