Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Week

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Week (NAIDOC Week) will be celebrated on campus at the University of Sydney from 24 to 28 August 2009.

Monday 24 August - ATSI Week Launch

• Koori Radio Outside Broadcast
  12pm - 2pm
  Venue: TBC

Tuesday 25 August

• Film Screening
  Award winnning Indigenous featre film
  1pm
  Venue: Macleay Museum
  FREE

Wednesday 26 August

• Trivia Night
  6pm
  Venue: Grandstand Sports Bar and Cafe, Sydney Uni
  RSVP: liaison@koori.usyd.edu.au
  FREE

Thursday 27 August

• Being Collected Public Lecture
  "From Paradise to Prison: Palm Island"
  6pm
  Venue: Macleay Museum
  FREE
  Bookings essential on (02) 9036 5253 or macleaymuseum@usyd.edu.au
• Further Information

History of NAIDOC Week

In 1955, the first Sunday in July became known as Aborigines Day. Since 1940, this had been celebrated on the first Sunday before the Australia Day holiday and was known as "Day of Mourning" Aboriginal Sunday.

In 1957, the National Aborigines' Day Observance Committee (NADOC) was formed. It was during this year that Aboriginal Pastor, Sir Douglas Nicholls, persuaded the NMCA to nominate the second Sunday in July as a day of remembrance of Aboriginal people and heritage.

Torres Strait Islander people were included in 1991 and NADOC became “NAIDOC”. This term is widely used today to refer to the week of special events and celebrations held each year between the first and second Sundays in July.

NAIDOC celebrations continue to provide an opportunity for Indigenous Australians to share the richness of their culture and heritage with the rest of the Australian community.

Contact Details

Sarina Solar
Koori Centre
Tel: (02) 9351 7003
Fax: (02) 9351 6923
Free Call: 1800 622 742
Email: liaison@koori.usyd.edu.au