When is NAIDOC Week 2025? Dates, Meaning & How to Celebrate
When is NAIDOC Week? For the celebrations this year, if you haven’t already, you MUST mark this in your calendar! As well as being a fun celebration of Indigenous Culture, it’s a powerful way to take part in learning about First Nations Australia and be a part of positive change.
NAIDOC Week 2025 will take place from Sunday, 6 July to Sunday, 13 July.
This unique celebration spans a full week, dedicated to recognising the history, Culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it’s one of the most significant dates in the Australian calendar.
Whether you’re planning or taking part in events, preparing school programs, or simply want to be part of the conversation, this guide will walk you through the key dates, meaning, and how to get involved in NAIDOC this year.
What Is NAIDOC Week?
The National Aboriginal and Islanders day Observance Committee (better known as NAIDOC) dates back to the 1930s. Back then, Aboriginal communities were looking for more justice within Australia.
NAIDOC began as a single day of protest, known as the Day of Mourning, in response to “Australia Day.” Over time, the movement grew to include a variety of events that have now stretched out NAIDOC to become a full week of national events.
Although still held strongly to protest the rights of First Nations peoples, NAIDOC now is also a reflection on the past, while celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures and looking to the future. Storytelling in Indigenous Cultures is so important, and that’s what this event brings to the forefront in modern Australia.
Proudly, also including the Torres Strait Islanders since 1991, we’re now celebrating Culture, honouring history, and helping to build a more united Australia. NAIDOC Week has been marked by historic events and brave people bringing their values into everyday conversations.
2025 marks the huge milestone celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC! The NAIDOC committee proudly share:
“[NAIDOC theme] celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.”
NAIDOC Week 2025 Key Dates
Starting and ending on a Sunday, this year the NAIDOC week dates fall from 6th July - 13th July. Looking to the future while reflecting on the past, the NAIDOC 2025 theme celebrates The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.
- Sunday 6th July – NAIDOC Week begins
- Throughout the week – Events and local celebrations Australia-wide
- Saturday 5th July - National NAIDOC Awards
This year, the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony will take place just before NAIDOC week begins in Boorloo (Perth). You will be able to watch for free on ABC iview and ABC TV, with simulcasts on NITV. It will also be available on ABC's Indigenous channel.
The full week is an opportunity for everyone to engage with First Nations culture through art, music, storytelling, and community.
There is no single “NAIDOC Day” as NAIDOC is celebrated across a full week. However, many schools and workplaces choose one day during NAIDOC Week to host their key activities.
What Happens During NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week is filled with community-led events, art showcases, flag-raising ceremonies, school activities, and important conversations about reconciliation, justice, and pride in culture.
Some ways you can participate:
- Attend local NAIDOC events near where you live or places you’re visiting
- Organise an event in your work or school and encourage people to take part, learn, and have fun
- Wear NAIDOC clothing with artwork by First Nations artists and use it as a conversation starter!
- Share things that you’re learning that reflect the 2025 NAIDOC theme
Across the country, there is a huge range of events taking place. Check out the NAIDOC website to see what’s happening in your local area and join in!
Most events welcome everyone - Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. If it’s exclusively for First Nations people, it will clearly notify you on the event information.
But don’t be afraid to reach out to the organisers if you’re not sure about attending an event or not. Respectfully asking questions is one of the best ways to take part in healing our nation.
Explore Yarn’s NAIDOC 2025 Collection
Each year, here at Yarn, we partner with First Nations creatives to bring the spirit of NAIDOC to life through wearable art. Our collection of First Nations polos have never been brighter, bolder, and celebratory, with artworks by 8 Indigenous artists to celebrate The Next Generation!
Our 2025 NAIDOC T-shirts feature bold designs that reflect the year’s theme and showcase stories of strength, heritage, and pride.
If you’re looking for something a little more subtle, try our exclusive collection of NAIDOC lanyards. Perfect for work and play, they’re a handy feature to add to your day.
Every purchase in our collections across the site supports the artists and their creative career. Especially at NAIDOC, it’s a great time to wear these pieces with pride and create powerful conversations to transcend generations. Whether you're attending a march, a school event, or just want to stand in solidarity, this collection is all about wearing your values and celebrating Culture.
Why Participation Matters
Thankfully, by now, you know when NAIDOC Week is taking place. (Sunday 6th July - 13th July - in case you missed it!) But knowing the dates is just the beginning: what really matters is how we show up.
Using NAIDOC as an opportunity to learn and grow is a powerful way to take part. It’s about education for us and the next generation and changing the future for the better.
Here are some ways you can join in:
- Learn about Culture and share stories
- Attend events with an open mind and heart
- Support Indigenous-led initiatives and First Nations owned businesses
- Open spaces in your workplaces, schools, and friend groups for truth-telling and celebration
Let this be more than a date in your calendar! As well as being fun to join in with, NAIDOC is educational and helps to heal our nation.
See you there!
