NAIDOC week, 7 July to 14 July 2002

The National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week is an annual event of national importance. It is the outcome of a long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander efforts to bring issues of concern to the attention of governments and the general public. Comprehensive historical details about the origins of NAIDOC week are available on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSIC) website and the NAIDOC Victoria website.

NAIDOC week celebrates the diverse and unique traditions and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognises their on-going fight for justice and equality. All Australians are invited to join in the 2002 NAIDOC celebrations to be held in Sydney from 7 July to 14 July.

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2002 is ‘recognition, rights and reform’. NAIDOC celebrations will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the historic High Court decision in Mabo and the gains that have flowed from it. For further information on the theme for 2002 (and themes from previous years), including the report Recognition, rights and reform: a report to Government on native title social justice measures visit the ATSIC website.

As the host city, Sydney will stage this year’s National NAIDOC Awards Ball on Friday, 12 July 2002. These national awards recognise the significant contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make within Australian communities in many diverse fields. Nominations for the 2002 National NAIDOC Awards close June 14 2002. Further infomation and nomination forms are available from ATSIC Regional or State Offices or from the ATSIC website. Award winners will be announced at the National NAIDOC Ball in Sydney on 12 July.

For great suggestions regarding how individuals and groups (including families, workplaces and schools) can celebrate NAIDOC week visit the ATSIC website and/or the NAIDOC Victoria website