Spiritual Reflection: NAIDOC Week
© The poster must be attributed as: ‘The 2025 National NAIDOC Poster incorporating the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag (licensed by the Torres Strait Island Council)’.
This year’s NAIDOC Week, held from 6 July to 13 July 2025, celebrates the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”.
Poster Title: Ancestral Lines
Ancestral Lines is a visual representation of the lines and ties that follow a generation and the songs that come with it.
Aboriginal Artist: Jeremy Morgan Worrall
“In the eyes of our children, we see not only our past reflected, but the strength of our future unfolding. They are the keepers of our story, the bearers of our vision, the living legacy of generations of wisdom. The path to tomorrow is walked by the feet of our children, guided by the wisdom of our Elders, and paved with the resilience of generations who came before”. — Sue-Anne Hunter, Proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman, Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission
The 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, honours the incredible strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as the powerful vision and legacy that our Elders and communities leave for our future generations.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate the young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who are shaping a positive future for their communities, honouring their strength, vision, and the legacy they are building.
2025 also marks a significant milestone for NAIDOC Week, as we celebrate 50 years of elevating First Nations voices, culture and resilience, as well as recognising and acknowledging the wonderful achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
As we commemorate this legacy, we pass the baton on to the next generation who will move forward, guided by those who have walked the path before them. The wisdom of Elders reminds us of the importance of the passing down of culture and knowledge to our young people. It is through their strength and determination that their cultures will continue to thrive and flourish in the years to come.
This NAIDOC Week 2025, as all Australians come together to celebrate, let us reflect on the incredible achievements and contributions of First Nations peoples and communities. Let us look to the future with hope and optimism, knowing that the next generation will carry on the legacy and continue to fight for justice, equality, and recognition.
As Pope Francis said to the youth of the world: "Walk in hope! Hope overcomes all weariness, every crisis, and every worry. It gives us a powerful incentive to press forward, for it is a gift received from God himself."
And let us reflect:
- What can I learn from the stories that have been passed down from our ancestors and Elders?
- How do I create space to listen and learn from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sisters and Brothers, including our young people?
- How can I be a good steward of God's love to each one of my neighbours so that I may listen, learn and welcome?
See below for more NAIDOC Week resources: