What Is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week is the biggest event on the Indigenous calendar - an annual celebration held across Australia that recognises and honours the history, Culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a time for all Australians to learn about, engage with, and celebrate First Nations Cultures. Each year, NAIDOC Week is guided by a powerful theme that responds to the current political and socioeconomic landscape - reflecting the priorities, strengths, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The History of NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week has a strong legacy grounded in activism, recognition, and Cultural pride. Its evolution over the decades reflects the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in their ongoing fight for justice, equality, and self-determination.
- NAIDOC’s roots trace back to the 1938 Day of Mourning, one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world.
- In 1955, it moved from January to July to mark the broader celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture.
- The term “NAIDOC” was formally adopted in the 1970s, reflecting a shift from protest to celebration and education.
How NAIDOC Week Is Celebrated
NAIDOC Week is celebrated in many ways across the country, including:
- Community events, marches, and flag raisings
- School and workplace celebrations
- Cultural workshops, storytelling, and art exhibitions
- Wearing First Nations designs and merchandise with pride
Why NAIDOC Week Matters
NAIDOC Week is more than a celebration - it’s a call to learn, reflect, and stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a chance to support First Nations communities, amplify their voices, and walk together on the journey toward truth, justice, and reconciliation.
Encouraging Australians to reflect on the spiritual connection to land and the need to protect sacred sites and cultural heritage.
NAIDOC Week FAQ’s
The NAIDOC Week 2025 theme is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”
This theme celebrates the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders - empowered by cultural pride, guided by the wisdom of Elders, and carrying forward a legacy of strength, vision, and community-led progress.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It has grown into a full week of celebration, recognition, and action.
NAIDOC Week 2025 will be celebrated from Sunday 6 July to Sunday 13 July 2025.
NAIDOC Week 2025 marks a major milestone - 50 years since the formal establishment of NAIDOC as a national movement. What began as a campaign for justice and recognition has evolved into a powerful annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, histories, and achievements.
NAIDOC Week acknowledges the strength, resilience, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a time to recognise First Nations voices, preserve their stories, and move toward a more just and inclusive future.
Some of the major annual events during NAIDOC Week include:
National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony – Celebrating outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements, this prestigious event is hosted in a different city each year. Community members can nominate individuals and organisations, or support the ceremony through sponsorship.
National NAIDOC Poster Competition – A long-running tradition since 1967, this competition invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to create powerful artworks reflecting the annual theme. Winning designs are showcased nationwide and often lead to major creative opportunities.
NAIDOC Local Grants and Community Events – Supported by government funding, local events take place in schools, workplaces, and communities. From cultural performances to art shows, there are many ways to take part wherever you are.
Attend events, support Indigenous businesses, wear First Nations designs, learn from Elders, and share knowledge.
No, NAIDOC Week is not a public holiday, but many schools, workplaces, and organisations host events and activities.
The official NAIDOC logo is owned by the National NAIDOC Committee and used to promote events that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures.
Want to Celebrate NAIDOC at Work or School?
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