Survival Day: another perspective on 26 January
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26 January is known nationwide as Australia Day, however for a lot of people it is also known as Invasion Day.
It signalled the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and beginning of racism within this country.
The term Survival Day resonates with me, a young Aboriginal woman, so much more. I have read in the history books about the survival of my people, language and culture. I have witnessed ceremonies, been involved in discussions and worked for Organisations fighting to preserve my Indigenous culture and it is definitely about survival.
“To many Indigenous Australians, in fact, most Indigenous Australians, it really reflects the day in which our world came crashing down” – Professor Mick Dodson, Australian of the Year 2009.
In Professor Dodson’s speech when accepting his award for Australian of Year in 2009 is raised the issue surrounding the name of Australia Day and it’s meaning to Indigenous Australians, however it was quickly pushed aside by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in a statement “The Government has no plans to and will not be changing the date of Australia Day or the name of Australia Day”.
I would like to address those that roll their eyes at the mention of Invasion or Survival Day. For us this day is a reminder of the lives lost because of the arrival of the First Fleet, a day that had a negative impact on the First People of this country. Yes we know people died, children were forcibly removed from their families, alcohol was introduced in an uncontrolled way and lives changed.
People died struggling for equal rights. Lives were changed for the worst.
We have other days that mark tragic events in this country’s history. ANZAC Day originally started out as a commemorative occasion for those Australian and New Zealanders that fought at Gallipoli during World War I. 8,709 people died that day. It’s now broadened to include all those who died and served in military operations for their countries.
We have a day to celebrate our soldiers when they fight in wars to preserve our rights as Australian’s. To prevent the threat that our country could one day be forcibly removed from us.
Ringing any bells?
Why can’t we have a day that commemorates the landing of the First Fleet for what it was? A turn in history for Australia’s First People.
Why can’t we have a day to commemorate those lives lost as a result of the beginning of racism in this country?
That a race has survived, regardless of racist individuals and racist government agendas. To me, that is worth celebrating.
Image of Aboriginal flag from shutterstock.com
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