Honouring the Connection: The Vital Role of Seafood in NAIDOC Week

As Australians unite to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025 under the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” the Seafood Consumers Association (SCA) calls on all communities to recognise the profound connection between seafood, Country, and Indigenous culture. Seafood is not just food, it is a living thread that weaves together the stories, traditions, and futures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Celebrating 50 Years of NAIDOC: Strengthening Cultural Connections

This year marks a powerful milestone—50 years of NAIDOC Week, a national celebration of the history, achievements, and enduring strength of First Nations peoples. The 2025 theme invites all Australians to honour the legacy of Elders, embrace the vision of communities, and empower the next generation to carry forward the torch of culture and connection[1][2][3].

Seafood: More Than a Meal—A Foundation of Identity and Wellbeing

For thousands of years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have drawn sustenance, knowledge, and spiritual meaning from the oceans, rivers, and estuaries of this land. Fishing and seafood gathering are not simply economic activities—they are acts of cultural continuity, community care, and environmental stewardship[4][5][6].

Cultural Significance: Fishing practices are deeply informed by ecological knowledge passed down through generations. Seasonal signs—such as the blooming of certain flowers or the movement of tides—guide when and where to fish, ensuring sustainability and respect for Country[4][7].
Community and Health: Seafood provides nutritious food, supports livelihoods, and underpins social gatherings, celebrations, and ceremonies. Events such as NAIDOC Week are often marked by fish barbecues and community feasts, where seafood brings people together and strengthens bonds[6][8].
Knowledge Transfer: The act of fishing is also a form of teaching, where Elders pass on stories, skills, and values to younger generations, reinforcing identity and belonging[5][9].

Traditional Practices, Modern Challenges

Indigenous Australians have developed sophisticated fishing techniques and infrastructure—nets, traps, stone weirs, and more—tailored to local environments and species. These practices reflect a deep respect for marine life and a commitment to only taking what is needed, ensuring abundance for future generations[4][10][9].

Yet, despite this legacy, many Indigenous communities face barriers to exercising their cultural fishing rights and accessing traditional seafood resources. The SCA supports ongoing efforts to recognise, protect, and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fishing practices within modern fisheries management and policy frameworks[4][6].

NAIDOC Week 2025: A Time for Unity, Learning, and Action

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn from and celebrate the wisdom of First Nations peoples. This year’s activities—ranging from seafood cooking demonstrations to the “Sea of Fish Challenge” in schools and communities—highlight the enduring role of seafood in culture, health, and reconciliation[11][12][13][14].

How You Can Get Involved

Participate in Community Events: Join local NAIDOC Week celebrations, seafood feasts, and cultural workshops.
Support Indigenous Seafood Producers: If the opportunity arises choose seafood sourced from Indigenous fishers and businesses, helping to sustain livelihoods and knowledge systems.
Learn and Share: Explore the stories and science behind Indigenous fishing and share what you learn with friends and family.
Advocate for Equity: Support policies and initiatives that protect Indigenous fishing rights and promote access to healthy, affordable seafood for all.

The Next Generation: Carrying the Legacy Forward

As we look to the future, the SCA reaffirms its commitment to working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to:

Promote food security and health through access to fresh, sustainable seafood.
Support intergenerational knowledge transfer and cultural education.
Champion environmental stewardship rooted in Indigenous science and tradition.
Champion environmental stewardship rooted in Indigenous science and tradition.

Voices from Community

“Seafood connection to community is much more important than just the meals it provides and the jobs it supports... it provides the foundation for intergenerational knowledge transfer and maintenance of cultural and social traditions. It feeds the bodies and the spirits of Aboriginal people and their communities, including connections to country and community that are essential to their perspectives of ‘health and wellbeing’.” — Beau Cubillo, Indigenous researcher[5]

About the SCA

The Seafood Consumers Association is dedicated to supporting seafood consumers, promoting responsible/sustainable seafood practices, and amplifying the voices seafood consumers globally.

For further information, interviews, or resources, contact:

SCA Media Contact: CEO, Roy Palmer +61 492825012 Email: seafoodsdg@outlook.com

References:

[4] Sydney Fish Market: NAIDOC Week—Exploring Indigenous Fishing Practices
[6] FRDC: Indigenous Professional Fishing
[3] Salvation Army: National NAIDOC Week 2025
[9] CSIRO: Recognising the Importance of Shellfish to First Nations
[14] NAIDOC.org.au: First Nations Seafood Cooking Demonstration
[2] Koori Curriculum: NAIDOC Week 2025 Theme
[5] FRDC: Seafood Builds Physical and Cultural Health of Indigenous Communities
[8] UTS: Indigenous People and the NSW Professional Fishing Industry
[1] NAIDOC.org.au: National NAIDOC Theme
[7] AIATSIS: A Brief Introduction to Indigenous Fishing
[10] Sydney Fish Market: The History of Seafood Eating in Australia
[12] Aussie Childcare Network: Sea of Fish Challenge
[13] Connecting the Dots Through Culture: Sea of Fish Challenge

End of Release

Media Contacts:

SCA Media Contact: CEO, Roy Palmer +61 492825012 or seafoodsdg@outlook.com