What Is NAIDOC Week? - Meaning, History, and Ways to Celebrate in 2025
The annual celebration of the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee - better known as NAIDOC - takes place every July here in Australia. And you are invited!
But what is NAIDOC Week? And why is it important?
This unique celebration is here to highlight the incredible achievements of First Nations peoples. It’s a time where everyone - Indigenous and non-Indigenous - can learn about the 65,000 years of Culture, history, and resilience.
NAIDOC Week 2025 brings a fantastic theme - The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. It’s a chance for everyone in Australia to reflect, learn, and walk together toward a stronger, more united future.
Celebrating First Nations Culture isn’t just educational. It's joyful, creative, and deeply moving. Let’s explore what NAIDOC is, why it matters, and how you can get involved.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following post contains mentions of deceased persons.
The Journey and Meaning of NAIDOC
2025 marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week. And this historic year brings an exciting theme that looks to the future! But the movement goes back even further.
The roots of NAIDOC can be traced to 1935, when Yorta Yorta Elder William Cooper petitioned the British monarchy for Aboriginal representation in federal parliament.
By 1938, the Day of Mourning - a protest held on "Australia Day" - had sparked a growing civil rights movement for Indigenous Australians. In the 1950s, the event began to evolve into something more: a celebration of Culture as well as a continued call for justice.
By 1975, NADOC (as it was originally named) became a week-long event, and in 1991, Torres Strait Islander peoples were formally included in the celebration, officially becoming NAIDOC, as we know it today.
Each year, the event continues to grow - with events taking place across the country. Today, we know it more as a national movement of Culture, pride, and progress.
What is NAIDOC Week and Why Do We Celebrate It?
So, what is NAIDOC Week? It’s a national celebration of the history, Culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - and an invitation for all Australians to listen, learn, and walk together toward a more united future.
NAIDOC is more than a celebration: it’s a chance to reflect, reconnect, and explore more than 65,000 years of First Nations Culture. Storytelling in Indigenous communities has always played a vital role, and by listening to these stories, we begin to understand the strength, resilience, and richness of First Nations knowledge.
Why do we celebrate NAIDOC Week? Because when more people get involved with open hearts and minds, we take steps toward healing our nation.
Local events across the country provide opportunities to celebrate NAIDOC - through art, music, yarns, and learning - and every Australian is encouraged to be part of that journey. It’s a powerful way for allies to stand in support of First Nations peoples, not just during NAIDOC Week, but every day.
NAIDOC Week 2025 Theme and Activities
NAIDOC Week 2025 celebrates The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy - a powerful tribute to the young people leading the way in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This year’s NAIDOC theme is a call to recognise the strength passed down through generations, the vision of today’s changemakers, and the legacy being built for tomorrow.
It’s a timely reminder that NAIDOC Week activities are for everyone - and there’s no better time to get kids involved in learning about Aboriginal history and Culture. From art exhibitions and cultural workshops to community barbecues, panel talks, and flag-raising ceremonies, there are events happening across the country that welcome all ages and backgrounds.
You’ll also find opportunities to hear directly from First Nations voices - through storytelling, performances, and local leaders sharing their experiences and hopes for the future. Whether you're in a major city or a regional town, there’s events that you can take part in across the country.
NAIDOC Week 2025 is more than a celebration - it's an open invitation to learn, support, and be inspired by the next generation of First Nations trailblazers. Keep an eye out for events in your area and celebrate NAIDOC with your community.
How to Support NAIDOC Week
So we've established: everyone is welcome (and encouraged!) to take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations. And the more people who join in with open hearts and respect, the stronger the celebration becomes. But it’s important to know how to support NAIDOC Week meaningfully and in ways that uplift First Nations communities.
Start by showing up: attend local NAIDOC Week events, listen to First Nations speakers, and learn about the Indigenous history of your area. Don’t forget to wear your values! Wear your NAIDOC artworks on polos, t-shirts, and more with pride.
Sharing educational content, reading First Nations stories, and having conversations with your family, friends or kids all help build understanding and connection.
Another powerful way to get involved is through supporting Indigenous artists. When you buy authentic First Nations products from businesses that pay royalties, you’re directly supporting the artist. Look for businesses that partner with artists and respect First Nations communities through ethical practices.
There are plenty of ways to take part:
- Families can explore kids' books, music, and art from First Nations creators
- Schools can incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the classroom
- Workplaces can host cultural learning sessions or purchase gifts that support Indigenous artists
Most importantly, your support shouldn’t end when NAIDOC Week does. True allyship continues all year round. To learn more about how to be a respectful and genuine ally, check out our ally guide here.
Celebrating Culture with Pride and Purpose
By now, we hope you feel more connected to the meaning of NAIDOC Week - and why it’s such a significant time to reflect, learn, and Celebrate NAIDOC with purpose.
Honouring First Nations Culture means listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, supporting their communities, and acknowledging the strength and richness of the world’s oldest continuing Cultures. Every NAIDOC event you attend, every Indigenous business you support, and every story you help amplify contributes to a more united and respectful future.
As you take part in NAIDOC Week 2025, bring curiosity, openness, and kindness. Celebrate meaningfully, and always with respect.
And if you’re looking for a powerful way to show your support, explore our NAIDOC 2025 Collection. Each piece features authentic artwork by First Nations artists - designed to be worn with pride, and made to spark change.
