The theme for NAIDOC week 2020 is Always Was, Always Will Be, acknowledging that the First Nations story on this land started millennia before European contact. This theme invites everyone to celebrate and take pride in living on the lands of the world’s oldest continuing culture, and to learn and appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s true histories. NAIDOC Week celebrates the histories, cultures and achievements of First Nations peoples, and everyone is encouraged to take part and celebrate.
For us as Christians (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal together) we take a statement like this to yet a higher level as we believe there’s only One whose existence truly spans time and eternity, and that’s the triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He’s the only One of whom it can be said, always was, and always will be.
There are several ways you might consider engaging in some small way:
- From the RAP|Resources website page
- About NAIDOC Week
- 2020 NAIDOC Week Theme
- 2020 NAIDOC Week Poster ‘Shape of our Land’
- NAIDOC Week ideas for Activities
- Engage in the online First Nations cultural awareness tool ‘Share Our Pride’
- ‘Many Eyes’ Devotional resource (Scripted PPT presentation that explores the inspiration of the LCA’s RAP hero artwork)
- NAIDOC Week Service order
- Read and consider the recent post ‘God has always been here!’, (RAP website) featuring the sentiments of Mavis Malbunka, (Tnorala community, just east of Hermannsburg). Consider the message Mavis shares as caretaker (kurturngula) of the stories that belong to their Country.
- Visit the NAIDOC Week website Events page to explore options across all states of Australia, both online activities and those you can attend. Click Here
- In My Blood It Runs: In My Blood It Runs premiered on ABC and iView following incredibly popular screenings around the country. The critically acclaimed documentary shares stories of history, learning, love and resistance, through the eyes of charismatic 10-year-old Arrernte/Garrwa boy Dujuan and his family, charting the challenges Dujuan faces both in his school and on the streets of Alice Springs. In My Blood It Runs reveals the complexities First Nations communities face negotiating colonisation while maintaining their cultural identities and practices through self-determination, the revitalisation of languages and connection to Country. Still available [Click Here]
- Watch on Vimeo On Demand
- Order the DVD
- Watch on iTunes (rent or buy the film online from the iTunes Store)
- Virtual Indigenous Film Festival: Click Here for more preview of films details of for less than $20 you have access to 5 different films over 5 nights. Or select individual films for less than $7
If you do engage in a NAIDOC activity – I would love for you to share this with me.
Marilyn Wall
Hearing the Indigenous Voice, RAP Project Officer
Lutheran Church of Australia
