On Australia Day, 1938, thousands of Aboriginal people walked through the streets of Sydney. Now, this day is known as the Day of Mourning. From then on, the Day of Mourning is an annual event, held on the 26th of January. The year chosen (1938) was chosen specifically because it was 150 years after British colonisation in Australia. The first nation people were protesting against the prejudice and discrimination held towards them. This day marked the beginning of the modern Aboriginal movement.
Following the congress, a delegation headed by William Cooper introduced a new national policy for Aboriginal people to Prime Minister Joseph Lyons. This was again denied because in relation to Aboriginal citizens, the government did not possess legislative powers. William Cooper wrote to Australia’s National Missionary Council in 1939 to request their guidance in supporting and encouraging an annual function. The creation of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) has been sponsored by major Aboriginal organisations, state and federal governments, and a number of church organisations. At the same time, July’s second Sunday became a day for Native people and their history to be honoured. In 1972, as a major consequence of the 1967 referendum, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs was created.
NAIDOC is the name of the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week has become the title for the whole week, not just the day. Each year, a theme is chosen to reflect the important issues and events for the week. The committee has representatives from most Australian states and territories. The National NAIDOC Committee has made key decisions on national celebrations each year and has representatives from most Australian states and territories.
Kai Pun 2020
