Always Was, Always Will Be

What this term means, how it is used, and why it matters.

The phrase 'Always was, always will be' recognises the enduring connection of Indigenous peoples to the land. Credit: Xinhua News Agency/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images

Definition

Short for 'Always was, always will be Aboriginal land'. The phrase affirms the unbroken sovereignty of First Nations peoples and their enduring connection to Country, culture and law.

Context

Originated during the Aboriginal land rights movement of the 1980s, from the Barkandji people of far-western New South Wales.

Usage notes

Related terms

Sovereignty