The 26th of January is known to many as Australia Day and to many others Invasion or Survival Day. The date has long been a topic of debate among Australians due to its dramatically varying significances from one person to the next. Some see it as a time of mourning, others as a day of celebration.
I think it should be a day of reconcile as much as it is a day of celebration...
...and the full spectrum of Australian history should be formally recognised within ceremonial, community functions. Everything should be touched from the extremely raw and painful to the great achievements of this country. There are many aspects of Australian society to be amended, however by continually working and learning together things will slowly get better for everyone."
Artist, Wardandi Noongar / Saibai Islander
I wholeheartedly believe that as a nation, we need to look inside ourselves and be honest about our motivations for wanting a single day to celebrate our country.
The Aboriginal people are not patriotic in the same context as the men and women that were brought to these shores, we honour the land, the animals, the seasons, the Dreamtime, every day of the year. The specific date 26 January is 'Invasion Day' to me and to countless others, and I feel it's irresponsible, neglectful and disrespectful, that the circumstances and truth of why this date is so significant from a first nations peoples' perspective, isn't taught as part of the Australian curriculum. If it were, then we would see a much higher level of empathy and compassion for the history and plight of our first nations people as our children progress through their early schooling, and beyond, by taking this truth out into the world.
Artist, Bundjalung / Kanakas