- ‘Happy Australia Day’ is considered politically incorrect in light of its dark history
Wishing someone a ‘Happy Australia Day’ could be seen as insulting, according to Indigenous community advocates.
Kado Muir, a leading advocate for Aboriginal culture, heritage and consciousness, said the phrase was an “ignorant gesture”.
“This issue is extremely divisive and sensitive for all Australians,” Mr Muir told News LTD in 2019.
“I know White Australia is guilty and vulnerable. I know Black Australia is broken and angry.”
Leading advocate for Aboriginal culture, heritage and awareness Kado Muir (pictured) said the phrase ‘Happy Australia Day’ was an ‘ignorant gesture’
Prominent Aboriginal campaigner Cheree Toka (pictured) said many people were swapping the term ‘Australia Day’ for ‘Survival Day’
He called on Australians to rise above the “basic destructive emotions” in the debate and instead shift the focus to the aspects that unite the country.
Leading Aboriginal campaigner Cheree Toka said many people were swapping the term ‘Australia Day’ for ‘Survival Day’.
She said National Day of Remembrance on January 26 was a sad day for First Nations people.
January 26 marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the ‘First Fleet’ at Sydney Cove, which carried mainly convicts and troops from Britain.
For many Indigenous Australians, who trace their ancestry on the continent back 50,000 years, it is ‘Invasion Day’, the start of the British colonization of Aboriginal lands and their brutal subjugation.
“Celebrating Australia Day on January 26 is insulting,” said Joe Williams, a mental health professional and former professional rugby league player.
The 28-year-old pushes for the Aboriginal flag to be flown atop the Sydney Harbor Bridge all year round (pictured, Ms Toka)
Thousands of Australians are expected to protest the national holiday as Australia Day celebrations kick off today