NAIDOC Week 2020

Media release - Minister Wyatt

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Always Was, Always Will Be. recognises that Indigenous Australians have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

This year we come together in a different way, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic, and while we might be celebrating our community, culture and history virtually, or in smaller number, it does not diminish our strength or reason to be proud of our achievements.

This years’ NAIDOC Week is an invitation for all Australians to reflect and understand our nation’s shared history.

It’s an invitation to gain a greater understanding of the role Indigenous Australians have played in building and shaping the nation that we all call home today.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.

Our culture is as important today as it was 65,000 years ago – Indigenous Australians are spiritually and culturally connected to this country – and we continue to regain and strengthen our culture through language and truth-telling, an exploration of our shared history.

In 2020, Indigenous Australians continue to contribute to our nation’s rich fabric – people travel from around the world to experience our culture – and we are growing our presence abroad.

Our story makes up so much of the Australian story.

I wish you well in your NAIDOC Week celebrations, and hope that you use this opportunity to unite and continue to forge a stronger path towards reconciliation.