January 26 is a date that carries profound and often conflicting meanings for Australians. While many celebrate it as Australia Day, a time for festivities and national pride, it is a day of deep reflection, sorrow, and resilience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This day is not only a reminder of the violent dispossession that began with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 but also of the remarkable strength, unity, and enduring fight for justice by First Nations communities.
Two significant historical events on this date, the 1938 Aboriginal Day of Mourning and the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972, illustrate the ongoing struggle for recognition, rights, and justice. These moments are central to understanding the complexities of January 26 and the broader narrative of Australian history.
1938: The Aboriginal Day of Mourning
In 1938, as Australia marked 150 years since the First Fleet’s arrival, a very different gathering was taking place in Sydney. While many Australians celebrated what was called the sesquicentenary, Aboriginal people came together to mourn the devastation wrought by colonisation. This protest, known as the Aboriginal Day of Mourning, became the first nationally organised demonstration by Indigenous Australians.
A Bold and Historic Protest
Organised by prominent Aboriginal leaders, including William Cooper, William Ferguson, and Jack Patten, the Day of Mourning was a powerful response to the dominant celebratory narrative. While the official events commemorated colonisation as a moment of “progress,” Indigenous voices highlighted the severe impacts it had on their communities: land dispossession, systemic oppression, and the destruction of cultures and livelihoods.
The protest was held at the Australian Hall in Sydney and was attended by both Aboriginal people and non-Indigenous allies. It was deliberately scheduled to coincide with the sesquicentenary celebrations, emphasising the stark contrast between the perspectives of settler Australians and the First Nations peoples who had suffered under colonisation.
A Catalyst for the Modern Aboriginal Rights Movement
The Aboriginal Day of Mourning marked the beginning of what is often considered the modern Aboriginal political movement. It laid the foundation for future activism by bringing national attention to issues of inequality, land rights, and the lack of citizenship status for Aboriginal people at the time.
Participants presented a list of demands to the Australian government, seeking equality, land rights, and better conditions for their communities. Their efforts highlighted the injustices Indigenous people faced, from being excluded from the right to vote to the forced removal of children under policies of assimilation.
This act of defiance and advocacy inspired generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activists, proving that unity and determination could amplify their voices against systemic injustice.
1972: The Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Thirty-four years later, January 26 became the backdrop for another historic moment in the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights: the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
A Symbolic Stand for Aboriginal Land Rights
On January 26, 1972, four First Nations men—Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Tony Coorey, and Bertie Williams—set up a beach umbrella on the lawns opposite Parliament House in Canberra. This simple yet profoundly symbolic act declared the space an “Aboriginal Embassy,” signifying the lack of representation for Aboriginal people in their own country.
The Tent Embassy was a direct response to Prime Minister William McMahon’s announcement on January 25 that there would be no recognition of Aboriginal land rights. Instead, his government proposed a policy of “leasing” land to Indigenous Australians—a far cry from the restitution and sovereignty they demanded.
A Focal Point for First Nations Activism
What began as a single beach umbrella quickly grew into a larger protest site. Tents were erected, and people from across the country came to join the demonstration. The Embassy became a focal point for the fight for Aboriginal land rights, sovereignty, and self-determination, drawing national and international attention to the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Tent Embassy’s significance lies in its enduring impact. Over the years, it has evolved, moving to different locations and adapting to new political contexts. In 1992, it became a permanent fixture on the lawns of Old Parliament House, where it continues to serve as a powerful symbol of resistance and the unyielding spirit of First Nations peoples.
A Legacy of Resilience
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is now recognised as the world’s longest-running protest for Indigenous land rights. Its presence challenges Australians to confront the ongoing consequences of colonisation and the continued denial of Indigenous sovereignty.
For many First Nations people, the Embassy embodies resilience, solidarity, and hope. It serves as a reminder that the fight for justice is far from over and that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will not be silenced.
Reflection: The True Meaning of January 26
For many Australians, January 26 has been framed as a day of national pride and unity. However, the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples tell a different story. For them, it is a day of mourning—a reminder of the invasion, violence, and dispossession that began in 1788 and continues to have profound effects today.
The historical events of 1938 and 1972 underscore the resilience and strength of First Nations peoples in the face of systemic injustice. They challenge all Australians to consider the true history of this country and the ongoing struggles for equality and recognition.
Taking Action: A Shared Responsibility
Reflecting on these pivotal moments is not enough; meaningful action is essential. As individuals and as a nation, we must listen, learn, and support the ongoing fight for justice and equity. Here are some ways to take action:
1. Acknowledge the Past
Understanding the history of January 26 is a vital first step. Recognise that it is a day of mourning for many, even dubbed as Survival Day, and respect the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
2. Advocate for Change
Support initiatives that promote Indigenous rights, such as advocating for a change to the date of Australia Day to a time that fosters inclusivity and unity.
3. Educate Yourself and Others
Learn about the history and cultures of First Nations peoples. Share this knowledge with friends and family to build awareness and understanding. Cultural Awareness is fundamental to being able to show respect and be more inclusive.
4. Participate in Practical Reconciliation Efforts
Engage in activities that promote reconciliation, such as attending events organised by local Indigenous communities or supporting Reconciliation Action Plans in your workplace or school. Have a look at the book Practical Reconciliation to get more inspirations.
Join Us: Become an Ally to First Nations Peoples
As we reflect on the significance of January 26, we invite you to take a meaningful step forward in your journey of understanding and allyship. Evolve Communities is hosting a webinar on January 23, presented by Aboriginal Elder Aunty Munya Andrews and her ally, Carla Rogers.
This engaging session will explore why January 26 remains such a contentious date in Australia, presenting the facts and perspectives in a non-judgemental, no shame, and no blame way. Aunty Munya and Carla will guide you through the history, including the fact that January 26 has only been celebrated as Australia Day since 1994—less than 30 years ago.
More importantly, they will provide practical tips on how to stand as allies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You’ll learn actionable steps to support First Nations communities, challenge systemic inequalities, and engage in meaningful reconciliation efforts in your personal and professional life.
This is an opportunity to honour the resilience and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, gain a deeper understanding of our shared history, and be part of the movement toward a more inclusive and just Australia.
Register now to join us on January 23 and start your journey towards allyship. Together, we can make a real difference.
Click here to register for the webinar
PS: if you missed it, contact us to discuss how you can access the content.
Show Up All Year
Achieving Reconciliation requires Allies like you to show up all year, not just at NRW. That’s why we created our Yarning Circle Membership. Join Aunty Munya and Carla every other month for a live and interactive webinar, watch webinar playbacks on-demand, and access bonus resources.
