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NAIDOC Week 2026 is a time to pause and reflect on the strength and resilience of the oldest continuous living culture. The milestone being celebrated this year, honours five decades of the NAIDOC Committee and the generations of First Nations Peoples who have built the movement.

Events and activities are held across the country by First Nations Peoples for mob to gather together, and for non-Indigenous Australians to learn and get to know the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures that exist in their communities.

To honour this year’s theme and legacy, we have created a collection that symbolises the deep connection we have to Country and celebrates the diversity of our cultures that have been celebrating alongside us for five decades.

What is NAIDOC Week?

NAIDOC Week has roots going back to the 1920s and 30s, with First Nations Elders and advocates calling for a National Day of Mourning. This call for change was followed by marches, sharing of stories, and the celebration of languages and art, which represents the strength of those who came before us.

Since then, NAIDOC Week has become a time for First Nations Peoples from all over Australia to honour and acknowledge history, and champion the significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, men, non-binary and gender fluid people across every industry.

Among the events is the National NAIDOC Awards that are held every year to celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, educators, innovators, Elders, sportspeople and young people improving the lives of people in their communities and beyond.

When is NAIDOC Week?

NAIDOC Week is celebrated across the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday). In 2026, NAIDOC will be held from Sunday 5 July to Sunday 12 July.

What does ‘50 Years of Deadly’ mean?

To honour the special milestone, the theme for NAIDOC 2026 is ‘50 Years of Deadly’. The theme pays tribute to Elders and their ancestors who have stood firm for generations and continue to lead with strength. Organisers are acknowledged for the paths they have cleared for progress and meaningful conversations. Artists are celebrated for their powerful ability to turn resistance into expressive pieces that connect communities. And the communities of people who continue to gather and celebrate NAIDOC every year – raising the next generation to be proud.

Mardaa’s 2026 NAIDOC collection

Our 2026 NAIDOC collection is an expression of ‘50 Years of Deadly’, created by Mardaa CEO and Whadjuk-Yuet Nyungar and Widi-Badmimia Yamatji artist, Kevin Bynder.

Kevin has created several artworks that carry the story of the theme that are grounded in his cultural art style. The collection honours the shared celebrations and strength of First Nations communities from the saltwater to the desert and the forests beyond.

Kevin’s art – the deeper meaning

Each painting carries stories that explore this year’s NAIDOC theme. ‘Ochre’ connects to Mardaa’s heart, symbolising the strong spiritual connection ochre (mardaa in Nyungar language) holds across various Aboriginal cultures. It embodies deep connections to Country and over 60,000 years of survival through walking alongside Mother Earth as kin.

The second painting ‘Boodja’, is a colourful piece that showcases the cultural diversity found across more than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations.

The blue section represents the nations who belong to the sea or rivers. For many First Nations Peoples, water is more than just a resource; it’s a powerful source of connection to ancestors and Dreaming.

The use of browns and oranges connects to the Traditional Custodians in Central Australia and the Western Desert, showcased through the colours of the natural environment found here, including the dirt, plants, sunrises, sunsets and ochre pits.

The Green section represents the nations located in the rainforests and forests scattered throughout the South West, Kimberley’s, Queensland and Tasmania. Across many nations, the forest is seen as a sacred site and provider linked to creation stories and cultural law.

His final painting ‘NAIDOC 26TS Design’ represents Torres Strait Islander communities and the cultural diversity spread throughout the region. Through Saltwater and Boodja symbology, it honours the shared strength, resilience and survival connecting all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week with Mardaa promotional products

Kit your team out with Kev’s interpretation of ‘50 Years of Deadly’ this NAIDOC Week. As a proudly Aboriginal-led and majority owned business, we would be honoured to help you participate in NAIDOC celebrations and spark conversations about culture, history and reconciliation through your chosen branded products.

No matter how you want to show up, we can create anything with our NAIDOC designs, from custom merchandise to full-scale bespoke commercial fit-outs that incorporate designs into furniture and interior finishes.

The artwork can be utilised across a range of promotional products including corporate polos, scrubs, t-shirts, lanyards, hoodies and crewnecks, drinkware, stationary, tote bags, pins and more. Our speciality is producing items that are totally custom. With decades of experience in producing items that are totally custom, we can transform your dream NAIDOC week design into a deadly product in your hands.

Other ways to join in during NAIDOC Week

Reviewing your procurement habits to see what First Nations businesses you are supporting is a great first step. Take this time to reflect on your reconciliation plans and explore some of the deadly businesses owned and operated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who can help you take meaningful action toward reconciliation.

Displaying NAIDOC 2026 posters around the office, on noticeboards and in the lunch room is also a great way to remind your crew that the week is approaching. It is also an important time to support First Nations colleagues, as this week can be a busy and emotionally demanding time. Updating your digital communications internally is another great approach. This can be strengthened by providing a platform for First Nations staff who want to speak about NAIDOC, giving them a place to share their stories with colleagues. If you want to go that step further, hosting a cultural learning session run by Elders or Indigenous educators is a great interactive way to get your staff engaged.