“Mummy, what’s that flag?”
We were walking past the local library when my 3-year-old stopped and pointed to the Aboriginal flag hanging in the window. I paused. I didn’t have a perfect answer ready, but I knew this was a moment worth leaning into.
As parents, we don’t need to know everything. What matters is that we’re open to learning alongside our children, and NAIDOC Week is a perfect place to start.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Peoples of this land. But it’s not just for schools or older children.
NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and its roots stretch back to the 1930s, when Aboriginal leaders began campaigning for recognition, justice, and change. Since then, it has grown into a week of celebration, storytelling, reflection, and unity, held every July in communities across Australia.
This Year’s Theme: The Next Generation - Strength, Vision & Legacy
The 2025 theme is all about the future, and our children are at the heart of that. It celebrates the strength of young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy passed down through generations.
At our centres, we see this theme come to life every day. We see it in the curious questions children ask, the stories they retell after a yarning circle, the pride they show in learning new words from local First Nations languages.
And through our partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education and our organisation-wide Reconciliation Action Plan, we make sure First Nations perspectives are woven into our programs all year round, not just during NAIDOC Week.
“But I don’t want to get it wrong…”
We hear this often from parents, and it’s completely understandable. Talking about culture, history, and respect with young children can feel daunting, especially if you didn’t grow up learning much about First Nations peoples yourself.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be an expert. You just have to be willing.
Start small. Listen to a story. Go for a walk on Country. Wonder aloud with your child. These early moments of curiosity are how empathy and connection begin.
5 Simple Ways to Celebrate NAIDOC Week with Your Child Under 5
1. Share a Story
Books and Dreaming stories help young children connect with culture in gentle, meaningful ways. Try:
- Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour
- Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy
- Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
Or stream stories, shows and songs on ABC Kids during NAIDOC Week to extend perspectives.
2. Celebrate Through Music
Movement and music are powerful tools for connection. Dance to the sounds of clapsticks, sing along to songs featuring First Nations artists, or ask your child if they’ve been learning any music at kindy - they might just show you a new dance move!
3. Create With Nature
Use leaves, twigs, or ochre-coloured paint to make art that reflects the land around you. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy setup, just curiosity and time together. Talk about the patterns, shapes and colours in the world outside your door.
4. Ask Gentle Questions
Ask open-ended questions during play or storytime:
“Who do you think was here before us?”
“How do you think people cared for this land before buildings and cars?”
You don’t need to have the answers, just the willingness to wonder together.
5. Connect to Country
Go for a walk and take notice. Pick up litter together, plant something native in your garden, or simply sit under a tree and talk about what you see. These small acts build respect for the land, and the people who’ve cared for it for tens of thousands of years.
What We’re Doing at Our Centres
NAIDOC Week is a celebration, but it’s also part of something bigger: our ongoing commitment to embedding First Nations culture and perspectives in the everyday learning of every child.
Through our partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education and our organisation-wide Reconciliation Action Plan, we provide children with experiences in language, storytelling, music and connection to Country. These moments are woven into our curriculum with care, purpose and respect, not just for one week, but all year round.
We’re proud of this work, and proud of the children, families and educators who help keep the fire burning.
Let’s Learn Together
You don’t need to know everything. You just need to start. Whether it’s your first NAIDOC Week as a parent, or one of many, you’re not alone on this journey. Together, we’re raising the next generation with strength, vision, and deep respect for the legacy of Australia’s First Nations peoples.