The 2026 National NAIDOC Awards finalists have been announced ahead of NAIDOC Week, with hundreds of nominees narrowed to finalists across 10 categories celebrating the achievements of First Nations people.
NAIDOC Week will run from 5 to 12 July under the theme '50 Years of Deadly,' recognising the Elders, organisers, artists and communities who have shaped and sustained the NAIDOC movement over the past five decades.
The late Rhoda Roberts AO has also been named the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her leadership and contribution to Australia's arts and cultural sector.
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Aunty Lynette Riley said the finalists represented the breadth of First Nations achievement.
"These finalists reflect the strength, diversity and excellence of First Nations people right across the country," she said. "Their stories are a powerful reminder of why NAIDOC continues to matter after 50 years."
Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy congratulated the finalists and said the awards recognised the ongoing contributions of First Nations people, "whose achievements inspire and reflect the ongoing contributions of First Nations people".
"This year's NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks an important milestone as we celebrate and recognise the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," Senator McCarthy said.
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Steven Satour said the finalists continued a legacy spanning more than five decades.
"The 2026 finalists represent the very best of our communities, strong, proud and continuing a legacy that spans more than five decades of NAIDOC," he said. "I look forward to celebrating with finalists in Mparntwe on 15 August."
The National NAIDOC Committee selected finalists from hundreds of nominations. Winners will be announced at the National NAIDOC Awards ceremony in Mparntwe/Alice Springs on 15 August.
NAIDOC nominees 2026
Person of the Year
- Aunty Pat Turner AO
- Dr Lana Leslie-Henfling OAM
- Timmy Duggan OAM
Female Elder Award
- Aunty Lorraine Peeters
- Christine Corby AM
- Regina Pilawuk Wilson
Male Elder Award
- Dr Dean Yibarbuk
- Oscar Colbung
- Dr Stephen Hagan
Sportsperson Award
- Alex Wilson
- Caitlyn Costello
- Mariah Williams
Youth Award
- Brenton Woods
- Levi Briggs
- Tyson Neal Edwards
Caring for Country and Culture Award
- Girringun Aboriginal Corporation
- Miromaa Aboriginal Language & Technology Centre
- Southern Aboriginal Corporation
Education Award
- Aunty Stephanie Armstrong
- Ninti Training Ltd
- The Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School (The Murri School)
Creative Talent Award
- Jodie Welsh
- Kaylene Whiskey
- Molly Hunt
Innovation Award
- 17x16CDP Youth Collective
- Bars Behind Me
- Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy
