Things to do instead of celebrating genocide

We know that January 26 is not a date to celebrate.

It is a day of survival for First Nations people, and for many, a placeholder that highlights the ongoing colonial violence that continues to manifest throughout this country. The debate that arises around Jan 26 underlines the lack of ignorance and empathy present in Australia. For a closer look at this click here for ‘8 things you need to know about Jan 26’.

In some settler space, what we often see on this day are die-hard patriots bellowing their ‘Aussie pride’ and many who choose to ignore the uncomfortable truths of the public holiday, using the day as an opportunity to picnic in the park. Sometimes this is paired with remiss and an attempted display of innocence that “we aren’t actually celebrating Australia Day, we are just catching up.” But in a country that continues to systemically oppress First Nations people, complacency is dangerous.

Yorta Yorta, Ngurai Illum Wurring, Dja Dja Wurring and Wiradjuri musician Neil Morris (DRMNGNOW) put it perfectly – “At some point, it’s about personal responsibility of people to relinquish their ignorance and choose to grow. Everyone has that choice - to be better.”

Everyone has a role to play and a choice to be better, and neutrality is complacency. 

Rather than being complacent and avoiding responsibility disguised as neutrality, let’s collectively channel our energy the right way to make small differences. We asked our audience, mob and allies alike, what you will be doing this January 26 instead of celebrating genocide. 

This is what you told us: 

• Use January 26 day as an opportunity to learn more about First Nations people and histories, and educate your friends and family on the ongoing impacts of colonisation

• Spend the day taking care of Country. One idea is to grab a bag and spend a few hours collecting rubbish, while taking the time to learn more about the Country you are on.

• Show up. Attend a protest, rally, or dawn service in your area (if it’s COVID safe).

• Spend a few hours using your voice and sign petitions for change.

• Ignore the public holiday and go to work. Many of our supporters have told us that their workplaces don’t recognise the public holiday, providing their staff with the option to work instead and take an alternate day. 

• If you have a disposable income, consider spending your days wage with First Nations owned brands and artists, or direct your penalty rates to Paying the Rent. 

• Listen to music performed and curated by First Nations artists like Barkaa, Ancestress, Nooky and Miiesha, and while you are at it check out this Spotify playlist curated by Meanjin based Yuggera DJ Dameeela, who joins the world’s leading DJ’s with her own track ID’s on Spotify.

• Spend the day watching movies and series featuring and produced by First Nations people.

• And for mob – practice self-care, celebrate survival and stay out of the comments section.

This list is not exhaustive, and there is so much more work to be done.

Got more ideas? We’d love to hear them! Add them in the comments below and check out this thread on Instagram.