The 26th of January - Brittney Henderson
Written by: Brittney Henderson (she/they) | Age: 20 | Wiradjuri Woman | Instagram: @britney.henderson
Cultural/ trigger warning: Mentions of genocide, massacres, stolen generations, suicide, racism and slavery. Mentions Indigenous people who have passed.
I spent a long time questioning how I was going to incorporate a queer perspective within this piece. Until I finally realised Invasion day shouldn’t be about anyone but First Nations people, for too long white voices have dominated and controlled a false narrative. Sometimes intersectionality doesn’t refer to listening to all voices at once instead, it refers to centering the voices which are most affected and marginalised. Queer people have long suffered under this colonial regime as well and that pain deserves to be acknowledged, but the invasion of ‘Australia’ should be First Nation’s tale to tell.
On the 26th of January every year Indigenous people remember, we remember the lies of discovery and ‘Terra Nullius’. We remember slavery, the Assimilation policies, the genocide, the massacres, stolen generations, stolen land, and eugenics. We are reminded of the health gap, lower life expectancy, suicide rates, incarceration rates, and racist stereotypes that are still alive today. ‘Australia’ day will never be a celebration, I will never celebrate the nation that forced my mob to walk off a cliff. I refuse to celebrate a nation that denied and lied about their wrong-doings, I won’t praise a government that believes a single apology will rectify 233 years of brutality and murder.
Every year someone will make a ridiculous comment: “get over it”, and the truth is I would love to “just get over it”. My life would be infinitely easier if I didn’t live with all this inter-generational trauma, it would be lovely to live a life free of guilt and sadness for your ancestors. If I could pretend, I wasn’t terrified of the ‘Australia’ my siblings and children would inherit, and I couldn’t see so many incidences of oppression in my backyard I’m sure I’d be happier. The truth is that’s not real, that’s the indoctrinated fantasy of ‘Australia’. Once you realise it’s all fraudulent there’s no celebration to be had, no great nation, no real ‘Aussie’ mate-ship.
Invasion day is exhausting, the constant battle to justify its brutal reality is tiring. I am tired. ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day command so much respect among Australians, their ability to sympathise with the loss of life is there. Making it frustratingly hypocritical that the significance of a day of mourning for Indigenous people is lost on them. Abolition is the first step. Only after the celebrations cease and the truth is acknowledged, will we have a shot at genuine reconciliation.
This Invasion day I challenge you, don’t contribute to the falsehoods. Don’t have a party, don’t attend a celebration- you have every weekend for the rest of your life to do this. Reflect upon your own complicity within the ‘Australian’ state, research the truth of January 26th and every day that followed. It’s not the party the flag-branded bikinis and thongs would have you believe. I challenge you to think about the ways in which you’ve expected free emotional labour from Indigenous people, the ways in which you’ve ignored their struggle and you’ve allowed them to become an afterthought. Most importantly show up. Show up to the protest, sign the petitions, share what information you can so Indigenous people don’t have to. Learn to do an Acknowledgement to Country and stop expecting Indigenous people to do the work for you.
A message from Wear It Purple in regards to the 26th of January:
Below are the following ways we can suggest how to be an ally for Australian First Nations peoples which
1. Learn to do an Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of important social events.
Generally, they sound and look like this: I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today. I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past and present.
If you wish to be more specific, a quick google search will be able to help you identify the name of the country you are presenting in.
2. Listen to and elevate Indigenous and First Nations Voices.
Some of our favourite First Nations people influencers are:
Remember that these influencers DO NOT owe you their knowledge, stories or education. But should they choose to share it, utilise your social media platform by liking, commenting and sharing their posts to elevate their voices.
3. Pay the rent!
If you have the funds and the ability to, make donations to Indigenous organisations that exist to aid the lives of First Nations peoples. Alternatively, shop from Indigenous businesses. Our favourite Instagram page is @blakbusiness !
If you happen to work in retail or hospitality and are working on the 26th of January, consider using some of the extra money you make from the penalty rate to make a donation or a purchase if you're able to.
4. Attend a rally/protest!
If it is safe for you to, given the current global pandemic, attend a local protest/rally that may be happening in your local area. We've found that the best way to find out what's happening in your area with regards to Indigenous Australian Rallies is the "Events" tab on Facebook. Remember to wear a mask and be respectful of Indigenous culture and practices!