NAIDOC Week 2025: Celebrating 50 Years of Strength, Vision & Legacy

NAIDOC Week, held annually from the first Sunday in July, is a significant occasion for all Australians to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2025, the week holds particular importance as it marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, commemorating half a century of advocacy, resilience, and cultural celebration

Origins and Evolution

The roots of NAIDOC Week trace back to the 1938 Day of Mourning, a protest led by Indigenous leaders such as William Cooper and Jack Patten, marking 150 years since the arrival of the First Fleet. This event highlighted the need for better living conditions and rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 1957, the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC) was established, and in 1991, it evolved into the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) to include Torres Strait Islanders. What began as a day of protest has grown into a week-long celebration of Indigenous culture and history.

2025 Theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2025, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” reflects a forward-looking perspective, honouring the enduring leadership of Elders and the rising generation carrying culture and advocacy forward. It emphasizes the strength of Indigenous communities, the vision of young leaders, and the legacy of resilience and cultural preservation.

NAIDOC Week serves as a reminder that the journey towards reconciliation and understanding is ongoing. It invites all Australians to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and work together for a more inclusive future. As we commemorate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, we honour the strength, vision, and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and look forward to the continued growth and recognition of their cultures