NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday) and it is a fantastic opportunity for all Australians to celebrate, appreciate and learn about the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

 This year, we’ve put together a collection of fun and educational activities to help kids engage with and celebrate NAIDOC Week.

Plus, don't miss out on My Creative Box's free NAIDOC Week printables, which are perfect for enhancing your celebrations!

Get creative this NAIDOC week with some convenient activities to print and create at home to explore Australian heritage and the indigenous culture. Children will explore Indigenous dot painting and create art with Indigenous art symbols. These printables work great with cotton buds and paint, finger painting, dot markers , as well as colouring in too so they are very versatile! 

Download your FREE My Creative Box NAIDOC week Printable Learning Pack here.

2. Read picture books about Australia’s indigenous people

Books are a fantastic way to introduce new knowledge and prompt conversations about history and culture. We are lucky to have an array of beautiful stories available at local libraries and bookstores, which have been written and illustrated by Indigenous Australians which provide a wonderful opportunity and insight for children.  

 A few of our favourites include: 

Somebody’s Land
Written by Adam Goodes & Ellie Laing, Illustrated by David Hardy

 A picture book for young children that introduces First Nations history and the term ‘terra nullius’ to a general audience, from Australian of the Year, community leader and anti-racism advocate Adam Goodes and political adviser and former journalist Ellie Laing, with artwork by Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.

 My Country
Created by Ezekiel Kwaymullina and Sally Morgan

 Written by a mother and son duo, this brightly illustrated picture book is a jubilant journey through a child's home country that celebrates the joys of nature and emphasises forming a connection with place. In simple and lyrical prose, this narrative offers an indigenous Australian perspective of life as it connects traditional and contemporary experiences in a way that children can understand.

 Our Home, Our Heartbeat
 Written by Briggs & Illustrated by Kate Moon and Rachel Sara

 Our Home, Our Heartbeat is a celebration of Indigenous legends and it pays respect to the oldest continuous culture on earth.

3. Make Damper

Damper, also known as 'seed cake' or 'bush bread,' is a food staple that's been made by Indigenous Australians for tens of thousands of years.  There is lots of Damper Recipes out there, but we particularly enjoy a recipe from Playgroup WA indigenous elder Aunty Averil.

     The recipe and video of Aunty Averil making the Damper is available here 

 NAIDOC Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and learn about the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
These activities not only provide fun and engagement for kids but also offer valuable educational experiences that foster understanding and respect for Australia's first peoples. So, gather your materials, invite the kids, and embark on this cultural journey together!