NAIDOC Week 2025: Celebrating 50 Years of Culture, Strength, and Legacy

National NAIDOC Week 2025 will be held from 6 to 13 July, marking an incredible milestone of 50 years of recognising and celebrating the voices, cultures, and resilience of First Nations Australians.

This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,” honours the spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and looks ahead to a future shaped by young leaders. It’s a celebration of past achievements and a spotlight on the emerging generation who are leading with courage, wisdom, and pride in their heritage.

Honouring a Powerful Legacy

NAIDOC Week began as a movement for justice and recognition, driven by Indigenous communities who envisioned a fairer, more inclusive Australia. Over the past five decades, it has grown into a nationwide celebration and an annual reminder of the strength, knowledge, and resilience of First Nations Australians.

Embracing Self-Determination

In 2025, the National NAIDOC Committee is taking a transformative step toward greater independence by embracing self-determination as a guiding principle. This move reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that NAIDOC remains a movement led by community voices, grounded in cultural integrity and driven by the aspirations of First Nations Australians.

Self-determination empowers communities to shape their futures, make decisions that reflect their values, and preserve their cultural heritage on their terms. Every story shared, every act of resilience remembered, and every tradition celebrated during NAIDOC Week contribute to a legacy that stretches far into the past and continues to inspire future generations.

Ways to Celebrate NAIDOC Week

There are many meaningful ways to get involved and show your support. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate:

• Display the National NAIDOC Poster or other Indigenous artwork in your classroom or workplace
• Create a hall of fame showcasing First Nations role models
• Listen to Indigenous music or watch films that explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history
• Learn about a notable Indigenous Australian or research the Traditional Owners of your area
• Explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts
• Collaborate with a local Indigenous artist to create a piece inspired by this year’s theme
•  Organise an art competition in your school or community
• Visit your local library or explore online resources to deepen your understanding of Indigenous history
• Visit local Indigenous sites of cultural significance
• Discover the meanings behind Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names and words
• Invite local Elders to speak or deliver a Welcome to Country
• Host a visit from a First Nations sportsperson or artist
• Invite Indigenous dancers to perform
• Organise a smoking ceremony

For more ideas and resources, visit the official NAIDOC Week Downloads page, NAIDOC Downloads | NAIDOC

2025 National NAIDOC Week Poster

Titled “Urapun Muy” (“One Fire” in Yawuru language), the 2025 NAIDOC Week poster by artist Bobbi Lockyer is a vibrant tribute to this year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.”

The artwork celebrates connection to Country, culture, and kin, with a central fire symbolising community and shared purpose. Surrounding it are young First Nations people—future leaders grounded in the strength of their ancestors and empowered to shape the future.

Bold and full of meaning, this poster honours 50 years of NAIDOC and the legacy carried forward by today’s young changemakers.

Wrap-Up

This milestone is a moment to celebrate with pride, look back with reflection, and look ahead with hope. The following 50 years will be shaped by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the enduring legacy of our ancestors.

Reference

Home page | NAIDOC

2025 National NAIDOC Week Poster

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