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About NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920’s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are now held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Participating in NAIDOC week will enrich your own cultural awareness and understanding and as a result, improve the care you are able to provide to your First Nations patients as we walk together and strive towards Reconciliation, Unity, and Closing the Gap.
You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.
NAIDOC Week 2025: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy
This year’s National NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of the week-long celebrations, and the theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.
Applications for the 2025 NAIDOC Local Grants are now open, with funding available across three streams: educational institutions ($1,250 – $2,000), small scale grants (up to $10,000), and large scale grants ($10,001 – $25,000).
The Local Grants enable communities to hold activities and events that recognise the histories, cultures, achievements and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For more information click here.
Additional Resources
Learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture:
- NGUNNAWAL
- Ngunnawal culture and heritage – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Canberra (act.gov.au)
- Discover and learn about our Indigenous history and culture (act.gov.au)
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Resource for Community Sector Workers (ACT & Region) (actcoss.org.au)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history – VPSC
Participate in ongoing cultural learning and make a commitment to continuing on the cultural competency journey:
- Indigenous Cultural Awareness | Coolamon Advisors | Canberra
- First Nations’ Experiences | VisitCanberra
- Ngala Tours at the National Arboretum Canberra | VisitCanberra
- Dhawura Tours | VisitCanberra
- Cultural Awareness – Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (toac.com.au)
- Ngunawal | Thunderstone Aboriginal Cultural Services | Canberra
Movies and documentaries created or inspired by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:
- First Nations Cinema | SBS On Demand
- Our Favourite Aboriginal & First Nations Films in Australia (childrensground.org.au)
Books written by First Nations authors:
Music by Indigenous artists:
For more information on how you can support NAIDOC Week click here.