July 5-12 is NAIDOC Week

This year’s theme is 50 years deadly

Published on the 05 July 2026
Academy Library

2026 marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week, a week dedicated to amplifying and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture.

For fifty years, NAIDOC themes have spoken to survival, resistance, culture and pride. They have honoured Elders and leaders, celebrated creativity, and challenged the nation to listen, reckon and act. Each theme has marked a moment in time, capturing where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were, and where the country needs to pay attention.

“50 Years of Deadly” recognises both the journey so far and the strength behind it, and looks ahead to what comes next.

What’s on this NAIDOC Week?

  • Visit the Academy Library in person to see our fantastic NAIDOC week display on Level 1 and the Community Circle on Level 2 (a safe space for staff and students)

 

  • Join us at the Canberra City Campus this Friday, July 10 for the UNSW Canberra Great Book Swap fundraiser, supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation
  • Discover more about the identity, wisdom, art, voices and contributions of Indigenous peoples, by exploring some highlights from our UNSW Library collections

 

Content notice:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that some resources may contain images, transcripts or names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now deceased. They may also contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms, and descriptions.

Indigenous Researchers

 

UNSW celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reserarchers whose work is advancing knowledge, empowering communities and creating lasting impact across Australia and beyond. Explore their publications.

 

Featured Collections

Delve into vast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collections to discover researchers with impact, films, streaming video, print and ebooks:

  • Australian Indigenous Language Collections

  • Canberra Region Aboriginal and Torres Islander Collection

  • Sydney Region Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Collection

  • UNSW Indigenous Strategy, Education & Research – Books and Films

Indigenous Knowledges resources

Discover Indigenous knowledge resources:

Refine your search results using the ‘Indigenous topics’ filter in Library Collection

50 YEARS + Deadly in the Australian Defence Force

It’s important to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have proudly served in the Australian Defence Force for more than a century. 

You can read what this year’s NAIDOC theme 50 Years Deadly means to Lieutenant Estin Hunter and his contribution to promoting and championing Indigenous culture in the Royal Australian Navy.

Check out these library titles highlighting the invaluable contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who served in the Australian military.