National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is a national celebration held across the first week of July each year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. No matter your age, it’s never too late to start learning about their rich culture and recognising the importance of the land on which we reside. Here’s our list of seven events that you and/or the kids can participate in this week.
1. First Nations dance workshop, North Adelaide
On Saturday 9 July at the North Adelaide Community Centre, come along and learn an introduction to First Nations performing arts practice. Two interactive sessions will take place with dance artists Caleena Sansbury (Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Narungga) and Mel Koolmatrie (Ngarrindjeri) instructing and supporting you to learn about traditional and contemporary dance. Both sessions are free and open to all ages and abilities who want to join and dance. Secure your tickets and find out more about the sessions here.
2. Boomerang throwing workshop, Adelaide
Join Southern Cultural Immersion at Rundle Park/Kadlitpina on Friday 8 July to learn about the traditional uses of boomerangs, and their role in Aboriginal culture. You can have a go at throwing, and build your skills and techniques between 11am and 12pm. This workshop is suitable for adults and children over the age of 12. Secure your tickets here.
3. Indigenous dot painting workshop, Mitcham
On Friday 8 July between 2pm and 4pm at the Mitcham Community Centre, learn about the ancient art of Indigenous dot painting and create your own dot painting artwork on a placemat to take home. The workshop will be presented by artists from Marra Dreaming, all the materials will be supplied and it’s suitable for adults! Bookings are essential, so check out the event page here.
4. Music In The Community, North Adelaide
On Friday 8 July from 1pm until 2pm at the North Adelaide Community Centre, come together for a live music performance by Scott Rathman Jnr. Scott is a descendant of the Arrernte people of central Australia, and he has been performing for 13 years as a country-rock singer and songwriter. View the Facebook event here.
5. Storytime with illustrator Karen Briggs, West Lakes
6. Botanic Gardens cultural tour, Adelaide
7. Aboriginal painting workshop, Marion
In this class held at Westfield Marion on Saturday 9 July from 12pm until 12:40pm, children between the ages of 5 and 10 will learn about art symbols and their significance to Aboriginal people through painting directly onto canvas. In this workshop, children will be given a unique insight and understanding into Aboriginal culture and identity. Certain skills such as dot painting will be practiced to create an art piece for children to take home and share.
This workshop will be presented by; Pwerle Gallery Director and Alyawarre woman, Jade Akamarre; sister Mariah Akamarre; and proud Wulli Wulli and Guwa man, Shane Mankitya Cook. Further, the kids will be supervised by the Emali early learning centre team. Find out more info here.