- Cheek
A guide to 26 January
Updated: Jan 28
Cheek Media Co. acknowledges the genocide and torture inflicted upon Indigenous Australians when settlers first hit the shores of what we now call Australia. Australia Day is a reminder of the mass murder of First Nations People and should not be cause for celebration. We know there is much to do for sovereignty to be ceded, and changing the date of Australia Day is one small and necessary step in acknowledging the true Australian history.
Learn
A significant reason for huge divides in the nation is a lack of education on Indigenous history, the genocides, and Australia's origins. Below are our top resources for learning about why reconciliation is important, and why so many people are pushing to change the date of Australia Day.
Wingaru Education
Wingaru is a unique organisation offering Aboriginal education for all Australians. There are resources for teachers and childcare workers, and programs available for adults and workplaces.
The Uluru Statement
The Uluru Statement rallying for a voice to parliament to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say in law and policy affecting them. Enshrined in the constitution, it would become an institution of lasting significance for First Nations and all Australians.
They have heaps of webinars coming up, with the first one scheduled for 27 January! You can attend for free by signing up here.
Support and donate
Support Indigenous causes by donating to organisations or buying from businesses owned by First Nations people.
First Peoples Disability Network Australia
First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) is a national organisation of and for Australia's First Peoples with Disability, their families and communities. First Nations people are 2.1 times more likely to be living with a disability than other Australians, and in many ways, the health system is not set up to be inclusive or optimal for Indigenous Australians. You can sign up for updates here, and donate here.
Reconciliation Australia
Reconciliation Australia promotes and facilitates respect, trust and positive relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Their purpose is to inspire and enable all Australians to contribute to the reconciliation of the nation, and their vision is for a just, equitable and reconciled Australia. You can donate here.
Blak Business
Black Business is a hub of information, resources, news, and ways to get involved with Indigenous causes. It's a must-follow on Instagram if you're looking to learn more about Indigenous history and get involved with causes through donating, supporting, and showing up. You can also donate to Blak Business itself here.
Activate
Often, the best thing you can do is show up. There is a lot to be said for all kinds of activism and donating is important, but signing up, and showing up shows our governmental bodies that we care about Indigenous rights and issues. There's power in numbers.
Find your local rally
The Guardian published this list of Invasion Day rallies in capital cities. Please ensure you follow the guidelines laid out by organisers and comply with COVID restrictions in your area.
Sign up
Join the Greens First Nations campaign, Treaty, Healing, Justice & Truth here.
Write a letter
Write a letter to your federal MP, you can find their details here. If you have internet access (which you do if you're reading this), access to an email address, at two minutes, you can write a letter to your MP. Access this template to send a letter in minutes, or write your own.
COVID-19 resources
NACCHO
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is the national leadership body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Australia. Our organisation provides advice and guidance to the Australian Government on policy and budget matters while advocating for community-developed health solutions that contribute to the quality of life and improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This is not an exhaustive list of resources, as there are so many great causes! For an excellent directory for more ways to support, learn, and donate, visit pathtoequality.com.au.