On Australia Day, 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney, followed by a congress attended by over a thousand people. One of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world, it was known as the Day of Mourning. After the Day of Mourning, there was a growing feeling that it should be a regular event. 

1939 William Cooper wrote to the National Missionary Council of Australia to seek their assistance in supporting and promoting an annual event. 

1940 – 1955 Day of mourning was held annually on the Sunday before Australia Day. 

1955 This was shifted to the first Sunday in July, and it was decided the day should be not just a day of protest but also one of celebration. 

1956 – 1990 Formation of National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC). Second Sunday in July became a day of remembrance for Aboriginal people and their heritage. 

1991 – Present NADOC was expanded to recognise Torres Strait Islander people and their culture. The committee became known as National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC). This new name 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 NAIDOC Week. This year’s theme is For Our Elders. This theme highlights how across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. 

Let us pray for our Aboriginal brothers and sisters, asking God to bless our Indigenous races with new hope ... 

Father of all, You gave our Aboriginal People the Dreaming 

You have spoken to them through their beliefs, 

You then made your love clear to them in the person of Jesus. 

We thank you for your care of these people. 

You own them. You are their hope. 

Make them strong as they face the problems of change 

We ask you to help us, the people of Australia, 

To listen to them and respect their culture. 

Make the knowledge of you grow strong in all people 

So that you can be at home in all of us, 

And so that we can make a home for everyone in our land. 

Amen. 

Adapted from the Prayer prepared by the Aboriginal People for Pope John Paul II's visit to Alice Springs 1986