Thousands of citizens demonstrate in Australia against “Invasion Day”, the national holiday of the oceanic country that is celebrated every January 26 to commemorate the arrival of the first fleet of British convicts in 1788, which marked the beginning of the colonial period on that continent.
Many of the people who march against the government are descendants of the indigenous tribes. Well, they indicated that “you have to stop lying.” “The biggest lie of all is ‘the Day of Australia‘. We have to find a more inclusive date to be able to tell the truth about our own country and thus show respect to all the survivors of the border war”, renowned anthropologist Marcia Langton, who is part of the Yiman and Bidjara tribes, told The Guardian.
This day has been in place since the 19th century, but it was not until 1994 when they made it a national holiday, a point at which more and more indigenous voices began to criticize the measure. In recent years, the movement to change the date of “Day of Australia” gains more support, with 26% of citizens in favor of the decision, a considerable increase compared to 20% in 2022 and 15% in 2019.
Australia It is a country with a complicated history linked to imperialism and colonialism. Historically it was part of the British Empire and, even today, together with Canada and other territories that were English colonies, it is part of the “commonwealth of nations”, although After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, debate began in the ocean nation if it is still worth being part of this group.
Some people, closer to conservative circles, also defend this controversial day by accusing that it is a celebration of the cultural mix between the natives and the British. “We don’t have to be ashamed of how we are and who we are. We should be proud and not tear down one part of our history to enhance the other,” said Peter Dutton, leader of the opposition.
Change in Congress
These marches that are beginning to grow throughout the continent come hand in hand with a change that was proposed in Congress to create a “native voice” in parliament, which would be made up of 24 members of the different Australian tribes, who would give their insight into the laws.
Although this group would have no real political weight, since they will not have a vote to influence laws, Congress should always consult them on issues before choosing. The referendum on adding it would start later.
