Western Australians are invited to explore the rich cultural history of our State over the coming week as the State and the nation celebrate NAIDOC Week 2020.
The NAIDOC theme this year is 'Always Was, Always Will Be', which recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for Australia for over 65,000 years.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt launched WA's week of celebrations last night at the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation NAIDOC Ball.
Today, Minister Wyatt also opened Kalgoorlie's NAIDOC Week Festival where guests enjoyed music and other entertainment, Aboriginal food stalls, markets and workshops.
Events will be held throughout the State until November 15, 2020, including walking tours, exhibitions and online virtual tours.
For more information about NAIDOC Week 2020 and to find an event near you, visit: http://www.naidoc.org.au
The WA Museum Boola Bardip will continue the celebration of WA's Aboriginal Culture beyond NAIDOC week with the Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters exhibit, the first major special exhibition for the new museum, to be on show from opening day on November 21, 2020.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
"I remember a time not that long ago when the phrase, 'always was, always will be, Aboriginal Land' was a slogan yelled in chorus at protests by marginalised Aboriginal people and their supporters.
"This statement is now widely accepted and embraced by the broader Western Australian community, demonstrating how much our State has matured as an inclusive society.
"Western Australians are increasingly embracing the reality that our State's extraordinary landscapes have always been and always will be Aboriginal land.
"We are a richer and a more just society as a result.
"This has been highlighted in recent months with the phenomenal support for the McGowan Government's decision to give some significant WA landmarks Aboriginal names, including the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, Manuwarra Red Dog Highway and WA Museum Boola Bardip.
"I encourage all Western Australians to take part in NAIDOC Week 2020 to learn about and recognise the incredible contribution of Aboriginal people to our State."
