Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as many non-Indigenous Australians, believe that 26 January cannot be a day of national unity as it marks the date of invasion and the start of dispossession in Australia.
Celebrating on this day ignores the atrocities committed against First Nations Peoples, as well as other truths from our shared history. We cannot achieve reconciliation within our country without first accepting the past grave injustices committed against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Although Australia has already come a long way in accomplishing reconciliation between First Nations and non-Indigenous people, we still have a long way to go and we must continue to move in the right direction. To progress in our nation’s journey towards acceptance, truth-telling and healing, we first must decide to take the next step and change the date of our national day.
We need a date that will unify us as a nation, rather than alienate First Nations Peoples and ignore the injustices of the past.
We need to create a new future as equals.
Aunty Geraldine Atkinson
There are an increasing number of alternative community events and rallies reflecting on past injustices, recognition of resilience and resistance, and pride in culture.
All Australians can make personal choices about the way in which they choose to mark and think about the day.
‘Survival Day’ emphasises the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in the face of colonisation, dispossession, and ongoing inequality. It reflects on the resilience and endurance of First Nations Peoples, whose cultures are one of the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
‘Invasion Day’ emphasises the British invasion and occupation of First Nations Peoples’ land and the ongoing struggle for self-determination and social justice.
