NAIDOC WEEK - JUNE 26 - 30

Celebrate NAIDOC Week with Books!

One of the ways you can help celebrate NAIDOC week in your classroom is to read and explore the bounty of books with First Nation themes or by First Nation authors. Scroll below or search 'First Nations People' in our book activity collection to find some great titles.

What is NAIDOC Week?

During the 1938, celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival, more than 1000 Aboriginal people congregated at Australia Hall in Sydney. Their purpose was to demand full citizenship rights and transformative legislation to improve the lives of First Nations people. This gathering, recognised globally as one of the earliest civil rights assemblies, came to represent a Day of Mourning. Over time, it evolved into the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week—an annual observance that not only commemorates the Day of Mourning but also celebrates the remarkable history, culture, and achievements of First Nations people. Grab the 'Supporting NAIDOC' toolkit and learn more about NAIDOC week on the official website: https://www.naidoc.org.au

National NAIDOC Week takes place from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday and is a truely fabulous reminder for all Australians to unite in honouring and embracing the legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

FIRST NATION THEMED BOOK ACTIVITIES

Circles of Life Book Activities

Starting with ochre from Mother Earth the book follows two girls as they are guided by their Uncles to paint Thank You circles.

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Nedingar Ancestors Book Activities

This 2024 Notable CBCA Early Childhood Book is a beautifully illustrated bilingual story written in Noongar and English languages.

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Our Mob Book Activities

This is an early childhood look at children from across Australia and how they say "Hello" or "Welcome" in their Country’s language.

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Charlie’s Swim Book Activities

This 2023 notable Eve Pownall Award book is a true story of wartime heroism off the coast of Broome in Western Australia.

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Walk With Us Book Activties

This is the third book in the Welcome to Country series by Goodes, Lang and Hardy and again it teaches language and understanding of Country.

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Ninni Yabini Book Activities

Written in both Noongar and English this story for young children follows young Ninni Yabini who wanders off when her parents are both busy rebuilding their nest.

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The Bunyip and The Stars Book Activities

The first story from Biripi author Adam Duncan is Part Sky Country creation story and part exciting adventure tale.

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Thank You Rain! Book Activities

This 2023 CBCA notable early childhood book is the third collaboration for this pair and is yet another beautifully simple story of Country.

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River To Bay – Victoria’s Maritime History Book Activities

A 2024 notable book that explores the European maritime history of Victoria from 1802 to today.

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Bidhi Galing Book Activities

A retelling of the story of Jacky Jacky and Yarri – 2 Wiradjuri heroes who saved people during the Gundagai floods of 1852.

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Back On Country Book Activities

A joyful story about the power of reconnecting to family, culture and Country that introduces the idea of Country, moiety in First Nations Australian culture and Adnyamathanha words

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We Are Australians Book Activities

This 2023 CBCA Short Listed New Illustrator book is a simple story with a very strong message. A plea for all Australians to treasure our differences and use our voices to speak up together as Australian citizens.

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