NAIDOC Week is a time of reflection, celebration, and connection for all Australians. It’s an opportunity not just to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture but also to learn, engage, and support these incredible communities. At Koh Living, we’re proud to be part of this movement by actively supporting Indigenous communities through our involvement and our range of Aboriginal art-inspired products.
Here’s what you need to know about NAIDOC Week and how Koh Living helps you celebrate meaningfully.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week, celebrated in the first week of July each year, stands for the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Initially established in the 1920s through activism and a fight for better rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, NAIDOC Week is now a nationwide event. Its aim is to honour the history, culture, and achievements of the oldest continuous living cultures on earth.
The week revolves around the theme, which changes annually – this year it’s The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy - highlighting critical issues or celebrating aspects of culture and heritage. From the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony to local events, NAIDOC Week invites everyone in Australia to learn about First Nations cultures and histories while celebrating their vital contributions to the country.
Their premier event is the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony (on 5 July in Perth, tickets are available here) which showcases Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander excellence. Past winners include Aunty Dulcie Flower AM, Professor Kelvin Kong and Uncle Jack Charles. This year the Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Michael Long, who inspired the birth of The Long Walk after walking from Melbourne to Canberra to seek an audience with Prime Minister John Howard.
Why NAIDOC Week Matters
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, NAIDOC Week is a celebration of survival, resilience and pride in their heritage. It’s a time to connect through storytelling, music, art, and community gatherings.
For non-Indigenous Australians, it’s a unique opportunity to start conversations, educate themselves, and actively contribute to reconciliation by supporting local communities and businesses. NAIDOC Week reminds us of the enduring connection between people, culture and country.
How You Can Celebrate NAIDOC Week
In almost every part of Australia and online, there will be NAIDOC events held – you can see them here. From cultural dance, art exhibitions to storytelling sessions and more, there are events close to home for everyone. In addition you might also consider other ways meaningfully celebrate NAIDOC Week, such as:
- Support Businesses that support Indigenous Communities: Your year-round support of business that directly impact Aboriginal communities in a positive way is a meaningful expression of support.
- Educate Yourself: Watch First Nations documentaries, read Indigenous authors, and explore online educational resources.
- Get Creative: Host a NAIDOC event at home or work by decorating your space with Aboriginal art, cooking native-inspired meals, or curating a playlist featuring Indigenous musicians.
- Give Back: Donate to Indigenous-led organisations or support companies that actively work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
How Koh Living Helps You Celebrate NAIDOC Week
At Koh Living, we believe in creating deeper connections through meaningful gifting. When you purchase one of our products, you’re not just buying a gift; you’re sharing the rich cultural heritage of Australia and directly supporting Indigenous artists.
Featured Products for NAIDOC Week
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Art-Adorned Candles Holders: Each piece is a work of art, telling a unique story from the heart of our artists. For example, We are One, by Jacinta-rai Ridgeway-Maahs, is inspired by the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia and represents the strength in relationships.
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Journals: Culture meets practicality with our A5 soft and hard cover journals. For example, our Kookaburra Dreaming wooden cover journal – with art by Domica Hill, features our iconic Australian bird looking out over the land and the communities who have come together to celebrate.
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Lifestyle Gifts: From tote bags to bath products, our range makes it easy to share culture in your everyday life.
Our Impact on Aboriginal Communities
Koh Living prides itself on giving back. Here are some key highlights of how we’ve supported Aboriginal communities:
- Over $28,000 invested in community giving initiatives since 2023.
- 25,000+ gifts donated to support community and educational programs.
- Collaborations with 43+ institutions and programs across Australia, including Aboriginal Housing Victoria and Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation.
Every Koh Living purchase contributes to these efforts, helping ensure long-term, positive impacts on the communities we work with.
Join Us in Making a Difference
NAIDOC Week is more than just a celebration - it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and amplify the voices of First Nations peoples. If you want to make a meaningful impact while celebrating the beauty of Aboriginal culture, we invite you to participate in events, learn something new and explore an amazing culture.
Together, we can create a more connected and culturally enriched Australia.
Explore our range of meaningful gifts here
Can we help re-imagine your corporate gifts for every occasion? Reach out to our Corporate Sales team to start a conversation. We offer bulk discounts, co-branding and inspiring unique gifting solutions.