NAIDOC Week unpacked

NAIDOC Week unpacked

Many may have heard the term NAIDOC Week but not fully understood what it means and why it is celebrated, so let’s unpack it!

NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins date back to the 1920’s, when Aboriginal organisations emerged to raise awareness of the rights, status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the broader Australian community. Today, NAIDOC Week honours and recognises the history, cultures and achievements of First Nations peoples. Taking place nationally in the first week of July (Sunday to Sunday) NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

In honour of NAIDOC Week, Tangalooma kickstarted celebrations early with a traditional Welcome to the Whales event held on board one of the first whale watching cruises of the season. This special welcome event was proudly led by the Quandamooka People, who we recognise as the traditional custodians of the sand and sea surrounding Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). Guests were privileged to hear firsthand about the history, culture, and traditions of the Quandamooka People, gaining a deeper appreciation for the significance of the waters and the wildlife that inhabits them.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is 50 Years of Deadly, marking a five-decade milestone of celebrating voices of First Nations Peoples. It pays tribute to those who built this movement while looking towards a future where the next generation continues to lead with pride, strength and cultural connection.

Earlier this year, Tangalooma proudly launched our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), an important step forward in our journey of reconciliation, strengthening relationships and deepening our understanding. We look forward to continuing to build and expand our cultural offerings at the resort, creating more meaningful opportunities for guests to connect with and learn about the rich history, traditions and living culture of the region.