NAIDOC was born from protest, with its roots tracing back to the 1938 Day of Mourning where Aboriginal men, women and children gathered at Sydney Hall to mourn the 150th anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival.
Now, 86 years later, the NAIDOC theme is celebrating that legacy.
The 2024 theme, announced on Wednesday, is 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud'.
Selected by the National NAIDOC Committee, it celebrates not only the survival but the relentless spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
According to the committee, 'Keep the Fire Burning!' is a nod to the vitality and endurance of culture, and a nod to connection with Country and community, while 'Blak, Loud and Proud' represents an unapologetic celebration of identity.
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Aunty Dr Lynette Riley, said that the theme is a "clarion call" to unity and solidarity for all Australians to celebrate together.
“The resilience of mob, our shared experiences, collective memories and kinship is a source of tremendous pride," she said.
“We honour the flame of the fire, kindling the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation."
Time for reflection in first post-referendum NAIDOC
The news of the theme comes with the announcement of $1.7 millions in grants from the federal government designed to support local communities and organisations mark the week.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney said the funding is a way to support the celebrations of "the oldest living culture in the world" and encouraged applications.
This will be the first NAIDOC celebration following the failed Voice Referendum in October.
In her first address after the news, Minister Burney delivered a message akin to the new NAIDOC theme.
"Be proud of who you are, be proud of your identity, be proud of the 65,000 years of history and culture that you are part of. And your rightful place in this country, we will carry on and we will move forward and we will thrive," she said at the time.
"This is not the end of reconciliation."
NAIDOC began as a week-long celebration in 1975. This year it will be held between July 7 and 14.
