It might not be at the same time of year, but the cultural significance of NAIDOC week has not been lost in 2020.
Usually held in July, the week-long celebration of Indigenous history and culture is taking place from November 8-15 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life with the week a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In 2020, the theme for NAIDOC week this year is “Always was, Always will be."
The 2020 theme acknowledges that hundreds of the first people's Nations once covered the country, living sustainably for over 40,000 years.
Here in Newcastle, the traditional custodians of the land we stand on are the Awabakal people.
The Awabakal people, a group of indigenous people of New South Wales, are those Aboriginal Australians who identify with or are descended from the Awabakal tribe and its clans scattered along the coastal area of what is now known as the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales.
NAIDOC Week: Connor reads 'Family'
Their traditional territory spread from Wollombi in the south, to the Lower Hunter River near Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in the north.
This NAIDOC week, the nib Newcastle Knights encourage our fans and supporters to learn more about the history of the Awabakal people, and join in on celebrating the history and culture which existed long before any of us.
You can do so by clicking here.
We know not all of our supporters live in the Hunter region. To find your traditional custodians click here and check out the Indigenous Map of Australia.
You can learn more about NAIDOC Week by clicking here.
