NAIDOC Week 2026 marks a significant milestone, with 50 Years of Deadly celebrating five decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, stories and cultural strength.

This year shines a spotlight on language revitalisation and the communities leading the work through the Indigenous Language Grants program.

The program supports community-led projects that strengthen cultural identity, connection and pride, while helping carry language and knowledge forward to future generations.

One of the 2025 recipients was Yirrganydji Gurabana Aboriginal Corporation, which received $15,000 for its Ngirrma Yirrgay - Caring for Country through Language project in Portsmith.

Yirrganydji People are Traditional Custodians for the coastal region between Cairns and Port Douglas in Far North Queensland.

The corporation is a registered Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Body and supports the rights and interests of Yirrganydji People.

Yirrganydji man Gavin Singleton from Yirrganydji Gurabana Aboriginal Corporation said the grant created valuable opportunities to strengthen language and culture in community.

"It's given us a chance to really focus on revitalising our language, but also tailoring that work to caring for Country and custodianship," Mr Singleton said.

He added language revitalisation plays a central role in bringing community together and supporting intergenerational knowledge sharing.

"When we talk about custodianship, it's about how we engage our community, our young people, our Elders, all part of looking after Country," he said.

"It also means storytelling, continuing our culture, song, dance and arts, which are really big pillars of our community."

The Yirrganydji Land and Sea Rangers also carry out work across land and sea Country, including cultural heritage management, reef health monitoring, habitat restoration, community education and on-Country knowledge transfer.

That work has a focus on community, culture, arts and language, linking language revival with the care of Country.

Mr Singleton said language underpinned each of these elements and gave them deeper meaning.

"Language plays a huge part in that. It's what we would call the glue. It brings it all together," Mr Singleton said.

"It gives it meaning, it gives it purpose, and it provides that direct link to our ancestors."

The 2025 Indigenous Languages Grants program awarded more than $272,000 to 19 Queensland projects and cultural activities incorporating First Nations languages.

Recipients supported work including art, drama, music, film, Yarning Circles, audio recordings, workshops, signage, books, posters and brochures.

Communities across Queensland are encouraged to get involved in NAIDOC Week 2026 and celebrate the ongoing strength and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.