National NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week. For 5 decades, NAIDOC Week has recognised and celebrated the voices, culture and contributions of First Nations people and communities across Australia.
With the theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’, DVA is acknowledging this milestone by reflecting on the service and contributions of First Nations service men and women.
First Nations people have a long and proud history of military service in Australia.
However, the full extent of this service is not known. For many years, First Nations people were forced to deny their heritage to enlist. The Defence Act 1903 restricted service to those of substantially European origin, which affected First Nations Australians wanting to serve in the First World War and later conflicts. As a result, many stories of service were not recorded or recognised at the time.
Today, ongoing research is helping to discover the identities of more and more First Nations service men and women to honour their service.
DVA is supporting this work by bringing these stories to life. Stories of Indigenous Service shares just some of the experiences of First Nations service personnel from the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.
DVA has developed a range of teaching resources that explore the diverse experiences of First Nations veterans. These include personal accounts of service, examples of commemoration through art, and classroom materials available on the Anzac Portal.
In March 2024, DVA began releasing a series of posters to commemorate First Nations service, including service in the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War.
Many First Nations people have served and sacrificed in defence of Australia, both at home and overseas. Their service and contribution are part of Australia’s shared history.
Today, First Nations people continue to serve with pride and distinction in the Australian Defence Force.
As we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, we recognise the legacy of First Nations service men and women and help ensure their stories continue to be shared and remembered.