Here’s How You Can Support NAIDOC And First Nations People From Home This Week

Although in-person NAIDOC Week events have been wiped from the calendar for a second year due to COVID lockdowns, there’s plenty of meaningful ways to support First Nations peoples from your own home this week. 

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of the cultures, contributions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—the world’s oldest surviving culture. This year’s timely theme is “Heal Country”, which encourages us to advocate for greater protection and preservation of land, while recognising that Country is inherent to First Nations’ identity. 

We’ve pulled together a list of deadly Indigenous-run businesses, fun virtual events, and endless educational opportunities you can check out from the comfort of your own home this NAIDOC Week and beyond. 

Plug-In And Listen Up To These Indigenous-Run Podcasts 

The best accompaniment to a good-ol’ Marie Kondo of your cupboards during lockdown is always a killer podcast. Scroll through a selection of our favourite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-run pods to keep you stimulated and educated throughout NAIDOC week and beyond. 

Don’t know where to start? Gomeroi, Gamilaraay woman Ginny and Barkindji, Latje Latje, Wakka Wakka woman AJ have just wrapped their second season of Unapologetically Blak, a series of candid, transparent, and sticky conversations about Blak experiences in contemporary society. Next on your list should be Blacademia, the eye-opening work of Gamilaroi woman Amy Thunig. She’s recorded thoughtful and inspiring yarns with First Nations academics who share their perspectives on scholarship and education. 

Treat Your Skin To A New Suite Of Indigenous-Made Beauty Products 

Instead of filling your cart with chemical-heavy products during your inevitable lockdown self-care splurge, dip into the plethora of sustainably made goods crafted here in Australia by First Nations people. Our non-exhaustive list of Aboriginal-led beauty brands is packed with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients which promise your skin the ultimate nourishment. 

Not only are your dollars supporting First Nations creatives and their communities, but you’re doing your bit for nature too. Makers like Indigiearth, Lowanna, and Bush Balm consciously harness the potent healing power of native Australian plants like desert lime, Kakadu plum, and lemon aspen—just as they’ve been doing for thousands of years. 

Tune Into NITV’s Dedicated NAIDOC Week Schedule  

Kick your feet up (if they aren’t already!) and tune in to NITV’s week-long program to celebrate and reflect on the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. History Bites Back, which premieres on Sunday 11 June at 8.30pm, has enlisted an all-star cast of comedians to clap back on real-life negative social media commentary about First Nations people. They’ll be shamelessly cracking into taboo topics to challenge the dominant historical narratives of Australia.

You can also wake up every morning from 7.30am with Australia’s only all-Indigenous television breakfast program, Big Mob Brekky. Expect copious Dad jokes and stitch-inducing dry humour from hosts Shahni Wellington and Ryan Liddle, as well as more serious conversations about news and issues affecting Indigenous Australians. 

Kit Yourself Out With Loud And Proud Ally-Friendly Threads

Clothing the Gaps are an Aboriginal-owned and operated social enterprise fashion label supporting health and education in Aboriginal communities. You may have seen their tees and hoodies being sported around town – they’re proudly emblazoned with slogans like ‘Free The Flag’ and ‘Always Was Always Will Be’. For NAIDOC Week, they’ve launched a limited-edition ally-friendly collection with a vintage vibe, which you can scoop up here. 

Throw An At-Home Screening Of Movies By Award-Winning First Nations Filmmakers

FanForce TV is a new on-demand streaming service for independent, socially-conscious flicks and they’ve curated a collection of riveting movies by First Nations filmmakers especially for NAIDOC Week. Their virtual watch party function enables you to sync up with your mates in lockdown and engage in Indigenous storytelling together from afar. 

There are 13 films to pick from, including The Australian Dream, a documentary that follows AFL player Adam Goodes’ story to offer a jarring glimpse into the realities of racism in Australia, and In My Blood It Runs, a compelling film told through the eyes of 10-year-old Arrernte/Garrwa boy Dujuan which exposes the failings of mainstream education for Indigenous youths. 

Stock Your Bookshelves With Page-Turners From Magabala

Australian Indigenous publishing house Magabala’s online shop showcases the incredible works of talented First Nations authors. From evocative poetry compilations to confronting but necessary reality checks for non-Indigenous Australians, to entertaining children’s books, there’s something for everyone.

As lockdowns force us to nestle indoors, it’s the perfect moment to sink your teeth into some literature. Here are our top picks for books by inimitable First Nations authors that will profoundly challenge the way you think. 

Now, get inspired by these First Nations trailblazers stirring change across the country. 

Image credit: Clothing the Gaps Instagram