Where stories gather: NAIDOC Week 2026

As part of NAIDOC Week 2026, The Gallery in St Peters will host two powerful exhibitions that honour Indigenous Elders, culture and continuing stories of resilience and identity.

NAIDOC Week is held across Australia each July, celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn, engage and participate in the world’s oldest continuous living culture.

In 2026, NAIDOC marks “Fifty Years of Deadly”, celebrating the strength of communities who have driven change, preserved culture and continued to lead across every generation.

It honours Elders, activists, artists and community leaders who have shaped the movement, while looking forward to the next generation carrying culture and truth forward with pride.

This year we are hosting two exhibitions from Friday 12 June to Saturday 11 July:

Kumangka Purka | Elders of Ngani Pari-Arra 

This exhibition is a celebration of the Ngani Pari-Arra Cultural Centre and its Elders.

Located on Kaurna Country, it is a culturally significant space dedicated to truth-telling, connection and healing.

Formerly known as the Otherway Centre, it has long supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in South Australia.

Renamed in 2025 during NAIDOC Week celebrations, Ngani Pari-Arra (meaning “Being together near the river” in Kaurna), continues to grow as a welcoming and culturally safe place for community, programs, and cultural exchange.

Guided by Uncle in Residence, Uncle Les Wanganeen, the Centre continues its important role as a hub for Elders groups, cultural programs, and workforce and community support initiatives.

This exhibition celebrates the Elders who bring life, knowledge, and strength to Ngani Pari-Arra Cultural Centre.

It honours their stories, leadership, and enduring contribution to community life.

Kumangka Purka is a reflection of place and purpose — recognising the Centre itself as a living space shaped by Elders and the communities who gather there. It is a tribute to connection, care, and cultural continuity on Kaurna Country.

Staying Strong | Jackie Saunders 

Staying Strong presents the work of Ngarrindjeri and Wirangu artist Jackie Saunders, a contemporary artist living on Kaurna land.

Jackie describes herself as “the daughter of a saltwater woman and a desert dwelling man”, a perspective that deeply informs her practice.

Her work draws on family, culture and Country, exploring the movement and rhythm of land, light, water and weather, both internal and external.

Through her paintings, Jackie expresses resilience, connection and the coming together of two cultural lineages through story and experience.

The exhibition is a powerful celebration of strength, identity, and the ongoing relationship between people and place.

NAIDOC Week is more than a celebration, it is a continuing story of survival, strength, and sovereignty. It belongs to community and it continues to grow through every voice, every story, and every act of cultural pride.

Join us at the launch, Friday 12 June - 6pm–8pm at The Gallery, St Peters. (No RSVP required)