Always Was: Understanding The Deep Significance Of A Powerful Cultural Phrase
The phrase "always was" carries an immense weight of history, identity, and political assertion. While it can appear in various contexts—ranging from philosophical discussions on eternalism to modern internet memes—its most profound, widely recognized, and socially significant usage lies within the Australian sociopolitical landscape. Specifically, it forms the first half of the foundational statement: "Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land." This phrase is not merely a slogan; it is a declaration of continuous connection, unceded sovereignty, and a history that spans over 65,000 years.
To truly understand the depth of "always was," one must explore the intersections of history, law, cultural geography, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. By examining how this phrase operates as both a historical truth and a future-looking promise, we gain a clearer picture of its role in shaping contemporary social dialogues, corporate responsibilities, and civic protocols.
The Origins and Historical Context of "Always Was"
The phrase "Always Was, Always Will Be" emerged from the Aboriginal land rights movement in Australia, gaining significant public traction during the protests of the 1970s and 1980s. Activists coined the phrase to articulate a fundamental truth: that the Australian continent was occupied, managed, and nurtured by hundreds of distinct First Nations groups long before the arrival of British colonizers in 1788. It serves as a direct, uncompromising refutation of terra nullius—the legal falsehood that the land belonged to no one prior to European settlement.
Under British colonial law, the declaration of terra nullius allowed the Crown to claim ownership of the entire continent without entering into treaties or offering compensation to the Indigenous inhabitants. By asserting "always was," Indigenous Australians and their allies remind the nation that British sovereignty was established through dispossession rather than legal agreement. The phrase highlights that despite decades of assimilation policies, forced removals, and systemic marginalization, the spiritual and physical connection of First Nations people to their ancestral lands has never been broken.
In 2020, "Always Was, Always Will Be" was selected as the official theme for NAIDOC Week (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee). This selection propelled the phrase further into mainstream consciousness, prompting schools, government agencies, and corporate entities to engage deeply with its historical implications. It reframed the national narrative, reminding the public that Australia's history did not begin with Captain Cook or the First Fleet, but rather with the oldest continuous living culture on Earth.
Geographic and Local Context: Sacred Lands and First Nations Sovereignty
To understand "always was" in a practical sense, one must look at the highly localized nature of First Nations identity in Australia. The continent is made up of over 250 distinct language groups and nations, each with its own unique laws, customs, and geographic boundaries. When the phrase is spoken in a specific location, it refers directly to the Traditional Owners of that particular country.
- The Eora Nation (Sydney): When spoken in the Sydney basin, "always was" acknowledges the Gadigal, Wangal, and Guringai peoples who managed the complex coastal waterways and sandstone country for millennia.
- The Kulin Nation (Melbourne): In the metropolitan expanse of Melbourne, the phrase honors the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples, whose relationship with the Birrarung (Yarra River) remains a cornerstone of local cultural heritage.
- The Noongar Nation (Perth): In Western Australia, it recognizes the fourteen distinct dialect groups of the Noongar people, who have navigated the southwest corner of the continent according to six distinct seasonal shifts.
These geographic distinctions are vital because First Nations spirituality and law are inextricably tied to the physical land. Mountains, rivers, waterholes, and coastal reefs are not just natural resources; they are sacred sites shaped by ancestral beings during the Dreaming. Therefore, asserting that a modern city "always was" Indigenous land is an acknowledgment that the spiritual custodianship of these physical landmarks persists beneath the concrete of modern infrastructure.
ALWAYS LIVE AT | Program | The Bendigo hotel | PBS FM Three Venue Tour ...
Alternative Perspectives: Philosophy, Linguistics, and Pop Culture
While the sociopolitical context of Australian land rights is the most prominent and searched interpretation of "always was," the phrase also surfaces in other intellectual and cultural domains. These secondary meanings enrich our understanding of how these two simple words function across different areas of human thought.
In metaphysical philosophy, "always was" relates to the concept of eternalism or block universe theory. This philosophical view posits that the past, present, and future are all equally real. Within this framework, saying something "always was" is an assertion of its immutable existence across the dimension of time. Interestingly, this aligns closely with many Indigenous worldviews, where the "Dreaming" is not a historical epoch that ended, but an ongoing, timeless reality that coexists with the present.
In modern digital culture, a linguistic variation of the phrase became globally recognized through the "Always Has Been" meme. This template features two astronauts looking at Earth from space; one realizes a surprising truth about the world, while the other points a tool or weapon at them, confirming the realization with the line, "Always has been." Though lighthearted and used primarily for internet humor, the meme shares a thematic parallel with the political phrase: both represent a sudden, undeniable awakening to a reality that was true the entire time, despite prevailing narratives or illusions.
| Domain | Context / Meaning | Cultural Impact |
|---|---|---|
| First Nations Sovereignty | Asserting unceded Indigenous ownership of the Australian continent. | High; forms the basis of land rights, treaties, and civic protocols. |
| Metaphysical Philosophy | Eternalism; the belief that past, present, and future exist simultaneously. | Moderate; discussed in academic, theological, and philosophical circles. |
| Digital Pop Culture | The "Always Has Been" astronaut meme, denoting revealed truths. | High online engagement; used for satire, humor, and cultural commentary. |
Comparative Analysis: Sovereignty, Native Title, and Land Rights
To navigate the discussions surrounding "always was," it is essential to distinguish between the symbolic assertion of the phrase and the legal mechanisms that govern land ownership in modern Australia. The table below outlines the differences between key concepts that are frequently discussed alongside this topic.
Native Title vs. Land Rights vs. Sovereignty
- Sovereignty: This is the inherent right of First Nations peoples to self-determination and autonomous governance. The assertion of "always was" is an assertion of sovereignty. Under international law, sovereignty is typically cede via treaty or lost through defeat in a declared war. Because neither occurred in Australia, First Nations maintain that their sovereignty was never legally extinguished.
- Native Title: This is a recognition under Australian common law (established via the historic Mabo decision of 1992) that Indigenous people have rights and interests to land and waters coming from their traditional laws and customs. However, Native Title does not grant outright ownership; it is a bundle of rights (such as the right to hunt, camp, or hold ceremonies) that must be proven to have survived continuously since colonization.
- Land Rights: Unlike Native Title, which recognizes traditional customs, Land Rights are granted through specific state and territory legislation (such as the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976 in the Northern Territory). This system grants statutory freehold title to Aboriginal land trusts, allowing for collective ownership and greater control over development and mining access.
How to Respectfully Engage with the "Always Was" Principle
For individuals, businesses, and community organizations, engaging with the reality of "always was" requires moving beyond symbolic gestures toward meaningful action. Incorporating this principle into professional and personal life supports the broader movement toward historical truth-telling and reconciliation.
1. Perform a Sincere Acknowledgement of Country
An Acknowledgement of Country is a protocol where meeting hosts, speakers, or writers show respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the event is taking place. To make this practice meaningful, avoid reading a generic script. Instead, research the specific clan or language group of your area, reflect on what the land means to you, and articulate a personal commitment to supporting local First Nations communities.
2. Commit to Truth-Telling and Education
Educating oneself about the true history of the local area is a vital step. This involves learning about the local treaties (or lack thereof), frontier conflicts, and the enduring contributions of local elders. Supporting local cultural centers, visiting keeping places, and reading literature written by First Nations authors are highly effective ways to build this understanding.
3. Support Indigenous-Owned Businesses and Initiatives
Economic empowerment is a critical component of self-determination. Organizations can actively align with the "always was" principle by integrating Indigenous-owned suppliers into their procurement chains. Whether sourcing corporate catering, design services, or consulting, utilizing registered Indigenous businesses directly supports community wealth creation and financial independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full phrase of "always was"?
The full phrase is "Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land." It is a declaration used by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to assert their ongoing, unceded sovereignty over the Australian continent.
Is saying "Always Was, Always Will Be" legally binding?
No, the phrase itself is a cultural and political assertion rather than a legally binding document. Legal ownership of land in Australia is governed by Commonwealth and State property laws, the Native Title Act, and various regional Land Rights acts.
What is the difference between a "Welcome to Country" and an "Acknowledgement of Country"?
A Welcome to Country is a formal ceremony that can only be performed by a Traditional Owner or Elder of the specific land you are on, welcoming visitors to their ancestral home. An Acknowledgement of Country can be performed by anyone (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) as a sign of respect to the Traditional Custodians.
Why was "Always Was, Always Will Be" chosen as a NAIDOC theme?
It was chosen for NAIDOC Week 2020 to emphasize that First Nations history on the Australian continent stretches back over 65,000 years. The theme encouraged all Australians to embrace, celebrate, and protect this ancient history as an integral part of the nation's shared identity.
Embracing Shared Truths for a Shared Future
Understanding the phrase "always was" is an invitation to look beneath the surface of modern society and connect with the deep, enduring history of the land we walk upon. By acknowledging unceded sovereignty and learning from the oldest continuous living culture on Earth, we build a foundation for a more inclusive, truthful, and harmonious future.
If your organization is looking to deepen its cultural literacy, develop a meaningful Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), or engage respectfully with local First Nations communities, take the first step today. Reach out to local land councils, invest in cultural awareness training, and make the truth-telling of "always was" a core value of your personal and professional journey.
