Celebrating NAIDOC

Connected Through Culture

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Across Canberra, communities came together to connect, learn and celebrate, and we were proud to be part of the festivities.

This year, our Youth Engagement Teams joined community members, organisations, Elders, families and young people at both NAIDOC in the North and NAIDOC in the South, helping to create welcoming spaces for connection, conversation and cultural celebration.

These events provided an opportunity for young people to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through music, dance, storytelling, art, community stalls and family-friendly activities. They were also a chance to listen, learn and reflect on the importance of truth-telling, community connection and reconciliation.

Our Youth Engagement Teams spent the day connecting with young people and families, sharing information about local services and programs, and supporting activities that encouraged participation and inclusion. Most importantly, the events created opportunities for meaningful conversations and strengthened relationships within the community.

For many young people, events like NAIDOC in the North and NAIDOC in the South provide a valuable chance to celebrate culture, build connections and develop a deeper understanding of the world’s oldest continuing cultures. They also highlight the strength, resilience and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our region.

We are committed to creating inclusive communities where everyone feels they belong. Participating in NAIDOC Week is one way we continue to learn from and celebrate the cultures, knowledge and leadership of First Nations peoples.

A big thank you to the organisers, community members, Elders, performers, volunteers and everyone who contributed to making both events such a success. We were honoured to celebrate alongside you and look forward to continuing these important connections throughout the year.