NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, history, culture and achievements. Held in the first week of July every year, it’s an invitation for all Australians to listen, learn, and show up with respect.
Following 50 Years of NAIDOC Week in 2025, this year marks a both a reflective and forward-looking milestone – for those who have built the movement over the past five decades, and of the momentum still building.
“Fifty Years of Deadly marks a milestone. It’s a tribute to the people who built this movement. the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression, and the communities who keep showing up, year after year.” - NAIDOC Committee
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.
“Aboriginies Day” (defunct) moved from January to the first Sunday in to July, to mark the broader celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture.
With the formation of NADOC, National “Aborigines Day” (defunct) expanded into a full week of recognition, led by Aboriginal members and observed nationally each July.
NAIDOC expanded to recognise Torres Strait Islander peoples and became NAIDOC, the name now used for the full week of national observance of culture, pride and progress.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to take part with openness and respect. Allyship isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up, learning, and supporting in ways that uplift First Nations voices.
During NAIDOC Week, many choose to wear artwork as a sign of support. Our collection is created in collaboration with First Nations artists, allowing everyone to wear with pride while directly supporting the artist behind the work.
“I want all people, allies included, to be able to proudly wear their Yarn Products, to show their support of not only me, but the broader Indigenous Australian community” - Merindah-Gunya
NAIDOC FAQs
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration held in the first week of July each year. It recognises the history, achievements, and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and invites all Australians to learn, listen and show support.
NAIDOC Week 2026 will take place in the first week of July, with events and activities held across Australia. The dates for NAIDOC 2026 are Sunday 5 July to Sunday 12 July.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, reflecting the origins of the movement and its role in advocacy and recognition.
The 2026 theme is “50 Years of Deadly,” following 50 years of NAIDOC Week in 2025. It recognises the Elders, organisers, artists, and communities who have shaped the movement, while celebrating the strength and momentum continuing into the future.
NAIDOC Week plays an important role in recognising First Nations voices, stories, and achievements. It creates space for learning, reflection, and meaningful participation across communities, workplaces, and schools.
Yes. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to take part with respect. Participation is about listening, learning, and supporting First Nations voices in considered and meaningful ways.
Support can include attending local events, learning from First Nations creators, supporting First Nations businesses, and starting conversations in your workplace or community.
Wearing NAIDOC merchandise is a visible way to show support and spark conversation. It’s commonly worn in workplaces, schools, and community settings during NAIDOC Week.
Yarn products feature artwork created by First Nations artists from across Australia. Each design reflects the artist’s story, perspective, and creative expression.
Yes. Artists are paid for their work and continue to benefit from the use of their designs through royalties on every purchase, supporting ongoing creative opportunities.
Yes, when done with understanding and respect. Wearing artist-designed products can be a way to show support, particularly when it contributes to First Nations artists and businesses.
Yes. Many organisations choose coordinated uniforms or merchandise to support participation and visibility during NAIDOC Week.
Ordering early is recommended, especially for custom or bulk orders. Many organisations and individuals finalise orders by May to ensure delivery before NAIDOC Week.
Yes. Many people choose to wear them year-round as an ongoing show of support.