Engage with the 2026 NAIDOC Week Theme, Its History, and Educational Opportunities
NAIDOC Week 2026 runs from 5 to 12 July. This year's theme is "50 Years of Deadly," marking five decades of NAIDOC Week as a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, achievement, and resistance. In Aboriginal English, "deadly" means excellent, and the theme carries both pride and defiance.
The theme honours the people who built the 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. It looks back at how far the movement has come, and forward to the next fifty years, led by young people growing up proud, the return of language, and the return to Country.
NAIDOC Week began as a movement for recognition and rights. Fifty years on, it remains a platform for truth-telling, celebration, and cultural continuity, grounded in self-determination and community.
The History of NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week, celebrated annually in Australia, honours the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The origins of NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week date back to the 1920s, during a period of significant political activism by Aboriginal groups seeking to address injustices and inequality faced by Indigenous Australians.
One of the prominent figures of this era was Fred Maynard, a key activist who founded the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association (AAPA) in 1924. The AAPA was the first organised, politically oriented group aimed at advocating for Aboriginal rights. It focused on issues such as land rights, the protection of children from forced removals, and the preservation of Aboriginal culture and identity. The AAPA's activism was instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of Aboriginal people, challenging government policies, and fighting for basic human rights.
1938, Day of Mourning
This period laid the groundwork for future movements and events, including the 1938 Day of Mourning, which eventually led to the establishment of NAIDOC Week.
In 1938, William Cooper, a prominent Aboriginal leader, and the Australian Aborigines League, organised a Day of Mourning to mark the 150th anniversary of British colonisation. This protest aimed to draw attention to the mistreatment of Aboriginal peoples and called for equal rights and recognition. The Day of Mourning was a pivotal event, leading to annual observances and increased awareness of Aboriginal rights.
In 1955, the observance was shifted from January to July, marking the beginning of what is now known as NAIDOC Week. The date change allowed for greater participation and symbolised a broader recognition of Aboriginal culture and contributions to Australian society. The National Aboriginal Day Committee was formed in 1957, later evolving into the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC).
Each year, NAIDOC Week adopts a specific theme to highlight different aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and current issues.
NAIDOC Week has grown over the decades, now encompassing a wide range of activities, including cultural performances, art exhibitions, educational events, and community gatherings. It provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and engage with the rich cultural heritage of the country's Indigenous peoples, fostering understanding and reconciliation.
5 NAIDOC Week Questions for the Classroom
- What does NAIDOC stand for?
- What event were the origins of NAIDOC Week and what year did this occur?
- How has NAIDOC Week evolved?
- What is this year's theme for NAIDOC Week and what does it mean?
- How does NAIDOC Week contribute to the understanding and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians?
See our Education Resources for more materials.
