For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 26 January - so-called Australia Day, Invasion Day, or Survival Day - is a day of reflection, mourning and sorrow, rather than celebration. While Australia continues its back and forthing on whether or not to #changethedate (yes please) to another day in the year where all Australians can celebrate together, here's a list of what you can do on 26 January that respects our First Nations people and their culture.
Listen to a podcast
Let's Talk is a national Indigenous talk show focusing on current affairs and issues of importance to Indigenous people, and is a great jumping off point to delve into the world of Indigenous podcasting, while Blak Nation Series introduces you to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners who are challenging conventional thinking and forging new pathways in their respective fields and explores ideas around Blak Critique, Indigenous Journalism and Trauma, the Blak Economy, Indigenous Wellness, Indigenous Data Sovereignty and the Future of NAIDOC. Take the time to listen to the voices of Indigneous people around the country as they tell their stories, on 26 January and beyond.
Follow Blak influencers
There are really too many to list here, but get started by following some Indigenous influencers and media platforms such as IndigenousX, Black Rainbow Australia, Deadly Bloggers, The Enemy Within, Black Feminist Ranter, and @Blakbusiness. And be sure to sure check out the Insta pages of these deadly Gold Coast artists Luther Cora @bullam_art (pictured below), @black_cockatoo_photography, @libby_harward_art, @jdriessens, @sorbie_collections, @budjerah, @selvemusic, and @eleea, to name a few.
Read a book to your kids
2021 children's book 'Day Break' written by Amy McQuire with illustrations by artist Matt Chun is the story of a family making their way to Country on 26 January, and is an excellent introduction to the concept of 26 January as a day of mourning and reflection for Aboriginal Australians for young Australian children who may not yet be aware of the significance of the date. Author of Day Break, Amy McQuire, said she hopes the story encourages parents, caregivers and children to have a greater understanding of the contentious January day. 'Day Break' is available at most Gold Coast libraries, and can also be purchased at Amazon, Booktopia and QBD Books.
Watch and listen to Aborginal artists perform
Gold Coast's Multicultural Families Association Gold Coast is a not-for-profit organisation that has supported culturally and linguistically diverse families and communities on the Gold Coast for the past 23 years. On 26 January they are running a Reflect, Respect, Celebrate event at Harley Park in Labrador from 5pm, including food trucks, a fireworks show, kid's entertainment and a live performance by prominent Gold Coast Indigenous artist Lann Levinge from 5pm. Earlier that day local Indigenous artist and didgeridoo player Glenn Barry will be performing at the Robina Auditorium for a special event held by the Australian Chinese Women's Federation from 9.30am to 1.30pm, and again at the Southport Community Hall with the Sikh Society from their celebration commencing at 11am.
Book a walkabout tour
While Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is closed on 26 January, you can take the time to peruse their website and make a booking for a local walkabout. This engaging walking tour of the renowned Burleigh Headland includes an audio/visual presentation and a guided walk around the “Dreaming Mountain”, Jellurgal, where culturally significant sites have played an important role in the lives of Aboriginal people. Discover facts about traditional life, bush tucker, fishing and hunting and learn about the important ecological practices and connection to the land displayed by the Yugambeh speaking people for thousands of years.
You can also visit the centre when it reopens and see artwork from local Indigenous artists in the art gallery and examine Aboriginal artefacts such as dilly bags, shields, tools, boomerangs, nulla nullas, message sticks, didgeridoos and other tools and instruments that were part of everyday life for the Traditional Custodians of the Gold Coast for thousands of years.
Learn to sing something in the Yugambeh language
Apart from Jingeri, which most Gold Coasters learned during the 2018 Commonwealth Games, how many people can put their hands up and say they know a few words in the local Yugambeh language? While much of our lack of knowledge as children can be traced back to a lack of education on schools (thankfully on the way to being rectified), as adults we can all take some responsibility for our own education. The Yugambeh museum in Beenleigh has a range of audio resources in its online shop for learning some basic songs such as Happy Birthday in Yugambeh language, which is a great place to start. Did you know can also just learn more about the Yugambeh people generally from Wikipedia?
Purchase Aboriginal art
The Spirit of Australia gallery in surfers Paradise is home to an extensive range of traditional and contemporary paintings by prominent Australian Aboriginal artists, in addition to Australian gifts. All paintings come complete with certificates of authenticity, detailed artist’s profile and a portrait of the artist where available. The gallery also partners with local artists where possible, including Anthony Walker, John Turnbull, Yondee, Troy Little, Trisha Mason, Colin Wightman, Melissa Wright, Grant Paulson, Bryce Moran, Goompi Ugerabah among many others. The gallery itself is closed for the public holiday but you can shop online just as easily.
As well as these tips, feel free to simply explore the beauty of the Gold Coast in a mindful way this 26 January. Feel the earth beneath your feet, listen to the songs of the birds, feel the wind on your face and respect and connect deeply to this Country we all share. If you'd like to go one step further, check out these Practical Reconciliation tips and consider Paying The Rent.