To many Australians, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, January 26 is not a day of celebration but is seen as a day that commemorates the invasion by British settlers of lands already owned. It is a commemoration of a deep loss. The loss of Sovereign rights to land (Sovereignty was never ceded), loss of family, loss of the right to practice culture. Aboriginal people mourn on this day and refer to it as ‘Survival Day’ or Invasion day’.
At Yorganop we refer to this day 26 January as Survival day.
On Instagram we follow a page called @Blakbusiness and they have put together a history lesson/timeline of 26 January
To learn the meanings behind Survival Day, Invasion Day, Australia Day, Day of Mourning and Change the date follow this link https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/explainer/australia-day-invasion-day-survival-day-whats-name
How do Aboriginal people respond to “Australia Day” – Watch this video to find out https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=G8czHlPYXew&feature=emb_logo
Here is a great way to celebrate Aboriginal culture this weekend.
https://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/community/civic-events/one-day-fremantle
One Day Celebration
The City of Fremantle’s One Day celebration is returning on Saturday 28 January, to be held this year in the heart of Freo at Walyalup Koort.
This year’s event will have a guest appearance from a leading advocate for a First Nations Voice to parliament through constitutional change, Thomas Mayo, who has travelled the country since 2017 talking Voice, Truth, and Treaty campaigning for the Statement from the Heart.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session held by Thomas as part of a broad program of activities developed by the City in close consultation with members of its Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan (WRAP) group.
Australia is on the cusp of a historical decision with referendum proposed in the next 12 months to enshrine Aboriginal voice to parliament through constitutional changes. In consultation with Elders from our Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan Group, this focus of this year’s event will explore Voice as part of the Uluru Statement from the Heart (Voice, Truth, Treaty) and advocates for understanding of this discussion.
A Smoking Ceremony will start the day’s proceedings, followed by cultural activities, Dreamtime stories and yarning with Elders, films, and market stalls.
