Jan 26 - Not A Date To Celebrate

Kinaway has developed a resource pack designed to educate and inspire.

We encourage corporates to share this internally within their organisations as an educational tool and a tangible resource. It enables teams to deepen their understanding of the significance of Invasion Day (Survival Day) on January 26, a day that commemorates those lost due to invasion, recognises the ongoing struggles to protect Country, and celebrates First Nations resilience.

By engaging with this resource, your team can meaningfully contribute to supporting Indigenous communities and their stories across the Indigenous calendar.

What is Survival Day?

For First Nations people, it is a day of survival and remembrance—a poignant reminder of the ongoing colonial violence that continues to impact this country. The discussions and debates surrounding January 26 reveal a lack of understanding, awareness, and empathy within Australia.

Invasion Day, also known as Survival Day, is observed annually on January 26—coinciding with Australia Day, which many Australians celebrate. This day honors those who lost their lives due to invasion, acknowledges the struggles of our ancestors to protect Country, and celebrates our resilience. Despite colonisation and its traumatic effects, First Nations people have endured and survived.

The 1938 Day of Mourning marked the start of annual marches, protests, and celebrations of Indigenous culture, history, and resilience. Across the country, especially in major cities, thousands from diverse communities gather to march through the streets. These marches are often followed by community gatherings with music, food, and festivities, emphasising unity and remembrance.