From Reconciliation Australia’s “Australia Day for Indigenous Australians”

For many Indigenous Australians 26 January is an occasion to reflect on past loss and suffering.

There are also people in the wider community who share these mixed feelings about our national day and they are keen to acknowledge that Australia Day evokes a variety of emotions.

Today, organisers of Australia Day events are more mindful of Indigenous heritage and culture, and of the continuing problems faced in Indigenous communities.

Our national day is an important annual opportunity to recognise the honoured place of Indigenous Australians in our nation’s history, and to promote understanding, respect and reconciliation.

It is also a time for each Australian to think about our identity, the many aspects of Australian life that give us pride and areas where we have the opportunity to make the nation stronger for the future.

These reflections are individual and special to each Australian.

I’ve spent the day wearing my well-worn Coexistence t-shirt and thinking a lot about what being Australian means to me. I’ve really had enough of the fireworks and the triumphant ra-ra patriotism.

Our government is locking up refugees for years at a time. Locking up people for running away from oppression and murder.

Our government will not attempt reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.

Our government will not say sorry for past wrongs to the original inhabitants of Australia, who were pushed aside when Australia was occupied.

If we fix some of these things, then I’d find something to celebrate on Jan 26.