What we did on January 26th

January 26 marks the anniversary of violence, separation and dispossession for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples throughout the nation.

It's not a date to celebrate. So, what can we do instead? We show up.

At work

For a lot of us, we show up to work. Here at Anglicare WA, since 2021 we have given the option for eligible workers to substitute their public holiday for an alternate date and we invite other workplaces to do the same. On the 26th, Anglicare WA workers from East Perth, Rockingham and the Pilbara came into the office to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's one way to provide the team a way to recognise the day in a manner that aligns with their values.

At rallies

This year tens of thousands of people gathered at Invasion Day rallies all across Australia to recognise the Day of Mourning and to call for action from the Australian government. We saw hundreds of people peacefully gather in Boorloo Perth's Forrest Place and march along the surrounding streets. In the aftermath of an explosive device being thrown into the gathering, this year's rally was a terrifying reminder of the ongoing trauma and prejudice that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples live with every day. Acts of racism and violence that endanger these rights to peacefully protest must be unequivocally condemned and dealt with.

In conversation

It's important now more than ever that we speak up, it is not helpful to remain silent on the path to reconciliation and justice. Don't shy away from having real conversations with the people around you, even if it can be confronting.

In writing

A petition is a request for action to be taken on a matter of community concern and is submitted to a governing body. Signing petitions or even writing your own letters to councils and members of parliament is a simple and accessible way to have your voice included.

• Sign Clothing the Gaps' Not a Date to Celebrate petition. 
• Sign Clothing the Gaps' petition to Create an Australian Long Weekend.
• Sign the petition to Close Unit 18 Now, because no child or young person should be held in a maximum security adult prison. 

Our community and our country have a lot of work to do, and these are just some of the small ways we can play our part in recognising the pain associated with this day.

How you can keep up the work beyond January 26 

Being a strong ally doesn't mean solely showing up on this Day of Mourning. It should be present in our actions and our words every day. If you're looking for more resources to better understand the history behind the date or to share with others, we've compiled a quality list of films, books, TV shows, podcasts and articles below.