In January 2020 I heard myself say to an international friend “Avoid the city on the 26th, there’ll be big crowds for the change the date protest. Its bigger then the Australia day parade!”
I feel proud of the large numbers who show up each year to influence change. I was unsure what my friends’ thoughts and beliefs were on Indigenous Australian culture and history.
It turns out she was very aware of the real indigenous history in our country. And and the significance of the 26th January, marking the beginning of great sadness and trauma for indigenous people when colonization of our country began.
The change the date campaign asks for the Australia Day celebration to continue to be celebrated. But on a different date, to acknowledge the history and pain of the indigenous community.
There’s still a long way to go, but I’m glad how widespread the factual Australian history is today. Especially compared to my own Primary and Secondary education in the 80’s and 90’s.
Until the 2000’s the school curriculum completely skipped over the suffering of the Indigenous Australians. When referencing Captain Cooks arrival, true facts were ‘omitted’, providing students with a one sided education on the history of our country.
Indigenous Australian History
It wasn’t until my late teens I began to hear snippets of the real history. The massacres slavery, Stolen Generation and more. As I heard these stories through music, and older family members I slowly realised that there had been unimaginable details kept in the dark. And with that, a whole lot more still in secrecy from mainstream education and media.
As I learned about the awful history, the more empathy I had for Indigenous Australians. Many continue to struggle against racism, poverty and displacement, to name only a few repercussions.
A particular story which I found incredibly moving, was the recounting of the Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1942. The biggest single attack on Australia by foreign power.
The Indigenous people of Darwin didn’t know what was attacking them and used traditional weapons as their defense. This reveals the innocence and vulnerability of the culture and the easy targets they were when colonization began in 1788.
There are lots of inspiring Australian lessons and facts to be learnt from Indigenous Australian culture. Many of these have been overshadowed by political struggles and sadness.
If you are visiting the Northern Territory, there are tours of Arnhem land. You can learn from one of the largest indigenous reserves in Australia.
There are also many other Indigenous Australian culture experiences throughout Australia, to learn of indigenous culture and history.
Indigenous artists convey many cultural stories and facts reflected in their art, such as Dreamtime stories, paintings, ceremony, spirituality, innocence and connection to land. These past times enormously add to the complete Australian culture, encouraging empathy, connection and understanding.
If you are travelling in Australia, here are some tips to connect to Indigenous culture, including taking a tour, discovering indigenous music and art, continuing the conversation and listening to supportive media.
Take A Tour
One of the best Indigenous Australian culture tours I have ever taken was the Broome to Cape Laveque one day tour.
As our small group we travelled north, we stopped at communities and learned alot of information on the culture and history of the Indigenous people of north-western Australia. Our travel guide was very respectful of the indigenous communities and although he knew some of the locals, we gave the families space as we viewed the beautiful churches and incredible landscape.
Discover Indigenous Music and Art
Indigenous music and songs have grown significantly in the mainstream media over the years. The ABC, Triple J, and community radio have played a major part in this exposure and many musicians discuss their culture and stories in their songwriting and music.
Indigenous Art is of course very popular worldwide, and there are many free and ticketed art exhibitions throughout Australia showcasing the diverse and incredible talents of thousands of artists.
There are plenty of listings of Aboriginal Art in various states. This listing in Victoria provides the latest indigenous art exhibitions in Melbourne.
It goes without saying that its important to know you are buying the real thing, and the money goes to the artist! There are a lot of resources including this one, to ensure you are ethically buying authentic indigenous art.
Continue The Conversation
Change the secrecy that still holds back major progress, by commenting and continuing the conversation on changing the date of ‘Australia Day’ and Indigenous history in social and family groups. It can be difficult to have these political conversations, but more importantly not discussing these issues leads to further secrecy and denial.
Listen To Supportive Media
In 2017 Triple J Radio station changed their Hottest 100 broadcast to the Saturday prior to, or after the 26th January. They responded to survey results from hottest 100 listeners. As reported by SBS In 2017, ‘school teachers have more resources and support to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, but this is dependent on the energy and commitment of individual schools and teachers.
If you are keen to fully experience of Australian culture, consider taking part in a tour, or Indigenous Australian culture and activities, and keep the conversation going to encourage change and awareness for tomorrow.
Conclusion
If you are travelling in Australia and interested in indigenous Australian culture, you don’t need to search very far to begin to learn of the first nations of this land, and the true history. Sports personalities, artists, journalists, entertainers and more have all played a part in truthfully representing indigenous Australians, shedding light on racism and encouraging us all to stay connected to the land, and having empathy and understanding of each other.
By staying curious and learning the real history of Australia, you are sure to experience Australia with depth and have the trip of a lifetime.
