An announcement of the date, focus city and opening of ticket sales for the 2026 awards is coming soon.
The National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony is held in NAIDOC Week each year and recognises the outstanding contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond, and to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues in the wider community. The Awards Ceremony also seeks to recognise and celebrate those who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen field.
We proudly highlight our national winners, as we learn about their journey, and from their inspirational stories. This Awards Ceremony allows us to pay tribute to our people’s achievements whilst acknowledging that their work enriches our communities, our people and this nation.
The Awards Ceremony not only celebrates our excellence but also builds towards a better future while reminding us of this nation's 65,000-year-old history.
Each year finalists are recognised, and winners are awarded in each of the following categories:
- National NAIDOC Person of the Year Award
- National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement
- National NAIDOC Female Elder Award
- National NAIDOC Male Elder Award
- National NAIDOC Sportsperson Award
- National NAIDOC Youth Award
- National NAIDOC Creative Talent Award
- National NAIDOC Caring for Country and Culture Award
- National NAIDOC Education Award
- National NAIDOC Innovation Award
Visit Winner Profiles to see past National NAIDOC Week Award winners.
Find out more about the 2026 categories and nomination process.
Photo galleries
2025
2024
2023
2022
2020 and 2021
The 2020 and 2021 National NAIDOC Awards were cancelled due to COVID-19. In 2021, the awards were celebrated virtually and can be viewed at 2021 National NAIDOC Award Winners.
2019
2018
2017
2016
