NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures and empower the next generation.
How do we explain what NAIDOC Week really means to children and young people in a way that’s honest, respectful, and easy to understand?
I have broken it down for both educators and students, so that classrooms across the country can celebrate with truth, pride, and connection.
Teacher Background: What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
What began as a day of protest and advocacy in the 1930s has grown into a national celebration of the world’s oldest living cultures. Held every year in the first full week of July,
NAIDOC Week is a time to:
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Celebrate histories, cultures, and achievements
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Honour resilience, survival, and strength
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Reflect on truth-telling and social justice
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Uplift First Nations voices, past and present
NAIDOC Week 2025 Theme: The Next Generation
This year’s theme is: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy” which is a tribute to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are future leaders, storytellers, and knowledge holders.
It celebrates:
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Strength handed down through family and community
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Vision to imagine bold futures
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Legacy shaped by generations of resistance and pride
This theme encourages educators to nurture students’ pride in culture and support their journey as the next changemakers.
A student-friendly explanation of what NAIDOC Week means
NAIDOC Week is a special time when we stop, listen, and celebrate the cultures and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.
NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee to remind us that NAIDOC began as a movement for rights and recognition.
During this week, we:
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Yarn (share and listen to stories)
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Create art inspired by Aboriginal symbols
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Listen to stories or words in Aboriginal languages
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Dance to songs in Aboriginal languages
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Hear from Elders and community leaders
This year, we're celebrating young people just like you. You are the next leaders, storytellers, and knowledge keepers.
How Educators Can Make NAIDOC Week Meaningful
Try these simple, respectful ways to bring NAIDOC Week into your classroom:
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Read books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors
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Start the day with an Acknowledgement of Country
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Create NAIDOC-inspired art and posters
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Learn local Aboriginal language words
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Host an Elder or guest speaker
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Display the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia and learn which Country you’re on
Looking for Classroom Resources?
Dream Big Education Wellbeing & Consulting offers culturally safe tools to support learning and reflection:
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Dream Big Journals for goal-setting and pride
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Excellence in Aboriginal Education Community for professional learning and resources to support your teaching
By celebrating culture and teaching with truth, we can empower every student to dream big.
FAQs
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What does NAIDOC stand for?
National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
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When is NAIDOC Week held?
The first full week of July each year.
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What is the 2025 NAIDOC theme?
“The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.”
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How can I explain NAIDOC Week to younger children?
Use art, music, books, and storytelling to bring meaning and connection.
