Celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC Week
All Australians are invited to come together to reflect on the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
From 6 to 13 July, Australians will come together to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, marking 50 years since it became a national event.
This year’s theme, “The next generation: strength, vision, and legacy”, invites us to reflect on the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while looking to the future through the eyes of young Indigenous leaders.
NAIDOC Week has a proud and powerful history. Its roots trace back to 1938, when Aboriginal activists held a “Day of Mourning” to protest the treatment and dispossession of First Nations peoples.
Over the decades, the movement evolved and grew. By the 1970s, the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) helped establish what is now a week-long national celebration of First Nations cultures, histories, and contributions.
The 2025 theme acknowledges the strength and vision of those who have gone before, while highlighting the importance of nurturing and supporting today’s emerging Indigenous voices.
It’s a call to ensure the legacy of resistance, resilience, and culture is passed on to the next generation of storytellers, land custodians, artists, and advocates.
Communities across Australia will celebrate NAIDOC Week with a wide range of activities. Flag-raising ceremonies, traditional smoking ceremonies, community marches, and cultural performances will take place in towns and cities nationwide.
These events offer a chance for all Australians to connect with Country, listen to Elders, and honour the continuing culture of the world’s oldest living civilisation.
The NAIDOC Awards, recognising outstanding contributions by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in fields like education, the arts, and community service, will be presented at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 5 July.
Meanwhile, the annual NAIDOC poster competition, featuring bold and inspiring artwork, will reflect the theme and showcase Indigenous artistic talent.
Schools, libraries, and community centres will embrace the spirit of the week through classroom lessons, workshops, storytelling sessions, and art activities.
Local communities are also being supported through government grants, ensuring grassroots celebrations flourish in every corner of the country, from regional towns to remote communities.
NAIDOC Week 2025 is not just a celebration; it’s a time for learning, reflection, and action. By embracing it, we honour the past while empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
Related reading: NAIDOC, Australians Together
