NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It’s 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.
NAIDOC 2026: 50 Years of Deadly
his year marks 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
History of NAIDOC Week
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.
How You Can Take park
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to respectfully learn, reflect, and stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Show up — Attend local events, exhibitions, talks, and community gatherings.
Learn & listen — Respectfully engage with First Nations Elders and communities, and learn about the Country where you live and work.
Support — Source from First Nations businesses, creatives, and artists, and donate to community-led initiatives.
Start Conversations — Create space for open, respectful discussions in your workplace and community, and continue learning beyond the week.
NAIDOC At Work: How Your Team Can Celebrate
Is NAIDOC Week Ally Friendly?
Yes – and it’s an opportunity for all Australians to participate with openness and respect. During NAIDOC, allyship is about listening, learning, and supporting First Nations voices, history, and culture.
“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
