Every year, Australia observes the National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebrations Week (NAIDOC), a time to reflect and honour the history and achievements of the world’s oldest continuous living culture: Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Like almost everything this year, NAIDOC Week is a little different in 2020.
Pushed from July to November, the week's nationwide conferences, museums displays, markets, exhibitions and talks will primarily occur virtually.
Like all other years, however, NAIDOC Week 2020 will centre around a theme. This year's theme is 'Always Was, Always Will Be,' a common rally cry used by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians alike to recognise that First Nations peoples were the first to live and care for the land that is now Australia.
While it is vital to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples every week of the year, Global Citizen has compiled a list of some of the key ways you can specifically celebrate Indigenous culture and history over the next seven days.
Show Your Support Online
Facebook is an official partner of NAIDOC Week this year. As a result, Australian Instagram users can find three new exclusive Instagram Stories stickers to use, fashioned by Tyrown Waigana, a Noongar and Saibai Islander artist. Four Instagram Stories tiles, designed by Warumungu and Wombaya woman Jessica Johnson, will also be available. The funky tiles encourage Australians to amplify Black voices and share Indigenous organisations for others to follow and donate to.
Also, keep an eye out for a new interactive Indigenous music library on Facebook launching soon.
Facebook & Instagram Launch New Features To Celebrate NAIDOC Week https://t.co/ZWMu22xPIt via @bandt
— Tama Leaver (@tamaleaver) November 6, 2020
Listen to First Nations Musicians
Some of the country's most influential Indigenous artists have united this NAIDOC Week to create an album called Deadly Hearts: Walking Together. The 10-track album sees artists like Mitch Tambo, Miiesha, Isaiah Firebrace and Stan Walker remake popular songs like “Don't Dream It's Over” by Crowded House with an Indigenous twist.
Treat your ears by listening to this celebration of music, culture and identity here.
Learn About the Languages of the Land You Live On
Did you know that Australia is home to more than 250 Indigenous languages, including 800 dialects? The traditional custodians of the land that is now Mackay speak a language called Yuwibara. At the same time, people in Adelaide live on the land of the Kaurna people, who originally spoke a language of the same name.
If you don't know about the people and languages of the land you live on, now is the time to get educated.
Find your city or town on this super cool interactive app.
Attend Melbourne Fringe Festival (Virtually)
Melbourne’s famous Fringe Festival is back — bigger, better and more virtual than ever before.
The annual independent arts festival is opening by hosting a huge virtual party on Thursday, featuring an all-First Nations lineup. A smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin nation will begin the evening, followed by performances from the likes of rapper Deejai, drag artists Stone Motherless Cold and DJ Soju Gang.
The tickets are “pay what you want” and can be purchased here.
Check Out NAIDOC Exhibitions
The NAIDOC Week website has a vast list of virtual and in-person events occurring between Monday and Sunday. Incredible exhibitions on First Nations fashion and contemporary Indigenous art will take place throughout the week, as will conferences on family and identity and how Australian businesses can deliver enhanced outcomes for Indigenous people.
Check out the full list of NAIDOC Week events here.