Australia Day, Survival Day, Day of Mourning: Understanding January 26

As an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander owned and operated business, we wanted to share some thoughts on January 26 and explain why this date means different things to different people across Australia. While some folks celebrate it as Australia Day, many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities know it as  Survival Day, Invasion Day, or a Day of Mourning. Let's have a look into why this date is so significant and what it means for all of us moving forward.

A Bit of History

January 26, 1788, wasn't actually the day Captain Cook first landed in Australia (that's a common mix-up!). It was the day Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove, claiming NSW as a British Colony. And get this - Australia Day hasn't always been on January 26. It only became a national public holiday in 1994, and the first Australia Day celebration was actually held on July 30, 1915.

Why It's Complicated

For Indigenous Australians, January 26 represents the beginning of colonisation, which led to the loss of sovereign rights, family separations, and massive cultural disruption.

It's pretty telling that Australia is the only country in the world that celebrates its national day on a date marking colonisation rather than independence or unity.

Recent surveys indicate that more than one-third of Australians recognise the need for a different date of celebration, with 56% being open to changing the date. 

Moving Forward Together

Many organisations have already taken steps to acknowledge these different perspectives. Local councils have modified their celebrations, and major organisations have changed how they approach the date. These changes reflect a growing recognition of the need for inclusive celebration that respects all Australians.

The path forward involves understanding and respecting various viewpoints while working towards a unified future. This includes:

• Learning about our complete national history

• Acknowledging the ongoing traditions and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Engaging in constructive conversations about how we can better celebrate our nation

• Supporting initiatives that promote reconciliation and understanding

At BW Tribal, we are proud to share our culture through our art and products - it's our way of helping build bridges between all Australians. January 26th serves as an opportunity for reflection on our shared history and consideration of how we can create a more inclusive national day that truly brings all Australians together.

Image: Friends Of the Earth Australia

Sources:

Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. (2023). Australia Day - History and Significance.

Creative Spirits. (2022). Australia Day - Invasion Day.

National Australia Day Council. (2023). The History of Australia Day.

SBS News. (2022). Understanding January 26: A Historical Perspective.

Cover Image: Pedestrian.TV