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NAIDOC Week 2020

21 January 2020
At left is a small circular logo featuring white human shaped image on a background of dots in circular pattern. At right are 3 images of Indigenous people holding plate shaped trophies. Images are on a black background with yellow dot formation above.

NAIDOC Week 2020 is a chance to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous Australians.

This year, NAIDOC Week runs from 5 to 12 July.

The theme for 2020 is Always Was, Always Will Be. which recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent we now call Australia for over 65,000 years.

Events will be held around Australia during that week to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It will culminate with the 2020 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony held in Alice Springs.

The National NAIDOC Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Do you know someone who has improved the lives of First Nation’s people in their communities and beyond? Who have promoted Indigenous issues in the wider community? Or who has shown excellence in their chosen field? Nominate them for a National NAIDOC Award.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 National NAIDOC Awards.

2019 NAIDOC Person of the Year Award recipient, Dean Duncan said there is much potential in so many young ones out there.

‘And it’s that potential which sadly goes unnoticed by a lot of others and yet the people that I work with day in, day out have got that. They’ve got that internally. It’s just that encouragement that’s needed and hopefully this award encourages them.’

NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

2019 Apprentice of the Year Award recipient Ganur Maynard said NAIDOC Week is an amazing celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

‘It allows us to celebrate the best of what we’ve accomplished since time immemorial, both before and after contact,’ Ganur said.

‘And so I’m talking about ancient aspects of our civilisations but also the achievements that we’re making in the modern day.’

Entries for the 2020 National NAIDOC poster competition are also open.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are invited to submit artwork that reflects the theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be.’.

Entries for the poster competition close 5:00pm AEDT, Monday 3 February 2020.

Find out more

For more information, visit the NAIDOC Week website.