Australians will come together from 6–13 July to mark NAIDOC Week 2025 — a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, honours the leaders of tomorrow, celebrates the strength passed down by Elders, and calls on all Australians to help shape a better, more inclusive future.
What is NAIDOC Week and why is it important?
NAIDOC Week is more than a celebration — it’s a recognition of survival, resistance and resilience. While it’s now embraced by communities nationwide, NAIDOC’s roots lie in activism.
In the 1920s and ’30s, early Aboriginal rights groups, including the Australian Aborigines League, campaigned for equality and political representation. Thereafter, in 1938, as Australia marked its 150th anniversary of colonisation, thousands of Aboriginal people staged a Day of Mourning protest — one of the world’s first major civil rights demonstrations. It was a powerful act of defiance that paved the way for the first Aborigines Day.
By the 1970s, support grew to expand the event into a full week, and in 1991, Torres Strait Islander peoples were formally recognised in its scope, creating what we now call NAIDOC Week.
Each year’s theme reflects key issues, aspirations and calls to action for First Nations communities. You can find NAIDOC events near you here.
NAIDOC Week 2025 Theme: The next generation
“The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” is a call to celebrate and support the emerging voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It acknowledges the enduring legacy of Elders and invites the next generation to carry the torch — with strength, cultural pride and bold vision for what’s next. It’s also a reminder to non-Indigenous Australians: real reconciliation means actively supporting First Nations futures through truth-telling, allyship and action.
Indigenous workplace inclusion: Where we’re at and what needs work
Despite cultural milestones and symbolic gestures, many First Nations people still face discrimination and inequality, especially in the workplace. A recent national report by Diversity Council Australia and the Jumbunna Institute found:
- 78% of Indigenous employees say it’s important to share their cultural background at work
- 38% feel they’ve been treated unfairly due to their cultural background
- 44% report experiencing racial slurs
- 59% have heard comments about how they “should look” as Indigenous
- Many experience identity strain and cultural load, which impact wellbeing and job satisfaction
This data makes one thing clear: workplaces need to do more to create safe, inclusive environments for First Nations employees.
How to build an inclusive workplace for First Nations employees
Inclusive workplaces don’t happen by accident — they’re built with intention. Here’s how your organisation can help:
- Acknowledge Traditional Owners at meetings, events and in communications by conducting an Acknowledgement of Country
- Actively participate in First Nations events (NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, Mabo Day, etc.)
- Provide meaningful career opportunities, mentoring and cultural leave
- Promote Indigenous languages and stories in internal comms and initiatives
- Train staff on cultural safety, unconscious bias and anti-racism
- Support Indigenous-led initiatives and ensure Indigenous perspectives inform Indigenous-focused work
- Create feedback loops to listen to and act on the experiences of Indigenous employees
- Reduce identity strain by fostering belonging, not assimilation
First Nations cultural support services at work
At Converge, we offer culturally appropriate support through our specialised First Nations service (check with your employer to see if this service is available to you). Our consultants are either First Nations or have completed specialist cultural competency training. We provide a safe space to discuss challenges, seek guidance and access support from people who understand the cultural context of your experience. Whether you’re navigating workplace dynamics or personal wellbeing, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to walk beside you.
Learn more about NAIDOC Week
What is the theme for NAIDOC Week 2025?
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2025 is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, celebrating emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and honouring Elders’ legacies.
When is NAIDOC Week 2025?
NAIDOC Week 2025 will be held from Sunday 6 July to Sunday 13 July.
Why do we celebrate NAIDOC Week?
We celebrate NAIDOC Week to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, achievements, and ongoing contributions to Australia. We also reflect on and acknowledge the challenges, both past and present, facing First Nations communities, their strength, and heritage. We must continue and do more to uphold the NAIDOC Week message and push for equality, equity, and parity.
How can workplaces support NAIDOC Week?
Workplaces can support NAIDOC Week by hosting events, engaging in cultural awareness training, promoting First Nations voices, and acknowledging Traditional Owners in meetings and communications.
What does NAIDOC stand for?
NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which originally organised activities to recognise Aboriginal rights and later expanded to a week of celebration.
