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

From 5–12 July, staff, students and community members participated in a diverse program of events and activities across Adelaide University and the wider community to celebrate National NAIDOC Week.

As Adelaide University's inaugural NAIDOC Week as a unified institution, the 2026 program celebrated this year's national theme, 50 Years of Deadly, recognising five decades of honouring the history, culture, achievements and enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We thank the Elders, artists, performers, speakers, community partners, staff and students who generously shared their knowledge, culture and experiences throughout the week. Adelaide University remains committed to celebrating and partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout the year.

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.

Adelaide University NAIDOC Week 2026 program and highlights

The following events formed part of Adelaide University's National NAIDOC Week 2026 celebrations.

2026 highlights

Adelaide University's first NAIDOC Week as a unified institution brought together staff, students and community across metropolitan and regional South Australia. Highlights included participation in the Adelaide NAIDOC March and Family Festival, Nunga Screen, regional celebrations, and a range of events celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, achievements and leadership.

NAIDOC Adelaide Family Fun Day

Adelaide University participated in the NAIDOC Adelaide Family Fun Day, connecting with thousands of community members through its interactive stall and celebrating alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations from across South Australia.

Date: Friday 10 July 2026
Time: 11am
Location: Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square), Adelaide
Registration: Free community event.

Regional Community Activities

Adelaide University participated in NAIDOC Week activities across regional South Australia, including Mount Gambier and Whyalla, through community partnerships, sponsorships and local celebrations recognising and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Nunga Screen

Adelaide University partnered with Country Arts SA to present Nunga Screen, showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling through film and providing audiences with an opportunity to engage with contemporary First Nations voices and perspectives.

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

NAIDOC at Nexus Arts with CASM

Students from the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) presented a special live performance showcasing original music, collaborations and contemporary First Nations storytelling. The concert celebrated the 2026 NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly, while recognising 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

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 was required. Places were 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