26 January is not a day of celebration for many Australians, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It marks the beginning of the dispossession of their land, violence, massacres, and genocide.
Until we all fully acknowledge this history, we have not yet had true reconciliation, and a country that is not truly reconciled is not truly whole. And until we are whole, we will never reach our truest potential as a nation — and we have so much potential.
January 26. It recognises the invasion and our history, but the invasion doesn’t frame us as a people. We are still here, our languages are still spoken and our cultures are strong."
Here is a way you can stand in solidarity with Indigenous Australians this Survival Day.
1. Understand and learn the truth about Australian history
"White Australia has a black history." Some people might not be comfortable with that, but as a nation, we can only move forward if we are honest and mature about our history. There are some great online resources that highlight the truth, including:
Here's why Australia's National Day of Celebration is a Day of Mourning for Indigenous People
The Truth Collective
Australia Day - Invasion Day
Stories of Survival
Colonial Frontier Massacres in Eastern Australia 1788-1872
2. Attend a Survival Day event
There are Survival Day and Invasion Day events across the country. Some of the main events are listed below and if you google "Invasion Day events" or "Survival Day events" you will be able to find an event near you in Shepparton, Echuca, Benalla, as soon as I find out where they are I will share it on my posts. Come you will be welcomed..
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