Lockdowns and Maintaining Connection

In 2020 NAIDOC week celebrations were held in November, rather than the usual time in July. This was in response to the global coranvirus pandemic (COVID-19), which had devastating consequences around the world. In Australia, various measures were taken to try and combat the spread of the virus, including implementing harsh lockdowns (these were especially severe in Melbourne). Many experienced lockdowns and restrictions to their freedom for the first time.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced lockdowns in one form or another since colonisation, including dispossession of land, the mission system, prisons, and the continuing effects of the Stolen Generations. However, the pandemic highlighted the resilience of the Aboriginal community and the importance of Aboriginal control of Aboriginal issues. During lockdowns, the community responded together, and with support from Aboriginal health organisations, prevented the virus spreading among an already vulnerable population.

Kayla Clarke, Aaron Clarke & Maree Clarke holding Kylie Clarke, NAIDOC 1992

"When you think about COVID in general, and the Aboriginal response to COVID. Throughout the whole time of COVID I think we've only had 78 cases in the whole of [the] Aboriginal community here. And we compare that to other First Nations communities around the world, we can definitely look to see how the responses of Aboriginal communities in Victoria, and especially the organisations and health organisations, have led the way on how to respond to public health crisis.... the leadership shown by our community, shown by the organisations, is something that should be looked at as... best practise, not just here in this country but across the world."

"...even from a community level... when it first broke down there was a Facebook group where community were putting names out there to... take food around to certain people that might not have had food, diapers, toilet paper, all of those things that we take for granted that... became an essential and a necessity. Community were looking after each other just through that Facebook measure. Then you had the Aboriginal organisations doing whatever they could to support as well... For me, when I look back at the response, I think the whole state has a lot to learn from [Aboriginal people]... the Aboriginal way of life is the way of life going forward. And the sooner we... understand Aboriginal knowledge systems, the better off our country will be in this whole world."

(Indi Clarke, 4 December 2020)

"...it’s lucky that we are a part of a really supportive community here... being stuck at home in Melbourne has [been really hard]. Especially not being able to go 'home' [to Mildura]."

"During lockdown there has been no special business... and not being able to attend anything has really been a struggle to the point that I even thought [about], and had a look at, moving home [to Mildura]."

"...because I’m such a family person... it's... been hard."

(Kylie Clarke, 4 December 2020)