Where are you at? Change the Date, Abolish the Date, Rename and Reframe the Date
‘Change The Date’, ‘Abolish The Date’ and ‘Rename and Reframe The Date’ are conversations we’re hearing in Community in response to the Jan 26 ‘Australia Day’ public holiday.
So, what's it all about and where are you at?
Those who support ‘Change The Date’ argue that Jan 26 is an inappropriate day to hold national celebrations.
It recognises that the history of Jan 26 is painful for First Nations’ people, and marks the beginning of genocide and invasion.
Change the Date advocates that 'Australia Day' should be for ‘all Australians’ and if we Change The Date, we can create an inclusive national holiday for all people in this country.
“It’s simple. Let’s keep Australia Day and move the date to one that unites us.” - Amnesty Australia
Photo: Brands represented Koolang Moothang and The Minority Co.
Those who support ‘Abolish Australia Day’ advocate that changing the date only seeks to entrench Australian nationalism and that changing the date without the achievement of social justice and treaty only moves the celebration of unfinished business to another date.
First Nations people still face high rates of child removal, incarceration, deaths in custody, economic exclusion, alongside lower life expectancy, health and education outcomes.
Some Abolish Australia Day merch brands include: Arkie The Label, Take Pride Movement and Haus of Dizzy
Support for ‘Rename and Reframe The Date’ has evolved from the lack of political appetite and ignorance of the increasing public outcry to change the date of Australia Day or abolish Australia Day.
In the absence of Government action, supporters believe renaming 'Australia Day' by referring to it as ‘Invasion Day’, ‘Survival Day’ or ‘A Day of Mourning’ centres First Nations people, acknowledging the ongoing pain and trauma of colonisation.
Already, we are seeing a public shift with sporting codes, businesses and local councils no longer recognising Jan 26 as Australia Day, nor a date to celebrate. #NotADateToCelebrate.
Changing the name of Australia Day allows us to reframe what Jan 26 represents to First Nations people and reclaim and decolonise the way we spend this national public holiday, whilst educating wider Australia about this Country’s true violent past and standing in solidarity with First Nations people.
Photo: Brands Clothing The Gaps, Nardurna and The Minority Co.
Clothing The Gaps Instagram Polls (Jan 12, 2022)
We asked the question: Where do your views align?
Change The Date, Abolish Australia Day, Rename and Reframe The Date or none of the above.
Over 500 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people voted in the IG poll.
We asked the question: What do you call Australia Day?
Jan 26, Invasion Day, Survival Day or a Day of Mourning.
We created two polls for our Mob and non-Indigenous audience. There were approx. 600 votes in out Mob poll and around 2000 votes in our ally friendly poll.
Keep digging. Keep Learning.
Listen and Watch
- Change Australia Day to May 8, Maaaaate
- You Can’t Ask That: Indigenous Australian’s (ABC iView)
Read
- Should We Change the date of Australia Day?
- Why I no longer support #changethedate: Luke Pearson (Gamilaroi)- InidgenousX
- 8 things to know about Jan 26 Taneshia Atkinson (Yorta Yorta)
Thank you. I have long held the belief that January 26th is not a day to celebrate. In fact for some of my life ‘Australia Day’ wasn’t even on the 26th to begin with and it’s only as an adult that this has been the narrative by mostly white Australia. However despite all that I still struggle with the correct way to frame these issues, how to explain it to others, how to not offend others with this, and also should I even be worried about offending other white people who believe in the patriotism of celebrating January 26th. It is especially difficult when many of our acknowledgements of service and community contribution are celebrated on this day, including citizenship ceremonies. I came here seeking answers and education and while I got a better insight I feel an answer to this is still further away. I hope we soon have a treaty, it’s been long talked about and I am strong supporter and ally advocate for that. I was once a ‘Change the date’ believer and while possibly that could eventually work, I don’t think abolishing it will ever happen but I do believe that we will get further with a rename and reframe. In the mean time I will keep educating and re-educating myself by letting First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait people lead the way for how they envision authentic reconciliation and progress to created a united country.
Yes I’m with you all Australia’s first people.
Change the date. Let’s all get together and celebrate a real Australia. United and everyone cared for. First Nations people honored.
Hi everyone, as a white Australian I fully support us having a day that we can celebrate country together with peace and hope and pride. Until Australia’s first nation people are okay with that, then its up to the rest of us to work towards that. There needs to be a lot more listening to the elders and wise first nations mob. And for the white ones to hear and help when and where invited to. there’s no joy when half of Australia is in mourning.
Leave a comment