NAIDOC Week highlights and honours the voices of First Nations communities, providing space for visibility and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, languages, art, and culture.

This year’s theme, 50 Years of Deadly, pays respect to those who helped shape the movement, but also looks ahead to future generations who will continue to share their voices and connection to Country – young people like 16-year-old Teleah.

A proud Arrernte and Wiradjuri woman, Teleah’s artwork was this year chosen to promote Reconciliation in the West, an annual event hosted by AnglicareSA, Tauondi Aboriginal College, Uniting SA, and Life Without Barriers during National Reconciliation Week.

Teleah said art had always been a form of self-expression, so for her work to be chosen as the artwork for Reconciliation in the West’s promotional materials felt surreal.

“Art has always been important to me – it allows me to express myself in ways I sometimes find difficult otherwise,” Teleah said.

“For many years, people have encouraged me to share my art and tell my story.

“It was really fun seeing my work being advertised a lot at Reconciliation in the West. It felt pretty good to see my name alongside my art.”

 

 

Teleah said her artwork represented the National Reconciliation Week 2026 theme of “All In”, with all First Nations people connected to the same country, Australia.

“At the centre of the canvas, I have placed Australia, shown from my own perspective,” she said.

“Within it are different meeting places, representing the various states and communities, acknowledging that not everyone comes from the same place or community.

“Around the border of Australia, I have used lines in earth tones to reflect the land, as much of Australia is known for its red and orange sands, though the colours vary across the country. The white dots along the border represent Elders and Ancestors watching over Aboriginal people, guiding us and ensuring that culture remains strong.

“Surrounding the meeting places are animal tracks, symbolising different totems from cultures across Australia, but also animals found in Aboriginal stories. The different shades of blue dots along the outer layer of the canvas represent water – places where both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people gather and fish, highlighting shared spaces and connection.”

Teleah was involved in the Youth Forum at Reconciliation in the West and said important cultural weeks like NAIDOC Week helped further showcase First Nations culture.

“I think it’s about getting culture and ideas out there and showing non-Aboriginal people what we do and how we can learn on Country,” she said.

“With more schools now getting involved in introducing NAIDOC Week to students, it helps both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students have an understanding of First Nations culture.”

Teleah said she was working towards turning her hobby into a career.

“It was just a hobby that I did, but I am starting to build my own business selling my Aboriginal art.”