NAIDOC Week: What it is and why it matters

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Published on the 06 July 2026

2023 Naidoc week Basket weaving and painting class

What is NAIDOC Week?

Note: The word 'Aborigine' is an outdated term, but is included here for historical accuracy.

The word 'NAIDOC' stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and its origins can be traced back to the 1920s when Aboriginal rights groups emerged to raise awareness across the wider community about the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 1935, William Cooper, the founder of the Australian Aborigines League (AAL), drafted a petition to King George V asking for special Aboriginal electorates in Federal Parliament, but this failed to receive much traction as the Australian government believed that it fell outside of its constitutional responsibilities.

The seeds of what would become NAIDOC Week were planted on 26 January, 1938, which was not only Australia Day but also the 150th anniversary of the First Fleet. Indigenous activists, including Cooper, Douglas Nicholls and Jack Pattern, marched through the streets of Sydney, resulting in significant public and media attention. This was one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world and is best known today as the 'Day of Mourning'.

This protest prompted Prime Minister Joseph Lyons to meet with the Indigenous leaders involved for a discussion about a proposed national policy for Aboriginal people. This was again rejected, but there was now a growing feeling that the Day of Mourning should become a regular event, and Cooper subsequently wrote to the National Missionary Council of Australia in 1939 to push for an annual event.

From 1940 to 1955, the Sunday before Australia Day was known as 'National Aborigines Day'. In 1955, the day was moved to the first Sunday of July after it was decided that it should also be a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. In the following years, major Aboriginal organisations, state and federal governments all supported the formation of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC). At the same time, the second Sunday in July became a day of remembrance for Aboriginal people and their heritage.

In 1975, NADOC decided that the event should span a full week from the first to the second Sunday in July. By the 1990s, the growing awareness of distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' histories led to NADOC being expanded to recognise Torres Strait Islander people and culture, resulting in the committee being renamed to NAIDOC in 1991.

Why is NAIDOC Week important?

NAIDOC Week starts on the first Sunday of July and finishes on the second Sunday. Since its inception in the first half of the 1900s, it has grown into one of Australia's most important weeks, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and peoples.

A specific theme is chosen each year as the focus of that NAIDOC Week's celebrations, and communities across Australia celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within their local communities accordingly. Activities include cultural and educational activities, and often take place at schools, workplaces, public areas and universities.

NAIDOC Week celebrations are often open to all Australians and are a fantastic opportunity for people of all ethnic backgrounds to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Not only do the celebrations help learn and celebrate one of the oldest continuous living cultures, but it helps foster dialogue, understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

What is UNSW doing to celebrate NAIDOC Week?

For each NAIDOC Week, UNSW typically holds a series of workshops and events across the Kensington Campus aimed at bringing together the local and university communities in celebration of the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These celebrations are hosted by Little Sister Big Sister (LSBS), a student-led initiative fostering the networking, support and advancement of First Nations women at UNSW, in collaboration with Arc @ UNSW and Nura Gili.

NAIDOC @ UNSW - 50 Years Deadly

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2026 is 50 Years Deadly, which marks five decades of celebrating NAIDOC Week. 50 Years Deadly is both a reflection and a declaration that acknowledges the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in reaching this milestone. The theme also recognises all of the organisers, artists, activists and communities who carried NAIDOC forward year after year, and how the next chapter will continue to be shaped by community leadership and a strong long-term vision.

UNSW will be celebrating NAIDOC Week on Monday, 13 July, across three locations on the Kensington Campus. Hosted by Little Sister Big Sister in collaboration with Arc @ UNSW and Nura Gili, students can expect a wide range of activities, workshops and performances throughout the day.