NAIDOC Week Wristbands offer a creative and meaningful way for students to celebrate NAIDOC Week while reflecting on the importance of community, identity and legacy. Aligned with this year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, these printable wristbands provide a symbolic and wearable connection to the powerful messages behind NAIDOC Week.

Designed to support cultural appreciation and self-expression, each wristband includes striking black-and-white line art that students can colour and personalise. Whether used in classroom discussions, art lessons or whole-school celebrations, this activity helps students honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while developing pride, empathy and respect.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Understand the purpose and significance of NAIDOC Week
• ✅ Explore the annual theme through art and personal reflection
• ✅ Develop symbolic thinking through cultural expression
• ✅ Strengthen identity and community connections through shared celebration

What’s Included:

• Wristband templates featuring NAIDOC Week-themed artwork
• Blank wristband template for student-designed patterns and messages
• Multiple layout options for printing and cutting ease

Materials Needed:

• Printed wristband templates (on paper or thin cardstock)
• Coloured pencils, markers or crayons
• Glue, scissors and tape or stapler
• Optional: native leaves, pressed flowers or cultural symbol stamps

How to Use:

• Start with a classroom conversation about NAIDOC Week, its origins, and this year’s theme
• Allow students to choose a pre-designed wristband to colour or use the blank version to create a unique design
• Invite students to incorporate symbols, colours or words that represent pride, strength or connection to culture
• Students can write a promise or reflection message on the inside of the band
• Attach completed bands to students’ wrists using tape, glue or staples

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Host a wristband parade or circle share where students explain their design choices
• 💡 Use as a culminating task after learning about the NAIDOC Week theme
• 💡 Add wristbands to a class display or photograph students wearing them as part of a NAIDOC Week wall collage
• 💡 Use in conjunction with the other resources in our NAIDOC Week collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Discuss how colour can represent feelings, values and culture before students begin colouring
• 💛 Provide real-life examples of Indigenous symbols and art as visual inspiration
• 💛 Pair this task with a short reflective writing activity or journal entry

NAIDOC Week Wristbands are a powerful, low-prep activity that allows students to reflect on what NAIDOC Week means to them and proudly wear their learning. It’s a hands-on way to honour the past, celebrate the present and commit to the future.