The first day of NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) July 5 Week kicks off the seven days of festivities that celebrate the culture of the native people of Australia. Ironically, though it’s now a time of celebration, NAIDOC Week originally started as a time for protesting. In the 1920s, Aboriginal rights groups came together to boycott and draw attention to their rights. However, around 1955, the week officially adopted a celebratory tone. Now, it’s a time to enjoy live Indigenous Australian music, art competitions, and storytelling.
