First Day of NAIDOC Week

First Day of NAIDOC Week timeline

1920s

Aboriginal Rights Groups Boycott Australia Day

Aboriginal rights groups decided not to participate in Australia Day celebrations due to the poor status and treatment that was experienced by Indigenous people.

January 26, 1928

Day of Mourning Commemorated

The Aborigines Progressive Association held a major civil rights gathering that protested the poor treatment of the Indigenous people.

1955

Aborigines Day Incepted

Instead of protests, Aborigines Day began to celebrate the the Aboriginal and Islander people of Australia.

1972

Department of Aboriginal Affairs Formed

The group came together to advocate for Australia's native people.

1990s

NAIDOC Week Get its Name

Although the acronyms have changed a couple of times, NAIDOC became the official title of the weeklong celebration in July.

First Day of NAIDOC Week FAQs

When is First Day of NAIDOC Week?

In 2026, the First Day of NAIDOC Week falls on Sunday, July 5, kicking off a week of celebrations and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

What does NAIDOC stand for?

NAIDOC stands for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. This committee oversees the annual NAIDOC Week celebrations, which have grown from early protest movements into a national cultural event.

How many Indigenous people live in Australia?

According to the 2021 Australian Census, approximately 881,600 people identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, representing 3.2% of the total Australian population. This diverse population group encompasses hundreds of distinct nations and language groups.

Why is NAIDOC Week celebrated?

NAIDOC Week is celebrated to honor the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land. It provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and engage with Indigenous cultures.

How to Observe First Day of NAIDOC Week

Listen to Indigenous music

Acquaint yourself with the Indigenous music of Australia throughout NAIDOC Week. The soothing sounds of this style of music are sure to whisk you away to a different time and place.

Play with a boomerang

What better time to head outside with a friend and throw a boomerang around than during NAIDOC Week? We have the Aboriginal people of Australia to thank for the invention of the boomerang, so grab a friend and honor a piece of Indigenous history.

Take a field trip

NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to finally see important indigenous sites that have influenced Australian history. You don't have to be geographically near them to explore; you can also take a virtual tour online!

Why First Day of NAIDOC Week is Important

It's a time to celebrate Australia's Indigenous people

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but NAIDOC Week encourages slowing down and appreciating Australia’s aboriginal and islander communities and their many accomplishments. In the past, these communities didn’t receive the love they deserved, so it’s important to recognize what a pivotal role indigenous people have played throughout Australia’s history.

All Australians are welcome to participate in NAIDOC festivities

Most Australian town and cities organize events that recognize NAIDOC Week, and you don’t have to be of aboriginal or islander descent to be a welcomed guest. There are a ton of ways NAIDOC week is celebrated throughout each community, and all Australians are encouraged to find an event that suits their interests.

Awards for outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are handed out

It’s important to acknowledge outstanding citizens, and many communities throughout Australia hand out awards to inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander citizens throughout NAIDOC Week. Award categories include Person of the Year, Youth of the Year, and Scholar of the Year.