As you read this issue, NAIDOC Week will be upon us. This article is to remind us that we don’t need to focus our efforts on a single week, though the opportunity is meaningful. Here are some tips you may choose to run with – during NAIDOC Week, and beyond.
It’s a time to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For podiatrists, particularly those working in community-based settings, NAIDOC Week offers an opportunity to get involved and engage in ways that are respectful, impactful, and aligned with the values of the communities you serve.
As health professionals, we must be vigilant about how we engage with culture—especially when it’s not our own.
First of all, what is cultural appreciation? As outlined in NAIDOC Week literature, it involves respectful, sincere engagement with another culture. This helps to build cross-cultural understanding and connection. It means taking your lead from First Nations people, not centering yourself.
Next, what is cultural appropriation? This occurs when cultural elements are used without understanding or permission. It often involves centering non-Indigenous voices or profiting from Indigenous culture. Is exploitative, disrespectful, and reinforces systemic racism. A good way to check yourself before acting, is to ask the below NAIDOC-suggested questions:
NAIDOC Week is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. It reminds us that health outcomes are deeply intertwined with cultural identity, community connection, and historical context. As podiatrists, you are uniquely positioned to support healing and empowerment by embedding cultural respect into your everyday practice.
The question lies in the ‘how’, especially given you are likely time-poor and possibly even under-resourced. Here are some simple ways to get involved, which can have a big impact.
Display the National NAIDOC Week Poster in your clinic or workspace.
Use NAIDOC-themed email banners, Teams backgrounds, or social media tiles to show support online. Share posts online using pre-approved social media tiles and other visual assets, with a stack of options to choose from.
As advised in NAIDOC resources below:
We encourage you to use the #NAIDOC2025 #NAIDOCWeek and #StrengthVisionLegacy hashtags when talking about NAIDOC Week on social media.
Tag the National NAIDOC Week social media accounts: Facebook – NAIDOC, X – NAIDOC Week and Instagram – NAIDOC Week.
This toolkit has a stack of resources and more information on how you can get behind these initiatives during NAIDOC week, and beyond. As stated on the website:
The Supporting NAIDOC Toolkit provides guidance to help inspire your team, workplace, school, club or community group to celebrate National NAIDOC Week. You can use this toolkit any time of the year, not just during National NAIDOC Week in July every year. In fact, the more you use this toolkit, the more opportunities you will create to form genuine partnerships, celebrate Blak excellence and amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.
Here is a list to get you started. Purchase from First Nations-owned businesses and ensure profits go to Indigenous makers. If sponsoring an event, consider donating tickets to local community members.
Many of these events are happening before, during and after NAIDOC week.
Download NAIDOC educational resources and share them with your team or clients. Encourage ongoing learning and discussion within your clinic.
Read books by First Nations authors. Watch films or series created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers. Listen to podcasts or music by First Nations creatives.
Nominate a First Nations person or organisation for a NAIDOC Week Award. Use your platform to amplify Indigenous voices – whether through social media, newsletters, or community events. If you run a clinic, consider how your Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) can support truth-telling and partnership building.
Find out whose Country you are on using the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia. Engage with local Traditional Owners and community organisations. Attend or host a NAIDOC Week event (grants may be available to support this).
© Copyright 2021 The Australian Podiatry Association
