This year, for the first time during NAIDOC Week, SBS Voices is dedicated entirely to content written and edited by Indigenous writers. Curated by Mununjali author Ellen van Neerven, eight incredible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives share their reflections on the theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.
The wide-ranging essay series explores everything from the effects of climate change within the Torres Strait Islands, to the Indigenous trans experience and the singular loneliness of facing lockdown and police brutality.
Here, van Neerven shares their thoughts on resistance narratives and what it’s like to work with up-and-coming First Nations voices.
What does the theme 'Always Was. Always Will Be' mean to you personally?
Personally, it means continuance. I gain a lot of strength reflecting on the many generations that have come before me that connect me to my Country, and the future generations to come. 'AWAWB' is also a resistance narrative, pushing against extractive colonialism and the denial of our freedoms and voices.
What was it like for you to edit the series?
It was an honour. Anyone who knows me knows this is my (blak) cup of tea. I am passionate about First Nations writing, so it was an honour to call and receive these pieces, each so different. My vision was to feature a mix of voices, and lean towards 'emerging' writers, for lack of a better word. I chose writers that I personally really wanted to hear from in this current time.
What are some highlights for you in this collection? Any surprises along the way?
I love all the pieces and can't choose a favourite. I love the chorus of voices; a mix of opinion pieces, personal essay and short memoir. Maddee Clark's piece surprised me the most actually, because when he told me he was going to write about First Nations trans experience, the Melbourne lockdown, isolation and police brutality, I wasn't sure how he was going to fit it all together in a short piece. But he did, it's incredible.
Also, Adam Thompson's piece has just stuck with me. He skilfully narrates a fateful day in his life which has echoes in events happening in the present. He leaves a lot of room for the reader in the piece to feel the strong emotions. I feel perpetual grief, anger, but also fierce pride after reading Adam's piece, and for me, that captures what it's like to be a First Nations person.
Why is it important to celebrate NAIDOC week?
Award-winning Mununjali Yugambeh writer Ellen van Neerven. Source: Anna Jacobson
As we all know, NAIDOC week is usually held in July, but was pushed back this year to November. It comes around every year as this week of remembrance that is for us, and only for us. It acknowledges that our nation's story didn't begin with documented European contact. It celebrates the diversity of our beautiful First Nations. My first memories of NAIDOC, I'm like seven years old or something, at Musgrave Park, which is the beating heart of Meanjin (Brisbane). NAIDOC's been there my whole life. This year has been so tough, I feel like we need this week to come together in whatever way we can.
National NAIDOC Week (8 – 15 Nov 2020) celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Join SBS and NITV for a full slate of NAIDOC Week content. For more information about NAIDOC Week or this year’s theme, head to the official NAIDOC Week website. #NAIDOC2020 #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe
