What is January 26 and why is it important?
January 26 is a difficult day for a lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. While many people believe that it celebrates the arrival of Captain Cook on the shores of Botany Bay, the day actually marks when Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Warrane (Sydney Cove) in 1788.
The Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Owners of Warrane (Sydney Cove), have never ceded sovereignty to the British nation. In order to claim ‘Australia’, the continent was labelled as ‘terra nullius’, meaning ‘land belonging to no-one’.
The hundreds of vast and complex Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations and Societies were characterised as ‘flora and fauna’. This date also marks the beginning of a process of genocide that directly impacted all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It is for this reason that many people find the celebration of January 26 outdated and offensive.
However, for some First Nations Peoples, it is just another day. Others celebrate it.
Some call it the Day of Mourning, Invasion Day, or Survival Day, recognising the incredible strength and resilience of First Nations Communities who have continually fought against colonisation. These ideas also honour the Ancestors who have fought for the survival of their languages, cultures and Countries. Everyone will have a different view about what this day represents, how they feel about it, and what should be done.
Did you know that January 26 was marked as a Day of Mourning by First Nations people before it was a national holiday called Australia Day?
Connection
Many First Nations people throughout Australia use January 26 as an opportunity to connect with others in their Community. People gather at events throughout the country to sit down together, yarn, reflect, and connect.
Nationally, there are many events to honour the strengths of First Nations Peoples and Communities.
Many non-Indigenous people show their solidarity and support by attending these events and joining in on important conversations about First Nations peoples’ hopes for the present and future.
It is these collective gatherings that are not about January 26 itself, but about celebrating connection to people and place.
They are opportunities to build relationships and bring people together, centering culture.
It is also an opportunity for all Australians to listen to and engage with First Nations knowledge systems.
Other Ways to Engage
If you are looking to engage with these things, there are numerous ways to get involved. Check out this extensive list of protests, festivals, dawn services and more throughout the country. If you are based in Sydney, you can also check out ILF Ambassador Anita Heiss’ play, Tiddas, at Belvoir Theatre, or listen to some live music at the Powerhouse Museum at the Blak Power House event. You can also check out the Australian Museum’s extensive exhibitions.
Watching for little ones and families
Watching for adults
- In My Blood It Runs film, children’s book, and website
- Ngalu Warrawi Marri Film Series by the Australian Museum
- First Inventors
- Black Comedy
- The Sapphires
- Preppers
- Incarceration Nation
- A Real History of Aboriginal Australians, the First Agriculturalists | Bruce Pascoe
- Occupation: Native
- The Last Daughter
Whatever way you engage with January 26, make sure that culture, inclusion, and connection are centred.
LAUNCHING | New Tote Bags
We are pleased to announce that we have launched four new tote bags with illustrations from Country Tells Us When… a story dedicated to the lands, languages and peoples of the Kimberley region.
The tote bags showcase the ngamagarri (white cockatoo), the yari (humpback whale), jurru (snake), and an illustration of Buru (Country) from the book.
All funds support our programs in remote Communities.