Young people are the future – so which legacy will you choose?

NAIDOC Week is a special time to celebrate the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2025, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture and resilience. It takes place from 6–13 July, and this year’s theme is all about young people.

“The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy” reminds us that young people like you are the future. You are part of a family, a part of their story, a part of their history – and now it’s your turn to carry that strength forward.

You might feel proud when your family shares stories about where you come from, or when you take part in cultural activities like dancing, painting, or going out on Country. Maybe it’s going camping and sitting with your family around a fire, listening to your grandparents talk about the olden days and old ways. That pride connects you to your past and helps guide your future.

Families show strength in lots of ways. Some are strong because they stick together through tough times. Others show strength by looking after each other and helping their community. Even the way your family laughs together, supports one another, or passes on traditions and culture shows a deep kind of strength that lives on through generations.

As part of the next generation, you might already be thinking about the person you want to become. Maybe you want to be someone who tries hard at school, someone who learns as much as they can about their culture, or someone who helps younger kids feel proud of who they are. You might dream of becoming a teacher, an artist, a leader, a ranger, or a storyteller. These dreams are like seeds — and with care and hard work, they’ll grow.

Carrying on traditions can start with simple things. It could be learning to cook the same food your family has made for years, caring for the environment around you, or listening closely to the words and stories your elders or older family members speak. Every time you learn more about who you are and where you come from, you’re helping your culture to thrive and stay strong.

One day, others will look to you. That’s where the idea of legacy comes in. Legacy means what people will remember you for. It could be the way you always tried your best, even when something was hard. It might be that you were kind to others, stood up for what was right, or helped people feel proud of themselves.

Do you want to know the best part? You get to shape your legacy every single day. Every time you speak kindly, share what you know, or choose to be kind, respectful or brave, you’re adding to the story of who you are and what you’ll be remembered for.

So, during NAIDOC Week this year, take a moment to think about the strength in your family, the vision you have for your future, and the legacy you’re already starting to build. You are the next generation — and that’s something to be incredibly proud of.