This NAIDOC Week 2026 is a significant milestone marking 50 years of honouring, celebrating, and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. From 5th to 12th July, we join Australians nationwide in commemorating this occasion. This year’s theme, ‘50 Years Deadly,’ celebrates not just the achievements of the past but also the promising future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.
It's a call to uplift, invest in, and listen to the next generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while honoring the legacies that paved the way. We proudly continue our tradition from NAIDOC Week 2025, where from 6th to 13th July, we celebrated under the theme "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," honouring the achievements of the past while looking to an equitable future empowered by young First Nation leaders.
Celebrations Across Y Queensland Centres
- Y Schools Queensland Redlands Junior and Senior were honoured to officially open their Yarning Circle with a meaningful Smoking Ceremony as we begin our NAIDOC Week celebrations.
- Miami OSHC created a “community tree” artwork to symbolise connection, led by a First Nations educator.
- Cheeky Monkeys Playgroup enjoyed activities like Rainbow Serpent Collages and Aboriginal Dot Painting.
- Edens Landing OSHC painted hands in the colors of the Aboriginal flag, forming a flame to reflect the theme. A Cultural Infusion program during Vacation Care helped deepen children’s understanding of Indigenous culture.
- The Y Acacia Ridge Early Learning Centre emphasised learning about First Nations history, culture, and achievements. Educators and children built a visual fire out of sticks and handprints, learned songs like “Taba Naba” and “Inanay,” and explored Dreamtime stories and the significance of the flags. They also walked together inspired by the “Walking Together” episode on Play School.
- Brisbane South Junior engaged in various activities, including creating artwork, making polymer clay earrings, and cooking a ‘Bush Tucker’ feast with Indigenous chef Marnie Parker. With 34% of students identifying as First Nations, Brisbane South Junior is proud to support their awareness and connection to Indigenous culture.
Stories from Our Community
Kait, a proud Bundjalung woman and youth member for Lockyer in the Queensland Youth Parliament, encourages embracing one's culture. "No matter how much you know about your culture, just do what you can and be proud of it. Try to get involved," she says. Kait also shared how she helped organised NAIDOC Week celebrations at a school, educating young children about First Nations history and culture through fun activities.
