January 26th is not a day to celebrate, it is a day of great mourning for the First Nations people who lived on the land for over 40,000 years before the invasion of their home

It is a day to respect those First Nations people in the face of the ongoing injustices in our country.

This Survival Day we aim to provide some resources where you can educate yourself on what this day means and further your knowledge of First Nations people. Scroll through this post to find out more.

MSA, MONSU Caulfield and MONSU Peninsula acknowledges and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging of the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and operate. This content was created in consultation with the organisations’ First Nations officers.

What’s Happening in Naarm (Melbourne)

Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) are holding a virtual event in place of the march due to the ongoing pandemic concerns. This event will begin at 8:15 am and will be streamed across multiple platforms.

The Victorian NAIDOC Committee will also be holding an Invasion Day Dawn Service that will be accessible online.

Knowing Your Land

By visiting your local council website, you can learn what land you live on and know which traditional owners to acknowledge on the land you inhabit.

Your council also may offer a mourning and reflection event on January 26th.

For example, the City of Port Phillip is live-streaming their We-akon Dilinja event this year to help reflect and mourn on January 26th presented in partnership with the Boon Wurrung Land and Sea Council.

Monash Resources

The William Cooper Institute “connects research, learning and engagement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples” at Monash University.

The Institute pages, which can be found on the Monash University webpage, provides many useful resources to educate yourself about the original inhabitants of the land you stand on today.

There is also a 20 minute Moodle course that provides introductory education about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their culture. There are also additional links to further your knowledge.

Find out More About January 26th and First Nations People

FOLLOW

@william.cooper.institute
@indigenous.msa
@wanyara.aus
@firstpeoplesvic
@vicnaidoc
@clothingthegaps
@clothingthegaps_foundation
@wildfirerhc
@seedmob

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WATCH

“You Can’t Ask That” Indigenous, ABC iView (season one, episode 8)
“Mabo (2021)”,  ABC iView
“Charlie’s Country”, SBS
“In My Blood It Runs (2019)”, ABC iView

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READ

“My Tidda, My Sister” by Marlee Silva
“Dark Emu” by Bruce Pascoe
“Living on Stolen Land” by Ambelin Kwaymullina
“Tell Me Why” by Archie Roach

Donate & Show Your Support

The following website includes a directory of different indigenous organisations and movements you can donate to.

If you aren’t in a position to donate funds, show your support by sharing content from the voices of First Nations people.