Recognising NAIDOC Week 2025: A Commitment to Strength, Vision, and Legacy

At 1800ADVOCATES, we are deeply committed to supporting the rights and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. As we celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, we reflect on the history and enduring significance of this important national observance, which this year carries the powerful theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy."

Understanding the Roots of NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week originated from the profound Day of Mourning protest held on 26 January 1938. On this historic day, over a thousand Aboriginal people gathered at Australia Hall in Sydney, advocating for equal rights, citizenship, and improved living conditions. This event set the stage for what would become an annual day of reflection, protest, and celebration, initially known as "Aborigines Day."

Recognising NAIDOC Week 2025: A Commitment to Strength, Vision, and Legacy

In 1955, Aborigines Day transitioned from January to the first Sunday in July, shifting the focus from purely protest to a broader celebration of Aboriginal culture and heritage. The establishment of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC) further solidified the event's significance, eventually expanding to a full week of celebrations by 1975. The inclusion of Torres Strait Islander peoples saw the committee renamed NAIDOC, symbolising a unified voice for First Nations communities.

NAIDOC Week 2025: Strengthening Future Generations

The 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," underscores the importance of empowering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It emphasises the necessity of understanding and respecting ancestral knowledge, which provides the foundation and vision for future generations.

Artist Jeremy Morgan Worrall eloquently represents this year's theme in his artwork "Ancestral Lines," highlighting the connection between generations, the enduring strength drawn from ancestral wisdom, and the ongoing legacy carried forward by the youth of today.

Our Role and Responsibility

At 1800ADVOCATES, recognising NAIDOC Week means reaffirming our commitment to advocating for workplace fairness, equality, and human rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We understand that true advocacy extends beyond symbolic gestures; it requires ongoing action, authentic partnerships, and active engagement with Indigenous communities.

We encourage our clients, colleagues, and wider networks to participate actively in NAIDOC Week by:

• Engaging with and learning from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

• Supporting and promoting Indigenous-led initiatives and businesses.

• Educating themselves and others about the rich history and cultures of First Nations peoples.

  
  

Moving Forward Together

NAIDOC Week is not merely a week on the calendar; it is a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices remain strong, visible, and respected. At 1800ADVOCATES, we remain committed to advocating for meaningful change, recognising that every step towards justice and equity for First Nations peoples strengthens the broader Australian community.

Let us honour the strength, vision, and legacy of our Indigenous communities during NAIDOC Week 2025 and beyond.