'Always Was, Always Will Be' recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.
National NAIDOC Week 2020, celebrated from 8 to 15 November, carried the theme of ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.
We are fortunate in our organisation to have tremendous leadership from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who provide guidance and insight into how we need to advance our commitment to reconciliation. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for joyful, spiritual learning. To be open to what we don’t know and to embrace the role Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people have in our past, our present and our future.
Last year, Life Without Barriers Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee proudly represented us at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) NAIDOC event.
“Like everything else this year, NAIDOC Week took a different slant due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions,” said Darryl Monaghan, RAP Governance and Engagement Lead.
“This year, staff and carers celebrated by logging into one of the many week-long series of NAIDOC events we held virtually.”
Our State and Territory Lead Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Initiatives team planned a theme for each day, inviting Elders and guests from across Australia to join us for a yarn and to share and celebrate the diverse cultures and rich history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In addition to the panellists sharing what #alwayswasalwayswillbe means to them, one topic was Yarning Circles. The panellists shared what Yarning Circles are and what they are used for - as well as protocols surrounding them. Thank you Pamela, Leoni, Darryl, Silvia and Grant for sharing your cultures!
Image: Yarning circles panel
To learn more about this year’s ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ theme please visit the NAIDOC Week website here.
