Australia Day Commemorates the European Invasion - January 26, 2007
zip | 26.01.2007 13:48
Australia Day commemorates the establishment of a prison colony by the British authorities at Sydney Cove on the 26th of January 1788. It marks the beginning of a colonisation process that led to the dispossession at the point of a gun of an indigenous population that had lived on this continent for over 40,000 years.
“Invasion Day”
January 26, 2007
The descendants of the original inhabitants continue to pay the price for the profound effects the invasion has had on them. Two hundred and nineteen years later, they continue to struggle for justice, compensation and a treaty.
No amount of flag waving, patriotic speeches, government funded Australia Day events, nationalist chest thumping and participation in Australia's latest craze - wrapping ourselves in the Australian flag, can change the fact that it is a national tragedy that this country continues to celebrate what should be one of the most important days on the national calendar on such a divisive day.
By continuing to celebrate Australia Day on the 26th of January, we continue as a people to refuse to acknowledge the brutality and barbarity of the events surrounding the foundation of this country. There are many other days that could be used to celebrate the many positive achievements of Australians; inclusive days that would give all Australians the opportunity to participate in the celebrations - days that we could all be proud of. A few days that come to mind include:
The 3rd of December - Eureka Day, the day that gave birth to Australian democracy.
The 3rd of June - Mabo Day, the day in 1992 when the High Court of Australia found that indigenous Australians had rights to land in law, the day that marks the beginning of a long reconciliation process based on the acknowledgement of the past and justice.
The 1st of September - Wattle Day, a day that acknowledges Australia's distinctive and unique environment legacy.
We have much to be proud of; we have good reason to celebrate, why continue to celebrate on such a divisive day when so many other more important days are available?
http://melbourne.indymedia.org/
http://www.australiaday.gov.au
No amount of flag waving, patriotic speeches, government funded Australia Day events, nationalist chest thumping and participation in Australia's latest craze - wrapping ourselves in the Australian flag, can change the fact that it is a national tragedy that this country continues to celebrate what should be one of the most important days on the national calendar on such a divisive day.
By continuing to celebrate Australia Day on the 26th of January, we continue as a people to refuse to acknowledge the brutality and barbarity of the events surrounding the foundation of this country. There are many other days that could be used to celebrate the many positive achievements of Australians; inclusive days that would give all Australians the opportunity to participate in the celebrations - days that we could all be proud of. A few days that come to mind include:
The 3rd of December - Eureka Day, the day that gave birth to Australian democracy.
The 3rd of June - Mabo Day, the day in 1992 when the High Court of Australia found that indigenous Australians had rights to land in law, the day that marks the beginning of a long reconciliation process based on the acknowledgement of the past and justice.
The 1st of September - Wattle Day, a day that acknowledges Australia's distinctive and unique environment legacy.
We have much to be proud of; we have good reason to celebrate, why continue to celebrate on such a divisive day when so many other more important days are available?
http://melbourne.indymedia.org/ http://www.australiaday.gov.au
zip
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