This year’s National NAIDOC Week commences this Sunday 5 July and runs until Sunday 12 July. The week celebrates the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while recognising their enduring contributions to our nation.
This year marks a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC Week. For five decades, the week has honoured and elevated First Nations voices, cultures and resilience, while providing all Australians with the opportunity to participate in events, deepen their understanding and celebrate the world’s oldest continuing living cultures.
The 2026 NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrates the strength, leadership and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past five decades, while looking ahead to the future. The theme recognises the Elders, organisers, artists, activists and communities whose leadership has shaped NAIDOC into a powerful platform for truth-telling, cultural celebration and community pride. It also acknowledges the next chapter of NAIDOC will continue to be led by First Nations communities.
NAIDOC Week is a time to embrace Indigenous Australians’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of our national heritage; to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue; and to help foster a society where the contributions of Indigenous people are fully valued and respected.
At La Trobe, we remain committed to advancing reconciliation through education, research and meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities. We will continue to implement our Indigenous Strategy, support our Gabra Biik, Wurruwila Wutja Indigenous Research Centre, and work alongside our Elders Council to strengthen Indigenous leadership and outcomes across the University.
A list of events being held around the country is available on the official NAIDOC Week website. The University will also present events across our campuses during Indigenous Week at La Trobe in August. Details will be announced soon.
The University is proud to provide pathways and opportunities for Indigenous students, support our Indigenous staff and undertake research and engagement that benefits the Indigenous communities connected to our campuses. As we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, we reaffirm our commitment to listening, learning and walking together to help build a more just, equitable and inclusive future.
