2026
Acrylic On Canvas

Maria Watson-Trudgett is a First Nations consultant and Aboriginal artist of Wiradyuri people, currently resides on Yugerra Country (Queensland).

The 2026 theme marks five decades of NAIDOC as a nationally recognised movement celebrating First Nations culture, resilience and community leadership. It reflects on the journey and the role NAIDOC continues to play in building respect, understanding and a shared future.

This artwork represents endurance, resilience, strength, and cultural continuity. Painting entirely in symbols is a deliberate choice, representing the survival of the world’s longest living culture. Aboriginal symbols are an essential visual language, conveying complex narratives and serving as a vital connection between artists and culture.

The symbols depict people gathering and sharing knowledge, as well as rivers, waterholes, hills, ceremonial sites, and body paint designs, including lines, dots, and circles.