Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images and voices of deceased people.
Michael Long, is a proud Anmatjere and Marranunggu man, born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory. A descendant of Stolen Generation parents, he maintains deep ties to the land, waters and culture of the Tiwi Islands. Michael’s inherited sense of duty, pride, purpose for family kinship and community would later guide him through the biggest moments of his AFL career — and his life.
In 1995, Michael made history by being the first AFL player to formally lodge a complaint after being racially vilified during a game. He refused to stay silent. His stand sparked widespread public debate and directly led to the introduction of the AFL’s racial vilification code.
In 2004, frustrated by continued government inaction on Indigenous issues, Michael walked from Melbourne to Canberra, seeking an audience with then Prime Minister John Howard asking ‘where was the love’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. That act of leadership inspired the birth of The Long Walk — a national movement for reconciliation, education, action and unity.
Michael is a lifelong servant of his people and his country. He doesn’t speak for attention or applause. He speaks because he must — and because too many still can’t. His leadership is rooted in humility, cultural strength, and unwavering commitment. He builds bridges where others see barriers. He walks alongside his people, not ahead of them. And he reminds all Australians that reconciliation is a journey we must take together.
Michelle Deshong is a proud Kuka Yulanji woman from northeast Australia.
The Midwest NAIDOC event stands as the premier regional gathering uniting neighboring Shires in the Midwest.
Mi-kaisha Masella is a proud Darumbal Murri and Tongan woman who is part of the inner city Aboriginal community of Sydney and the central Queensland Aboriginal community.
Mingaletta is excited to announce we will be again hosting our annual Mingaletta NAIDOC Gathering Friday July 12, 2024!
The Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation in Queensland was created to record and teach people about caring for Country for future generations.
Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation (MMEIC) is guided by Elder-led cultural protocols, ensuring cultural authority in all we do. We elevate young Quandamooka voices, creating spaces for intergenerational knowledge of caring for Country.
Through community-led justice reinvestment, we strengthen social and emotional wellbeing, reconnect youth with culture, and are currently developing the Quandamooka Justice and Healing Strategy.
This strategy embraces holistic understandings of justice for Quandamooka people, our Country, and our waterways. MMEIC exemplifies excellence in caring for Country, delivering lasting, intergenerational benefits for the Quandamooka people, our lands, and our waters—guided always by ancient knowledge and community-led approaches, shaping a future grounded in cultural strength and freedom.
Welcome to NAIDOC.
We acknowledge all First Peoples of the beautiful lands on which we live and celebrate their enduring knowledge and connections to Country. We honour the wisdom of and pay respect to Elders past and present.