Always Was, Always Will Be - NAIDOC Week

Thursday 12 November 2020

National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee NAIDOC Week celebrations are usually held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, due to COVID-19, it was rescheduled to be celebrated between 8 to 15 November.

NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is Always Was, Always Will Be—which recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65 000 years and are spiritually and culturally connected to this country.

Mater Queensland Family Cohort Study is working with the community to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are represented in the study. The Queensland Family Cohort Study will understand the influences, including the environment, nutrition, and social support, on the health of mothers, partners and babies antenatally, following birth and into young adulthood. Principal Research Fellow, Associate Professor Kym Rae works in Indigenous health and wants to ensure that the needs of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are recognised in studies such as this.

‘It’s important to consider how culture can be incorporated into our studies, to ensure we meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,” Associate Professor Rae said.

The NAIDOC 2020 theme - Always Was, Always Will Be - recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

 

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have shown great community strength and resilience in the face of significant adversity. During NAIDOC week, we reflect and celebrate their achievements.”

Mater’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison team works with the community to provide support and healthcare for Mater patients and their families. For further information about the Liaison service, please contact Gwen Ibarra, Melina Connors or Stephanie Conlon at 1inhmh@mater.org.au   

To find out more and how you can get involved please visit the NAIDOC Week 2020 website.

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