Miss Bruce gracefully accepted the 2020 NAIDOC Youth Award for Collaboration for her inspiring work with NASCA staff and her fellow students at Wellington High School.

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Miss Bruce said the NAIDOC Week theme, 'Always was, always will be', reminds her of family, 'who will always be around and there for you."

NASCA runs programs in schools for young Aboriginal people in Dubbo, Sydney and in remote communities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

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Program Director Skye Parsons said the event provides our young people with an opportunity to stand proudly and confidently, and acknowledge their own achievements.

"These are our next generation, proud young Aboriginal people who have the strength of their ancestors behind them as they begin to make their own mark and build their own futures," she said.

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"The 11 young people who took home awards were the clear winners of the day, but it feels like Australia as a whole is set to win big as these young people continue to grow into their leadership capacities - showing us what change and leadership can look like, and inspiring us to face our challenges together, with hope and dedication."