This year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be, recognises that First Nations peoples have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

It invites all Australians to embrace the true history of this country—a history that dates back thousands of generations.

It also reminds us of the more recent political history of our peoples.

Always was, always will be—as a belief, a chant, and a fundamental understanding about the truth of Australia—has been part of the soundtrack of my life at events of protest and celebration.

We also often hear these words in Welcomes to, and Acknowledgements of, Country.

We acknowledge, accept and understand that no matter where we are across this nation, we are living and working on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands.

When we open our minds to learning about the true history of this nation, we can acknowledge the wrongdoings and take positive steps to ensure that history is never repeated.

Always Was, Always Will Be is a timely reminder of the importance of historical acceptance and truth-telling which is key to reconciliation.

Historical acceptance means that Australians recognise, understand, and accept the wrongs of the past and the impact of these wrongs on First Peoples.

This year’s NAIDOC Week will be memorable, and we will see the same strength and innovation in being a part of this week virtually, as we saw during our virtual National Reconciliation Week (NRW) earlier this year.

The unprecedented support of NRW 2020 was an extraordinary testimony to the resilient engagement with reconciliation, even in times of upheaval.

I am confident we will see the same support of NAIDOC Week this year and I encourage everyone to celebrate, commemorate and connect this NAIDOC Week, as we remember Always Was, Always Will Be.

– Karen Mundine
Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia

Find 2020 NAIDOC Week events and celebrations near you.