Winners of the Deadly Awards 1997.The awards were an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment and community.

Music

• Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal Music: Jimmy Little
• Most Promising New Talent: Aim 4 More
• Male Artist of the Year: Archie Roach
• Female Artist of the Year: Maroochy Barambah
• Single Release of the Year: Ignorance Is Bliss, Tiddas
• Album Release of the Year: True Believer, Troy Cassar-Daley
• Band of the Year: Yothu Yindi

Arts

• Excellence in Film or Theatrical Score: Fish by David Page

Community

• Aboriginal Broadcaster of the Year: Tiga Bayles, Radio 4AAA