Official NAIDOC Week education resources launched for 2026, marking “50 Years of Deadly”
ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee have launched the official NAIDOC Week Education Resources 2026, giving teachers the tools to bring this year’s theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, into Australian classrooms.
Available on the NAIDOC and ABC Education websites, the guide supports teachers to engage students and school communities with NAIDOC Week 2026.
Developed by educators Aunty Steph Armstrong OAM and Thara Brown at Culture is Life, under the guidance of National NAIDOC Committee co-chair Aunty (Professor) Lynette Riley AO, the resources bring together cultural knowledge and classroom practice.
Aunty Lynette Riley said, “This resource is a celebration of culture, community and the rich knowledge that has been shared across generations and continues to guide and inspire learning today. It recognises the importance of listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, valuing truth-telling, and embracing the histories, stories and perspectives that strengthen education for everyone.”
Kelly Williams, Director First Nations Strategy at the ABC, said, “The ABC is proud to partner with the National NAIDOC Committee in celebrating the five decades of deadly work their members have done in reminding the nation what can be achieved when culture leads and community comes first.”
Belinda Duarte, CEO of Culture is Life, said, “We are proud to partner with ABC Education and the National NAIDOC Committee, to build education that empowers future leaders and creates healthier connected communities across the country.”
The National NAIDOC Committee said this year’s NAIDOC Week theme is about looking back at the stories, marches, languages, art and leadership that have shaped the past 50 years. “It’s about recognising how far we’ve come, not by chance, but because generations of people refused to be silenced.”
The resources explore key moments across 50 years of NAIDOC Week history, including land rights, the Stolen Generations and Reconciliation, alongside the music, art and culture that have defined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories.
Designed for years F–10, the resources can be adapted to suit students’ learning levels and needs in line with the Australian Curriculum’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives have historically been left out of key moments in history that have shaped Australia as a nation, as well as significant moments today,” Thara Brown said.
These resources aim to help teachers and students learn, connect with and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and perspectives.
The NAIDOC Week Education Resources are available on the ABC Education, NAIDOC and Culture is Life websites.