Every year, NAIDOC Week is a beautiful reminder to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and histories.
The theme "The Next Generation of Strength, Vision and Legacy”, NAIDOC Week 2025 is about empowering young people who will move forward with strength. It’s a call to uplift the voices, dreams, and leadership of the next generation of changemakers.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee. What began as a civil rights movement has grown into a national celebration of the oldest living cultures on Earth.
NAIDOC Meaning and Origins
NAIDOC Week traces back to the 1930s and the Day of Mourning. It's more than just a date on the calendar. It's a legacy of resistance, survival, pride, and renewal. Today, NAIDOC invites all Australians to engage with and reflect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories.
Always Was, Always Will Be
This iconic phrase isn’t just a slogan. It’s the truth. Aboriginal people are the Traditional Custodians of this land. That truth continues to shape the spirit of NAIDOC.
Why 2025 Is Special: The Next Generation
This year's theme is The Next Generation – a tribute to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose strength, creativity, and leadership are lighting the path ahead.
It celebrates:
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Strength passed down through Elders and Ancestors
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Vision to imagine futures built on justice and connection
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Legacy that empowers kids and teens to be proud of who they are and where they come from
This theme encourages communities, workplaces, and organisations to make space for voices. To listen. To learn. To support.
From Ceremony to Action: Embodying the NAIDOC Spirit
Let NAIDOC Week be more than symbolic.
Whether you're reading a powerful Aboriginal novel, dancing to songs in language, or walking alongside community, you're nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Join Us
Join us at Dream Big Education Wellbeing and Consulting in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025. Explore our resources, book a culturally responsive workshop, or gift your students or team a tool for self-belief with the Dream Big Journal.
Together, we can build a legacy of pride, purpose, and empowerment– one community at a time.
FAQs
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What does NAIDOC stand for?
National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
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What is the 2025 NAIDOC theme?
“The Next Generation” — honouring young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who carry strength, vision, and legacy.
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How is NAIDOC Week celebrated?
Through art, music, stories, cultural workshops, and community events.
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Why is NAIDOC Week important?
It promotes truth-telling, respect, pride, and reflection for First Nations peoples and cultures across all parts of Australian life.
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Where can I get Aboriginal resources or workshops?
Visit Dream Big Education for books, journals, professional learning for teachers, and downloadable classroom or workplace tools.
