WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story includes the name of an Indigenous person who has passed.
This Saturday will be a significant and emotional day for mob across the country.
In Mparntwe (Alice Springs), family, community and loved ones will come together to honour Kumanjayi Little Baby at her funeral service.
NITV and SBS will be covering the service.
That evening, First Nations attendees from around the country will gather for the 2026 National NAIDOC Awards, one of the most important celebrations of Blak excellence on the national calendar.
SBS and NITV are the home of National NAIDOC Week and the principal media partners.
After consultation with the National NAIDOC Committee and Granites, Rockman, White & Roy families, NITV will proceed with the National NAIDOC Awards coverage on Saturday August 15.
The awards will open with a special acknowledgement to Kumanjayi Little Baby, and all guests are invited to wear something pink, her favourite colour.
NITV will be broadcasting the 2026 National NAIDOC Awards live on NITV’s digital platforms (see below for more details).
Celebrating this year’s NAIDOC theme '50 Years of Deadly', the awards will shine a light on ten individuals and groups with remarkable achievements across art, sport, language, education, employment, training, leadership, community empowerment, and the preservation of Culture and Country.
For NITV, covering both events on the same day carries a profound responsibility.
The day will undoubtedly hold mixed emotions. There will be sadness, reflection and grief.
There will also be pride, unity and recognition.
Our responsibility is to ensure these moments are covered thoughtfully, accurately and respectfully, keeping community and culture at the centre of our coverage.
Why is NITV covering both the funeral service and the National NAIDOC Awards?
Both events hold national significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
SBS and NITV are the home of National NAIDOC Week and the principal media partners. NITV has consulted with the National NAIDOC Committee and Granites, Rockman, White & Roy families to proceed with the National NAIDOC Awards coverage on Saturday, August 15.
The families have also invited media to cover the funeral service for Kumanjayi Little Baby.
Why are the National NAIDOC Awards still going ahead?
The decision for the awards to be held in Alice Springs in August was made by the National NAIDOC committee.
The family of Kumanjayi Little Baby has supported the event continuing as planned.
Why do we use the name 'Kumanjayi' in reporting?
Kumanjayi is a culturally significant substitute name used in Warlpiri and some other Central Australian Aboriginal communities after a person has passed away.
It replaces the deceased person's given name at their time of death, during mourning or sorry business, when the use of that name may be culturally inappropriate or distressing.
Out of respect for cultural protocols and the wishes of grieving families, news organisations and public agencies use Kumanjayi instead of the deceased person's first name when requested.
Why are there protocols in place?
Cultural protocols are in place to ensure that the public respect the wishes of the family and community of their loved ones who have passed away.
Refer to The Greater Perspective: Protocols and Guidelines for the Production of Film and Television on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities for more information.
NAIDOC Awards programming
Audiences across Australia can watch the National NAIDOC Awards live on NITV’s YouTube and Facebook, and SBS On Demand, from 7:00pm ACST / 7:30pm AEST on Saturday August 15.
NITV’s Blak Carpet coverage will also stream live on NITV’s TikTok from 5:30pm ACST / 6:00pm AEST, capturing the arrivals, fashion and atmosphere from Mparntwe.
The 2026 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony will also broadcast on NITV on Tuesday 1 September at 10.35pm AEST. The Awards will be available on request to First Nations Media Australia (FNMA).
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers affected by this content, support is available through 13YARN (13 92 76), Brother to Brother (1800 435 799) and Yarning SafeNStrong (1800 959 563).
