Reflection - 2026 Naidoc Theme: "50 Years of Deadly"

by Aunty Rev Roberta Stanley, Chair of Muth arrak (Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress in Queensland)

NAIDOC Week will be celebrated from Sunday, 5^th July to Sunday, 12^th  July, 2026.

Every year, the theme chosen for NAIDOC week has always been appropriate and significant, and this year’s theme is equally as important: “50 Years of Deadly.”

This significant milestone is a time to look back at the stories, the marches, the languages, the art, the leadership and the strength that it took to get here.

It is about recognition of just how far we have come. Not by chance, but by generations of people’s refusing to be silenced.

Most importantly, it’s a wonderful opportunity to give Thanks to our wonderful Creator God who has always been with us from the very beginning of creation.

Genesis 1:1 states:  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

We honour what came before by continuing the work.
This is our story.
This is our celebration.
This is our Future.

We can look forward to the future with Hope and Anticipation.

Our hope comes from God.

As I have reflected regarding the theme, “50 years of deadly’, I was reminded again about how our Elders, Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunty’s, Stolen Generations survived and recognised that their God was with them, throughout all their struggles and hardships.

My grandmother’s favourite scripture is Romans 8:31 - “If God be for us, who can be against us.”  I’m so grateful for my grandmother’s strength and trust and faith in her God.

Another Scripture reading Psalm 37:23-24, 28-29 speaks about:
²³ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his ways.  ²⁴ Though he falls he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him with His hand…²⁸ For the Lord loves justice and does not forsake His saints… ²⁹ The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.

and finally, Romans: 8:28 states:
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord, and to those who are the called according to His purpose.”