Due to coronavirus delays back in July, NAIDOC Week events are now in full swing between November 8–15. NAIDOC Week is all about celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people, culture and history. And while you’d be right for thinking we can (and should) do that all year round, NAIDOC Week is a good reminder to stop and reflect on our own connections to First Nations culture. Do you, for example, know the traditional name of the country you live and work on? Do you know about Indigenous history in your local area? Do you consume First Nations media? These questions, and more, are part of Gumbaynggirr artist and activist Aretha Brown’s ace document for becoming a thoughtful ally (highly recommended!).

Aside from asking yourself the hard questions, you can show your support this week by buying from Blak-owned businesses, reading books by First Nations authors (@blackfulla_bookclub has many recommendations) and following and engaging with rad Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander voices on social media. You’ll also find a whole bunch of this special events to check out on the NAIDOC website, but we thought we’d share a few below, as well.

Dance Rites – Tune into the Sydney Opera House’s YouTube channel or Facebook page every night this week to watch Fist Nations dance-offs from all around Australia. There are separate heats for Traditional dances and dances of any style, and the whole thing culminates in a finals night on November 21st.

Looking Out Looking In (Volume 6) – Musicians Kee’ahn, Soju Gang and DJ PGZ have curated a banging NAIDOC playlist for the City of Melbourne. Turn it up!

Live music from Kutcha Edwards, Kee’ahn and more – Speaking of tunes, ABC Melbourne will be broadcasting a one-hour performance featuring some super-talented Indigenous musicians.

First Nations Bodies in Colonial Spaces – This online panel as part of Melbourne’s MPavillion program will see First Nations artists Paola Balla, Rosie Kalina and Madison Conners yarning about their experiences of misogyny, the effects of social media and self-image.

Tiwi: Always Was, Always Will Be – Watch the NGV’s senior curator talk about the gallery’s upcoming exhibition of Tiwi art.

Blak Markets – Sydney-siders will be able to shop from over 20 Indigenous arts and crafts stalls this Saturday, November 14th. There will also be a weaving workshop, cooking demonstration and various performances throughout the day.