Happy NAIDOC Week 2026! 

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of the rich history, diverse cultures and remarkable achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It has become one of the most important and celebrated events in the Blak calendar.

During NAIDOC Week, communities around the country gather for marches, art exhibitions, music festivals, community BBQs, flag-raising ceremonies, yarning circles, and cultural workshops. These events boost First Nations voices, showcase cultural excellence, and foster intergenerational connections. 

This makes NAIDOC week not only a necessary moment for First Nations History to be recognised, culture to be celebrated and voices to be amplified, but it also presents an exciting opportunity for all Australians to get educated and involved!

How can you get involved?

Supporting First Nations people during NAIDOC means taking the time and making the space to listen, participate and engage with the expansive knowledge and culture that is being shared.

1. Learn about NAIDOC Week and this year's theme

Every year there is a new theme for NAIDOC Week that encourages people to celebrate First Nations cultures.

This year's theme: 50 Years Deadly marks milestone of progress, focussed on crediting those Elders, artists, storytellers, organisers and communities who worked hard to build the movement and urging all Australians to support those continuing to keep it alive.

50 Years of Deadly invites us to recognise where we've come from, where we are now and where we want to be in the future, which means not only recognising achievements, but also supporting the new generation of artists, storytellers, organisers and communities to continue to keep culture and progress alive. 

Read the official theme here for more depth.

2. Learn about whose Country you're on

NAIDOC is all about listening to, engaging with, and getting educated on First Nations cultures. One of the easiest ways to do this is to learn about who the Traditional Owners of the land you live and work on are.

Looking at the map of Indigenous Australia, it’s easy to see the volume of different Indigenous Language Groups in Australia, who each have unique customs, language and laws. It's even easier to recognise how these aren't represented in the widely recognised map of Australian states. 

 

So, take the time to learn about whose Country you’re on, and the vibrant culture they practice. We’ve created some easy steps to help you determine precisely whose Country you're on, you can find these steps here.

 

3. Attend a local NAIDOC Event

Don’t just stop at knowing where you are, get directly involved with the culture of your local Country by attending a local NAIDOC event!

Every year Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold a vibrant plethora of events that showcase storytelling, performance, art and so much more, allowing all Australians the opportunity to engage with the rich and diverse practices of the longest surviving continuous culture.

Search and discover what NAIDOC events are happening near you here. 

4. Listen, engage and amplify First Nations voices

Engaging with and sharing First Nations content is an accessible way to hear and amplify First Nations voices as there are so many brilliant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations that share on social media. 

Follow these First Nations influencers to engage with art, song, advocacy, reporting and entertainment;

Zaachariaha Feilding, is the winner of this year’s 2026 National NAIDOC poster competition. Zaachariaha is a proud Yankunytjatjara man from the APY Lands in South Australia, well known for his artworks as well as his vocalist role in the music duo "Electric Fields". You can find him @electricfields_music on Instagram to see more about his music, artwork and story.

Bianca Hunt, is a proud Kamilaroi, Barkindji, Ballardong and Wadjak Woman born and raised in Brisbane, QLD. Hunt is an incredibly well accomplished First Nations media personality, presenter, interviewer and advocate. She creates a breadth of content spanning fashion, culture, literature and much more, all central on First Nations perspectives. You can find her @biancahunt on Instagram for more.

 

Follow these organisations to find education on the inequities First Nations people face and to find ways to support closing those gaps. 

The official NAIDOC week Instagram page @naidocweek provides information on NAIDOC celebration events, NAIDOC resources as well as connections to brilliant First Nations people, educators, organisations and influencers.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a charity that aims to respond to the needs of remote communities around Australia, providing culturally relevant books and resources to support education in these areas. You can find them @indigenousliteracyfoundation to learn more. 

Clothing the Gaps is an Indigenous-led social enterprise that aims to educate and unite people through fashion and cause. Their social media presence is a great place to find events, education and meaningful purchases. Follow @Clothingthegaps and @clothingthegaps_foundation on Instagram for NAIDOC Week event updates, informational posts and content about Blak owned businesses.

5. Purchase with Purpose 

Planning to shop this NAIDOC? Why not shop with impact?

Support one of the many First Nations artists, businesses and entrepreneurs that produce quality work with cultural significance.

It’s important when purchasing First Nations goods that you ensure they’re produced by a genuine Blak business. You can do this by looking at their website, seeing who their founders are and who makes their products.

 

If you’re still unsure if what you’re purchasing is genuine, check for the Indigenous Art Code on products before purchasing.

Some First Nations artists might not directly produce their products, such as designs printed onto goods. This can make it harder to determine if they’re genuine, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t support their business. The Indigenous Art Code ensures that the company follows ethical standards and produces genuine First Nations work.

At Welcome to Country, we provide a platform for First Nations artists, businesses and entrepreneurs to sell their goods, proudly supporting over 200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and creators who are sharing culture through their products.

By purchasing with us, you support the First Nations artisans and entrepreneurs working hard to apply their cultural knowledge to a plethora of mediums in order to support the continuation of cultures. From bush foods to handcrafted art and much more, these entrepreneurs are building economic independence and cultural pride for themselves and their communities.

6. Don't stop at NAIDOC Week

 

First Nations cultural excellence doesn't just stop at NAIDOC Week, nor does the necessity to support the continuation of cultural practices and the people behind that effort. 

So, don't end your support at NAIDOC Week. Continue to engage, listen and support First Nations peoples in whatever ways you can, because progress doesn't end here.