NAIDOC week has been celebrated again this year! NAIDOC Week – 50 Years of Deadly. From 5-12 July 2026, Australians across the country came together to celebrate the 50 year milestone. A celebration of determination, perseverance and leadership. A celebration of our First Nations people.
Is NAIDOC Week still relevant this week?
Yes! As an Educator, as an Australian. You are walking, working, playing and living on land long cared for and known deeply by our First Nations people. Every day we can share in knowledge of one of the oldest cultures on earth.
NAIDOC Week is a celebration of that. It recognises all who’ve stood up, spoken out and the lead the way to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Without them, we would not have, what we take for granted today.
NAIDOC Week is a celebration of strength, truth-telling, unapologetic and proud resistance protesting against injustice, refusing to be silent.
NAIDOC Week is a gift to remind all Australians of our First Nations People and their contribution, influence and positive drive for change.
What does NAIDOC Stand For?
The National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) coordinates the event nationally.
This group of leaders are an independent, voluntary committee, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people serving together on behalf of all First Nations people.
The Theme
50 Years of Deadly is recognition of a milestone. As Aunty (Professor) Lynette Riley AO of the Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi peoples writes,
‘This significant milestone honours the strength, spirit and enduring wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while recognising the powerful legacy of culture, community and knowledge that continues to shape future generations.’ (Welcome: NAIDOC Week 2026 Education Resources)
But What does Deadly mean?
In the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander English the word ‘Deadly’ means: excellent, amazing, really good, impressive or awesome.’
It’s a term of pride and celebration. A way to honour strength and achievement, a way to fully recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
A word First Nations people own and embody in everyday life.
Why 50 Years?
The roots of a National Aboriginal and Islander Day grow from the 1920s. Decades of First Nations people stepped out with courage, strength and determination.
Their aim was to ensure that we as a country, actively observe and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture and history, as an integral part of Australia’s growth as a nation.
⭐ 1938 ─ Day of Mourning Protest (26 Jan) and the First national Aboriginal rights protest in Sydney
⭐ 1940s ─ 1950s ─ “Aborigines Day” established (annual event)
⭐ 1955 ─ Date moved to July with a shift from protest → celebration of culture
⭐ 1974 ─ NAIDOC becomes fully Indigenous-led
⭐ 1975 ─ First NAIDOC WEEK (full week, not just a day) → This is the starting point for the “50 years”
⭐ 1980s ─ 1990s ─ Growth across Australia with Community events, schools, councils involved
⭐ 1991 ─ Name updated to include “Islander” (NAIDOC = National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee)
⭐ 2000s ─ Today ─ Major national celebration with Annual themes, awards, and host cities
⭐ 2025 ─ 2026 ─ 50 years of NAIDOC Week (“50 Years of Deadly” milestone)
Learn more about NAIDOC history | NAIDOC to understand how significant this celebration of 50 years is.
How can I Join the Celebration Across a Week?
Print off the 2026 NAIDOC Poster – Paralpi and use it as a provocation for creative response or discussion.
Tune into a First Nations radio station on your way to work like: Indigenous Community Radio Network (ICRN), CAAMA Radio (Central Australia) or Koori Radio (Sydney), Triple J Unearthed (Indigenous artists).
- Check out Spotify/Apply Music playlists like Blak Australia, First Nations Australia. There are even NAIDOC Week playlists.
- Here are a few recommendations to search for in support of the Early Years:
- “Tjitji Lullaby” – Jessica Mauboy
- “Big Blue Sky” – Play School (Indigenous presenters episode)
- “My Island Home” – Christine Anu
- “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (Indigenous version)” – Google it
- “Wiyathul” – Yolŋu traditional children’s songs (various artists)
- Here are a few recommendations to search for in support Middle Primary:
- “We Are One” – Mitch Tambo
- “Solid Rock” – Goanna
- “Treaty” – Yothu Yindi
- “Blackfella/Whitefella” – Warumpi Band
- “Home to Me” – Electric Fields
Choose to watch shows/movies/documentaries on NITV (National Indigenous Television) free via SBS or stream it via SBS On Demand.
A few recommendations for the 0-5 years age group to help you out:
- Welcome to Country – Aunty Joy Murphy & Lisa Kennedy
- Gentle introduction to the concept of Welcome to Country and belonging.
- My Country – Ezekiel & Sally Morgan
- Celebrates land, animals and connection to Country through vibrant illustrations.
- Bush Tracks – Ros Moriarty (illus. Balarinji)
- Interactive board book encouraging children to explore animals and landscape.
- Animals All Around Us – Melanie Hava
- Introduces Australian animals through Indigenous art styles.
- The Rainbow Serpent – Dick Roughsey
- Classic Dreaming story explaining creation and land.
- Welcome to Country – Aunty Joy Murphy & Lisa Kennedy
50 Years of Deadly
The formation of NAIDOC itself is a powerful demonstration of perseverance to educate and inform.
It’s a remarkable story of leadership and determination to share insight, to raise awareness, to work together.
This 50 Years of Deadly shines a light on how dedicated people work together to grow a nation-wide platform for celebration of our First Nations people.
Don’t let the Sunday to Sunday week pass you by without joining in the celebration, in your way, in your Service, in your Community.
Professional Development Opportunity
Contact Us
If you would like to explore how these strategies can be brought to life through interactive workshops, mentoring or customised PD sessions, please reach out to the Sector Development Team.
- Phone: 1300 66 11 64
- E-mail: support@childaustralia.org.au
- Online Shop: https://shop.childaustralia.org.au/
