NAIDOC Week
Celebrating National NAIDOC Week 2026
5 – 12 July 2026
What is National NAIDOC Week?
From 1940 until 1955, a ‘Day of Mourning’ was held annually on the Sunday before Australia Day. In 1955, the day was shifted to the first Sunday in July after it was decided the day should become not simply a protest day, but also a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
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.
With a growing awareness of the distinct cultural histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, NAIDOC was expanded to recognise Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture. The committee then became known as the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC). This new name has become the title for the whole week, not just the day.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters throughout Australia. We pay our respect to Elders and acknowledge their continuing relationship to this land and waters, and the ongoing living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We also acknowledge future aspirations of all First Nations peoples. Through respectful relationships we will work for the mutual flourishing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We commit ourselves in prayer and practice to this land of Australia and its people, seeking reconciliation, unity and equity.
National NAIDOC Week 2025 theme
The National NAIDOC Week theme for 2025 is: The Next Generation — Strength, Vision and Legacy.
According to organisers, this year's theme, “celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities and the legacy of our ancestors. The NAIDOC journey began as a movement for recognition and rights, sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality. Over the decades, it has grown into a powerful national celebration, a testament to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples…”
Why is National NAIDOC Week important?
National NAIDOC Week encourages all Australians to cherish, celebrate and more deeply understand the unique and rich histories, cultures, contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The week provides an opportunity to learn and share, by participating in National NAIDOC Week celebrations held across Australia.
The Salvation Army Australia encourages and equips our corps/churches, centres, staff and volunteers to actively participate in National NAIDOC Week events and celebrations.
Our vision as a faith movement for building understanding and working towards reconciliation is through a commitment to social justice, equity and freedom.
We aim to respect, value and acknowledge the unique cultures, spiritualities, histories and languages of the oldest surviving culture in the world, and to engage in a unified and positive relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities.
The development and implementation of our first national Salvation Army Australia Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2020 and the Salvation Army Australia Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2025 are key to driving reconciliation practices.
How to celebrate NAIDOC Week
National NAIDOC activities are held across Australia to acknowledge and appreciate the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Here are some ways to celebrate:
- Visit local services and churches, including Salvation Army centres, celebrating National NAIDOC Week
- Display the National NAIDOC Week poster in your church, workplace or classroom (a poster competition is a traditional component of National NAIDOC Week, encouraging young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to enter)
- Invite local Elders to share at your church, school or workplace
- Learn about the Traditional Custodians of your local area and their history and culture
- Watch the National NAIDOC Week Awards with your family and friends, celebrating “the outstanding contributions and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across ten award categories, including art, culture, education and training, sport, environment and leadership”
National NAIDOC Week is for all Australians to educate themselves about the rich histories and cultures of First Nations peoples.
The Salvation Army programs and partnerships
The Salvation Army’s programs and partnerships identify and encourage community leaders, and work towards reconciliation and greater equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our programs include early intervention, youth justice, housing, sports and many more.
Learn more by visiting The Salvation Army’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs page
