All articles tagged with #invasion day
Thousands marked Australia Day with Indigenous-led “Invasion Day” rallies calling for unity, land rights and accountability for police matters, while separate anti-immigration protests drew hundreds; Prime Minister Albanese urged unity as the nation debates the date amid high immigration and cost-of-living pressures, with public opinion split on keeping the traditional date.
Thousands of people in Australia marked the national day with "Invasion Day" rallies in support of the Indigenous community, calling for the dropping or moving of Australia Day celebrations, which commemorates the establishment of a British penal colony. Many Indigenous Australians reject the holiday as it marks the start of injustices suffered since European colonization. Similar rallies took place in various state capitals, with protesters advocating for a more appropriate day to celebrate the nation. Despite calls to change the date, the governing Labor Party has ruled out such a move, while two statues of colonial figures were vandalized in Melbourne ahead of the holiday.
Across Australia, Invasion Day protests took place with various ceremonies, performances, and rallies to mark the day with reflection and activism. From smoking ceremonies at Bondi Beach to the Muggera dancers at Barangaroo Reserve in Sydney, and a smoking ceremony at Alfred Square in Melbourne, indigenous culture and history were celebrated and remembered. Demonstrators also gathered at Parliament House in Melbourne and Canberra to rally against Invasion Day, while the Sydney Opera House was illuminated with artwork by an Aboriginal digital artist to honor Aboriginal history and people.