National NAIDOC Week 2026

This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks a significant milestone. It reminds us that NAIDOC Week is more than a week-long celebration; it is a tribute to the people who have built and sustained this movement over the past 50 years. It honours the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who created space, the artists who transformed resistance into expression, and the many Australians who continue to come together to recognise and celebrate First Nations histories, cultures, and contributions.

Each year, the official NAIDOC Week artwork reflects the theme and spirit of the celebration. The 2026 winning artwork, Paralpi, by Zaachariaha Fielding, captures movement, energy, and continuity. The artwork carries the stories of Ancestors forward while celebrating the creativity, strength, and cultural power of future generations. Rich in colour and symbolism, Paralpi reflects the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout the 50-year history of NAIDOC and beyond.

At Scouts Australia, we are proud to stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in celebrating NAIDOC Week and advancing reconciliation. In 2025, Scouts Australia published its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking an important step in our commitment to building stronger relationships, respect, and opportunities with First Nations communities. We will continue working with Reconciliation Australia to evolve and strengthen our RAP, including exploring ways to respectfully incorporate First Nations perspectives, cultures, and knowledge into our programs.

As part of this commitment, we are working towards developing an Advisory Group from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members to work alongside the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group (RAPWG) and provide advice through its Chair to help inform discussions, priorities, and decisions relating to reconciliation, cultural capability, and First Nations engagement across Scouts Australia. This is an important step for Scouts Australia to ensure First Nations voices are heard, respected, and represented in shaping the future direction of our Movement.

As Scouts Australia looks to the future, we remain committed to creating a Movement where every young person feels a sense of belonging, connection, and respect. By listening to and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, strengthening our understanding of First Nations cultures, and embedding reconciliation into our actions, we can build a more inclusive Scouting experience for all. Together, we can ensure that future generations of Scouts grow up with a deeper appreciation of Australia’s rich cultural heritage and the confidence to contribute to a more connected, respectful, and united nation.