#Oztralia Day 2560
- Ur_N8vness
- Feb 8, 2019
- 4 min read
Oztralia Day - 2560
Foremost, I wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this great country Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. I also pay my respects to their Elders and leaders past, present and future.
As a nation, we should be able to come together in unity to celebrate Australia Day the true blue Australian way but in reality, that isn’t the case. On the surface, many gather to celebrate Australia day in their own unique mozzie way by stoking up the BBQ, knocking back a few beers with family and friends whilst proudly flying the red, white and blue flag, yet, there are still mixed thoughts and emotions and ironically so, a decisive day for many Indigenous Australian about Australia Day.
There's a saying that “White Australia has a black dark and unfortunate history that started 200 years ago with the invasion”. Bryan Andy, Aboriginal
This dark and unfortunate history and the effects of colonisation have had a negative impact on the First Nation people of Australia. Related issues of intergenerational trauma, poverty, health and cultural disparity, cultural disconnect, loss of language and identity, disintegration and separation of family unit, social and racial discrimination, marginalisation of the indigenous peoples are some of the effects of colonisation. For some it is an opportunity to observe and celebrate the survival of an indigenous people despite the Colonial takeover of British forces and for others, it is an awful reminder of its unfortunate history. Australia Day for many mark this day as the "Invasion Day" .
" When British occupation took over indigenous land and it is not a particularly pleasing day for the people". Activist Michael Mansell
The Invasion day or Day of mourning as some would put it has been held annually on the 26th January since its inception in 1938 by Aboriginal activist William Cooper. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the 19th - 20th century was a starting point of significant achievement that impacted all indigenous peoples across the globe by providing universal constructs for all First Nations.
[1] The 60's saw a positive shift and change in attitude toward indigenous people of Australia and bridging the gap a vital tool to the success, growth and unity of this great nation however, the lack of inclusion in the decision making process across the sector, lack of adequate consultation or assistance to develop the capacity to manage Indigenous communities has only resulted in further challenges and issues in the indigenous communities perpetuating division.
Article 18 [2] of the UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous people states that Indigenous people have the right to participate in the decision making process through representatives chosen by themselves in accordance with their own procedures to maintain and develop their own decision making institutions. Positive change cannot and will not be achieved unless the First Nation peoples become an integral part of the decision making process. Although the laws are enshrined for all citizens, they are not always evident in practise. [3]
An in house report tabled in 1990 by the "House Standing Committee of Aboriginal Affairs' was highly critical of the way Self Determination Policies had been implemented in the indigenous communities. The process of self determination in so far as one belongs, should not benefit the individual, but be in the best interests of the community and in this regard, nation as a whole. A very broad overview of the task ahead.
26th of Australia in the 2560 was a pleasant celebration for many local residents, boasting free rides, face painting and local entertainment for all the family.
Various workshops adorned the landscape of Koshigaya park, decadent food stalls reflecting the cultural characteristics of 2560 with the Local Rotary Club offering free sausage sizzles to the community between 2-4 pm. The evenings merriments were concluded with a wonderful fireworks display that lit up the sky. A pleasant way to wrap up the days festivities.
The warmth of the community spirit was somewhat present but I felt that there was something missing. There was lack of input, participation, presence by way of First Nations. I, myself personally would love to have experienced and shared in the cultural arts and heritage from local Tharrawal, much to my dismay, however, the days affairs went on swimmingly as expected. I hope that next years celebrations will grace us with some cultural extravagance.
As I lay in bed reflecting the days events, my sister emailed me an image posted by a Sydney News Agency reading (refer to pik)....
How simple words can impress the mind! Indeed we should never forget the past for It would be disrespectful to do so. We look back to remind us of where we have been. We learn from our mistakes, correct our erroneous ways pressing forward together in unity filling the blank pages as authors of our own unique stories. The future we create comes out of a checkered past yet we have survived, we have persevered pushing forward into the 21st century, creating a better world for our tomorrow. We are vessels of service and it is our responsibility and duty to perpetuate the spirit of freedom, equality, justice, unity in every given capacity, by playing our part to make this world a better place.
Ka mua, ka muri:
Looking back in order to move forward!
[1] http://www.workingwithindigenousaustralians.info/content/Present_1_Rights.html
[2] http://www.claiminghumanrights.org/udhr_article_18.html
[3] http://www.workingwithindigenousaustralians.info/content/Present_1_Rights.html
https://www.redbubble.com/people/taz-clothing/works/30023980-aboriginal-flag?p=art-print
https://www.facebook.com/kidsdreamsydney/
nice topic covered