NAIDOC Week 2026

#NAIDOC2026 #FIFTYYEARSDEADLY #NAIDOCWEEK

Paralpi by Zaachariaha Fielding

Date

5 - 12 July 2026

Host

Adelaide University

Location

Across Adelaide University campuses and community venues in metropolitan and regional South Australia.

Cost

Free

Event description

Join Adelaide University during NAIDOC Week for a series of events, activities and opportunities that recognise and celebrate the histories, cultures, achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

This year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrates the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, honours the legacy of those who have come before us, and recognises the leaders and changemakers shaping the future.

As Adelaide University's inaugural NAIDOC Week as a unified institution, we invite staff, students and the broader community to connect, learn and celebrate through a range of events and activities across the week. Guided by the spirit of Tirkangkaku (Place of Learning), these events provide an opportunity to deepen understanding, celebrate culture and strengthen connections across our University community.

Paralpi by Zaachariaha Fielding

Paralpi extends Zaachariaha’s acclaimed Inma series and reflects a deeply cultural and immersive narrative grounded in Country. The artwork depicts the sounds of Paralpi, a significant place just outside Mimili on the eastern APY Lands in South Australia. As Zaachariaha describes, Paralpi is a place where people come to embrace and celebrate children, where they are taught by Elders to move and mimic their Clan emblem — for Mimili, this being the maku (witchetty grub).

About NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is held annually across Australia to celebrate and recognise the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The week traces its origins to Aboriginal rights movements of the early twentieth century and has grown into a national celebration embraced by communities, organisations and institutions across the country.

NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, participate in community events, and reflect on how we can contribute to a more inclusive and respectful future. Learn more about NAIDOC, the significance of the week and this year's theme.

Volunteer at the NAIDOC Adelaide Family Fun Day

Join Adelaide University at the NAIDOC Adelaide Family Fun Day and help celebrate the histories, cultures, achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

We are seeking staff volunteers to support the Adelaide University stall, engage with community members and help create a welcoming and inclusive presence throughout the day. Whether you can assist for a few hours or the full event, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit an expression of interest below and we'll be in touch with further details closer to the event.

Adelaide University NAIDOC Week program

Explore a range of events, activities and opportunities taking place during NAIDOC Week 2026.

NAIDOC Adelaide Family Fun Day

Visit the Adelaide University stall at the NAIDOC Adelaide Family Fun Day and connect with staff and students while enjoying one of South Australia's largest community celebrations of NAIDOC Week.

Date: Friday 10 July
Time: 11am
Location: Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square), Adelaide
Registration: Free community event.

Regional Community Activities

Adelaide University will participate in NAIDOC Week activities across regional South Australia, including Mount Gambier and Whyalla, through community partnerships, sponsorships and local celebrations that recognise and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Nunga Screen

Experience a special screening presented in partnership with Country Arts SA, showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling through film and providing an opportunity to engage with contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives.

Date: Friday 10 July 2026
Time: 5.30pm – 9pm
Location: Mercury Cinema, Adelaide
Registration: Registration required.

NAIDOC at Nexus Arts with CASM

Celebrate NAIDOC Week with the students of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) at a special live performance showcasing original music, collaborations and contemporary First Nations storytelling. The concert honours this year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly, while celebrating more than 50 years of CASM's legacy in nurturing First Nations artists and musicians.

Date: Friday 10 July 2026
Time: Doors open 6.30 pm | Performance from 7.00 pm
Location: Nexus Arts, Lion Arts Centre, Corner North Terrace and Morphett Street, Adelaide SA 5000

Tickets available for purchase via Nexus Arts

Weaving Yarns

This opportunity is open exclusively to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, arts workers and creative practitioners. Join fellow creatives and cultural leaders for an opportunity to connect, share experiences, strengthen professional networks and explore opportunities for collaboration across the arts and cultural sectors

Date: 7–9 July 2026
Time: 10am–3pm daily (or actual times)
Location: MOD., North Terrace Campus
Registration: Registration required. Places are limited.

Deep Surface Exhibition

Explore Deep Surface at the Samstag Museum and engage with contemporary artistic perspectives that contribute to conversations around culture, identity and place.

Date: 26 June – 18 September 2026
Time: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
Location: Samstag Museum of Art

TJUKURPA KUNPU (Strong Dreaming)

Visit the TJUKURPA KUNPU (Strong Dreaming) exhibition at the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery curated by emerging Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, Arrernte, and Gurindji curator Marli Macumba. This exhibition reflects Marli’s evolving curatorial vision, one that centres community, culture, and Country.

Date: 2–31 July 2026
Time: Weekdays, gallery opening hours
Location: Kerry Packer Civic Gallery
Free entry