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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Australian Animals, Australian Curriculum, Classroom Activities, Classroom Resources, Early Childhood Development, Early Learning, EYLF, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Education, Nature Play, Primary School, REconciliation, Social Development

NAIDOC Week 2026: Celebrating 50 Years of Deadly – 10 Meaningful Activities for Early Learning & Primary Schools

NAIDOC Week 2026: Celebrating 50 Years of Deadly – 10 Meaningful Activities for Early Learning & Primary Schools

 

Celebrate 50 years of culture, connection and learning through authentic classroom experiences.

From 5–12 July 2026, Australians will celebrate NAIDOC Week, an annual opportunity to recognise, celebrate and learn about the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year is especially significant, marking 50 years of NAIDOC Week with the inspiring theme:

50 Years of Deadly

In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the word "Deadly" is a powerful and positive expression meaning excellent, strong, proud, inspiring and outstanding. The 2026 theme celebrates five decades of recognising First Nations cultures, leadership, resilience and achievements while looking towards a future built on respect, understanding and shared learning.

For educators, NAIDOC Week is more than a calendar event—it is an opportunity to nurture children's appreciation of Australia's First Nations peoples through meaningful, respectful and age-appropriate learning experiences.

A Brief History of NAIDOC Week

The origins of NAIDOC Week date back to the Day of Mourning held on 26 January 1938, when Aboriginal leaders gathered in Sydney to advocate for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal people.

Over time, this important movement evolved into a national week of celebration. In 1975, the observance expanded from a single day into a week-long event, and in 2026 we celebrate the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week as we know it today.

Today, schools, early learning services, communities and workplaces across Australia participate in activities that celebrate the world's oldest continuing cultures while encouraging learning, reflection and respect.

Why Celebrate NAIDOC Week in Early Learning and Primary Schools?

Children develop understanding through curiosity, conversation and play.

By embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday learning, educators help children develop:

  • Respect for Australia's First Nations peoples
  • Appreciation of cultural diversity
  • Curiosity about Australia's history and environment
  • Empathy, inclusion and belonging
  • Connections with Country and community

The experiences don't need to be complicated. Often, the most meaningful learning happens through storytelling, nature, creativity and shared conversations.

🌿 1. Explore Nature Through Creative Play

Invite children to collect natural materials such as leaves, seed pods, bark, feathers (where appropriate), sticks and stones to create temporary nature artworks.

Rather than replicating traditional Aboriginal art styles or symbols, encourage children to observe the colours, textures and patterns found in the Australian landscape and create their own original works inspired by nature.

Children develop:

  • Creativity and imagination
  • Observation skills
  • Respect for Australia's natural environment
  • Appreciation of different ways people connect with Country

📚 2. Read Stories by Indigenous Authors

Books are one of the most meaningful ways to introduce children to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

Select authentic stories written or illustrated by Indigenous authors and explore themes such as:

  • Family and community
  • Caring for Country
  • Australian seasons
  • Native animals
  • Belonging
  • Respect

Follow up with discussion, drawing or storytelling activities that encourage children to reflect on what they've learned.

🐨 3. Discover Australia's Native Animals

Australia's unique wildlife features in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and traditions.

Using puzzles, figurines, matching games and sensory resources, children can investigate:

  • Animal habitats
  • Biodiversity
  • Caring for wildlife
  • Connections between animals and Country

Hands-on exploration encourages inquiry while building environmental awareness.

🎨 4. Create a Collaborative Classroom Artwork

Celebrate the idea of community by creating one large artwork together.

Choose themes such as:

  • Belonging
  • Caring for Country
  • Friendship
  • Nature
  • Community

Each child contributes their own original piece, demonstrating how everyone brings something valuable to the classroom.

🗺️ 5. Explore Australia's Diverse Landscapes

Use maps, photographs, loose parts and sensory trays to explore Australia's incredible environments, including:

  • Rainforests
  • Deserts
  • Beaches
  • Rivers
  • Mountains
  • Bushland

Discuss how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have cared for and maintained these landscapes for tens of thousands of years.

🎵 6. Celebrate Through Music and Movement

Music and movement are engaging ways to connect children with Australia's diverse cultures.

Listen to age-appropriate Indigenous music, explore rhythm using percussion instruments and encourage movement inspired by Australian animals and the natural environment.

🌱 7. Plant Native Australian Species

Planting native flowers, grasses or shrubs provides an ongoing opportunity to learn about:

  • Caring for Country
  • Sustainability
  • Native wildlife
  • Environmental stewardship

Children can observe how plants grow while learning about the importance of protecting Australia's unique ecosystems.

🧱 8. Build Australian Landscapes

Construction resources encourage children to recreate Australian environments using blocks, loose parts and natural materials.

Invite children to build:

  • Bush settings
  • Waterholes
  • Mountain ranges
  • Wildlife habitats

This combines STEM learning with imaginative play and storytelling.

🤝 9. Celebrate Community and Belonging

NAIDOC Week is a wonderful time to talk about the importance of family, Elders and community.

Activities could include:

  • Classroom friendship trees
  • Family displays
  • Kindness projects
  • Collaborative murals
  • Sharing stories about what community means to each child

🌳 10. Hold an Outdoor Yarning Circle

Take learning outside and create a simple yarning circle where children can:

  • Listen respectfully
  • Share ideas
  • Ask thoughtful questions
  • Reflect on what they have learned

These conversations help build confidence, empathy and respectful communication.

Supporting Meaningful Learning Beyond NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is much more than a single week of activities. It is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, knowledge, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while encouraging children to develop respect, curiosity and understanding that continues throughout the year.

By incorporating authentic resources, thoughtful discussions and hands-on experiences into everyday learning, educators can help children build meaningful connections with Australia's First Nations cultures.

At EDU-21, we're proud to support educators with quality educational resources that encourage exploration, inclusion and hands-on learning. From Australian animal resources and nature play equipment to Indigenous-inspired learning materials and collaborative classroom resources, we're here to help you create engaging learning environments that celebrate culture all year round.