NAIDOC Week Activities for Primary Schools

NAIDOC Week Activities for Australian Primary Schools

NAIDOC Week 2026 runs from 5 to 12 July — a week dedicated to celebrating and recognising the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, reflecting the origins of the celebration in the civil rights movement of the 1920s and 1930s.

2026 Theme: "50 Years of Deadly"

The 2026 theme is "50 Years of Deadly" — marking half a century of NAIDOC Week as a national celebration. The word "deadly" in Aboriginal English means excellent, amazing, or cool. This year's theme celebrates the pride, strength, and resilience of First Nations peoples across five decades of NAIDOC, while looking ahead to a bright future.

The theme invites all Australians to reflect on fifty years of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, achievements, and communities — and to consider what the next fifty years could look like.

Why NAIDOC Week Matters in Schools

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures is one of three cross-curriculum priorities in the Australian Curriculum. This priority is not a standalone subject — it is designed to be embedded across every learning area, from English and mathematics to science, HASS, and the arts.

NAIDOC Week provides a focused opportunity for schools to celebrate First Nations cultures and engage students in meaningful learning. However, the engagement should extend well beyond a single week — NAIDOC is a starting point, not the entire journey.

Young children can begin developing an understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures through age-appropriate, hands-on activities. The focus at this stage is on celebrating diversity, building awareness, and nurturing a sense of connection.

Picture Books by First Nations Authors

Reading books written and illustrated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators is one of the most powerful ways to introduce young children to First Nations perspectives. Some widely used titles include:

• Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy
• Cooee Mittigar by Jasmine Seymour — a Darug language story about the seasons
• The First Scientists by Corey Tutt and Blak Douglas — celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists and innovators
• Sorry Day by Coral Vass and Dub Leffler — a gentle exploration of the Stolen Generations
• Somebody's Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing, and David Hardy

After reading, students can retell the story, draw their favourite part, or discuss what the book helped them learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Exploring Aboriginal Languages

Australia was home to over 250 distinct Aboriginal language groups before colonisation. Many of these languages are still spoken today, and language revitalisation programs are growing across the country.

• Learn some words from the local Aboriginal language of the land your school is on
• Explore how place names in your area may come from Aboriginal languages
• Listen to a welcome or story in a local Aboriginal language (many are available online through language centres)
• Create a classroom word wall with local Aboriginal language words alongside English

Art and Visual Activities

• Explore the meaning and significance of Aboriginal art — symbols, patterns, and stories painted and carved for thousands of years
• Create artworks inspired by themes of Country, family, and community using age-appropriate techniques
• Learn about the difference between sacred designs (which should not be copied) and shared artistic practices

Connecting to Country

• Discuss the concept of Country — the deep connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to their land, water, sky, animals, plants, and community
• Take students on a walk around the school grounds: what plants grow here? What animals live here? Who looked after this land before the school was built?
• Create a collaborative class artwork or display about your local area and its Traditional Owners

Older primary students can engage with more complex ideas around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contemporary issues. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to explore achievements, contributions, and ongoing stories of First Nations peoples.

Researching First Nations Achievements

The 2026 theme "50 Years of Deadly" invites students to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements across many fields:

• Science and innovation — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples developed sophisticated land management techniques (fire-stick farming), navigation systems, and engineering (fish traps, stone houses) thousands of years before European arrival
• Sport — from Cathy Freeman and Ash Barty to Adam Goodes and Patty Mills, First Nations athletes have excelled on the world stage
• Arts and culture — Albert Namatjira, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Archie Roach, Jessica Mauboy, and countless other artists and musicians
• Community and activism — the tent embassy, the freedom rides, the Mabo decision, and ongoing advocacy for self-determination

Students can research a significant Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and present their findings as a biography, poster, or digital presentation.

Exploring NAIDOC History

• Research the origins of NAIDOC — from the Day of Mourning in 1938 to the first official NAIDOC Week in 1975
• Create a timeline of significant events in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and recognition
• Investigate how the NAIDOC theme has changed over the past 50 years and what each theme reflects about the priorities of that time
• Connect NAIDOC Week to Reconciliation Week — what is the relationship between the two events?

Writing Activities

• Write an information report on NAIDOC Week — its history, purpose, and significance
• Write a persuasive text: "Why should all Australian schools celebrate NAIDOC Week?"
• Write a recount of your school's NAIDOC Week activities
• Write a biographical recount of a significant Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian
• Create a class newspaper or blog documenting your NAIDOC Week learning

Discussion and Reflection

• What does "deadly" mean in Aboriginal English, and why is it an important word to celebrate?
• Why is it important for all Australians to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures — not just during NAIDOC Week?
• How can our class and school be "deadly" — excellent, strong, and supportive — for First Nations students and communities?
• What is the difference between NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week?

These activities support the cross-curriculum priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures in the Australian Curriculum v9, as well as outcomes in English, HASS, the arts, and health and PE.

NAIDOC Week is a celebration — an opportunity to amplify and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, achievements, and communities. Approach it with respect, enthusiasm, and humility.

Use Preferred and Respectful Language

• Use Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (not outdated terms)
• Where possible, refer to specific nations, language groups, or communities by name
• Use First Nations, First Peoples, or Indigenous Australians as respectful alternatives
• Avoid speaking about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples only in the past tense — these are diverse, living, thriving cultures

Seek Local Community Involvement

• Invite local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elders, knowledge holders, or educators to be part of your school's NAIDOC celebrations
• Contact your local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) or equivalent for guidance
• Building genuine relationships with local community takes time — start small and be consistent
• Always compensate community members for their time and knowledge

Choose Resources Carefully

• Use resources created by or in genuine consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Be cautious of resources that present Aboriginal culture as homogeneous or historical
• The NAIDOC website provides official resources and educational materials
• The Narragunnawali website offers free, quality-assured curriculum resources

Whole-School Celebration Ideas

• Assembly or gathering — include an Acknowledgement of Country, student presentations, and a shared commitment to celebrating First Nations cultures
• Flag ceremony — fly the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag alongside the Australian flag
• Guest speakers — invite local Elders or community members to share knowledge, stories, or performances
• Lunchtime activities — organise games, storytelling, art, or music activities for all students
• Classroom displays — create displays celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements, cultures, and contributions