“Mummy, why are there two flags?”
My three-year-old asked while pointing to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at our local community centre. I didn’t have the perfect words, but I knew this was a moment that mattered.
When it comes to exploring culture, connection and identity, we don’t need to have all the answers. What matters is that we’re open to learning, together.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week is a nationwide celebration of the history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a chance for all Australians, especially our children, to connect with the richness and resilience of the world’s oldest living cultures.
While it’s often associated with school-age learning, NAIDOC Week holds just as much meaning for our youngest learners. At Papilio, we believe that even the smallest moments, like a question during a walk, or a story at bedtime, can plant the seeds of lifelong respect and understanding.
The 2025 Theme: The Next Generation - Strength, Vision & Legacy
This year’s theme is a celebration of the future, and the power of our children to shape it. It honours the strength of young leaders, the vision of thriving communities, and the legacy of ancestors whose stories and knowledge continue to guide us.
At Papilio centres, we see this theme come alive every day through our Lifelong Learning Curriculum. Through guided experiences, inquiry-based learning, and meaningful cultural engagement, our educators help children explore these values in age-appropriate, inspiring ways.
“I want to teach my child… but I don’t want to get it wrong.”
Many parents feel this way, and it’s completely okay. If you didn’t grow up learning about First Nations cultures, it can feel intimidating to start these conversations.
The truth is, you don’t have to know everything. You simply have to be present, curious, and respectful. That’s more than enough.
5 Beautiful Ways to Explore NAIDOC Week Together
1. Read Together
Books are a powerful entry point into culture and Country. Some gentle favourites include:
- Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy
- Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
- Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour
ABC Kids also shares great NAIDOC Week resources.
2. Make Art with Natural Materials
Use leaves, bark, clay, or earthy tones to create your own story-inspired art. Talk about colours you see on the land around you. You don’t need an elaborate setup, just time and intention.
3. Move, Listen and Dance
Use leaves, bark, clay, or earthy tones to create your own story-inspired art. Talk about colours you see on the land around you. You don’t need an elaborate setup, just time and intention.
4. Tell Stories and Ask Questions
Dreaming stories like Tiddalik the Frog or How the Birds Got Their Colours are wonderful conversation starters. You might ask:
“What would your Dreaming story be?”
“What’s something you’ve learned about Country?"
“Who do you think looked after this land before us?”
There are no wrong answers, just big imaginations and open minds.
5. Take a Moment on Country
Go for a mindful walk, care for your garden together, or simply sit beneath a tree and listen. Show your child how to be still and notice. These small acts can build deep connection to the world around them.
What We’re Doing at Papilio
At Papilio, NAIDOC Week isn’t a one-off event, it’s part of our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation and cultural inclusion.
We embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into our Lifelong Learning Curriculum through our long-standing partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education and our Reconciliation Action Plan, which guides every Papilio centre in building respectful, meaningful connections to culture and Country.
These experiences aren’t just educational, they’re deeply human. And they help children develop empathy, understanding and pride in the land they live on and the people who came before them.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert. You Just Need to Be Open.
You’re not expected to know it all. What matters is the way you show up for your child, with care, curiosity and heart. NAIDOC Week is a beautiful moment to begin (or continue) this journey.
Together, we’re raising the next generation - strong, proud, and connected to a rich legacy that continues to shape this land and its people.