For Our Elders: celebrating NAIDOC Week through First Nations screen stories

During the first week of July each year, national NAIDOC Week celebrations take place across Australia, recognizing the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week presents an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

At the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, we champion First Nations stories and the screen practitioners – producers, directors, writers, performers and more – who bring those stories to life. Now, more than ever before, First Nations children are seeing themselves represented on screen through programs like Little J & Big Cuz, Thalu and Barrumbi Kids. Children’s screen content supports all art forms and knowledges to be told to celebrate our First peoples and dismantle discrimination.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate NAIDOC Week with your family, these episodes provide a window into First Nations lives, culture and community, both fictional and factual.

Little J & Big Cuz – Season 1, Episode 4

In the episode ‘Right Under Your Nose’, Nanna – the primary caregiver of Little J and Big Cuz – sets off on an adventure with Old Dog to the beach. While each character’s personal quest is different, they all work together to catch a feed! Little J and Big Cuz will need to get along, be resourceful and learn from Nanna’s knowledges so they can lure bait, catch a fish, build a fire and cook it for dinner.

Watch now on SBS On Demand.

Barrumbi Kids – Episode 4

In the episode ‘Actual Reality’, Tomias, Dahlia and Gordan head out to film footage of Country for Elders at the Mandjarkkorl nursing home.

Download from the ACTF shop or watch now on SBS On Demand.

Red Dirt Riders – Episode 4

In the episode ‘Bogged’, the red dirt riders learn about the living memory of place by listening to an Elder. Nanna Allery holds memories of the river and the dam that was built in 1984. 

Download from the ACTF shop or watch now on ABC iview.

Thalu – Episode 1

In the episode ‘Escape!’, seven adventurers must navigate their way on Ngarluma Ngurra to find eight stones and a key before the mysterious cloud destroys their Country. When they are encountered by the kids, Nanna Bea and Nanna Skinny offer advice to help them on their quest.

Download from the ACTF shop or watch now on ABC iview.

Crazy Fun Park – Episode 7

In the episode ‘Friends with Feelings’, Nimrod is reunited with his Aunty Winnie more than 30 years after his fatal accident at Crazy Fun Park.

Download from the ACTF shop or watch now on ABC iview.

Educators, click here to view our 2023 NAIDOC resource for F-12 students in the classroom.