A List of Resources For Not Celebrating 26 January
- Words by Peppermint
above ARTWORK BY HOLLY MCLENNAN-BROWN OF KOORIE TALES
The 26th of January is a day commemorating formal incursion into Aboriginal lands by colonist invaders, that for some reason (racism, political inertia and racism) is classified as a public holiday in Australia. Only a nationally recognised public holiday since 1994, Aboriginal people have been marching on 26 January since 1938. So whether you call it Invasion Day, Survival Day, Day of Mourning or 26 January, we know you know this is not a date to celebrate.
But what should you do instead? We’ve pulled together a bunch of resources to help you answer that question. There are many ways to effectively and respectfully show support for First Nations communities and call for change. How will you get up, stand up and show up this year?
above 2021 INVASION DAY MARCH BY ALESHA CAROLINA VIA INSTAGRAM/CLOTHING THE GAPS
GO TO A PROTEST
For some, going to a protest on 26 January is as much a tradition as outdated ideas of backyard barbeques. Show up, be counted and lend your voice to support an Aboriginal-led event.
ANTaR publishes a listing of events happening nationwide on 26 January. You can look up what’s going on in your state or territory and then find more information on Google or social media.
If you want to wear your values marching, while also supporting First Nations businesses, here’s a non-exhaustive list of some brands and artists selling ally-friendly merch with meaning to wear year-round.
above CLOTHING THE GAPS’ NAARM STORE BY CATHERINE ELISE
GO TO WORK
While calls have rightfully changed from #ChangeTheDate to #AbolishTheDate as the nation pauses to reflect what it is the public holiday actually “celebrates”, a growing number of Australians are committing to going to work and not taking the public holiday.
Change It Ourselves is a group that supports employees and employers to swap public holiday benefits to a different day. Talk to your employer, check out how your workplace can get involved and be mindful that you are not also turning your mind away from the hard work that must be done on these Stolen Lands for reconciliation.
GET EDUCATED
Take the opportunity to educate yourself and listen to the words of Indigenous writers and thinkers on the problems of 26 January and First Nations history (or send them to those friends and family who may be a bit behind the times).
Anaiwan Writer Nick Harvey-Doyle on Why 26 January Can Never Represent a Day of Unity
Darumbal and South Sea Islander Amy McQuire on What to Tell Kids about Celebrating Invasion
Gamilaroi Man Luke Pearson: Why I No Longer Support #ChangeTheDate
Stan Grant: Racism and the Australian Dream
Take It Blak – Episode 1, January 26
A Short History of the Australian Indigenous Resistance 1950 – 1990
The Jajoo Warrngara: Culture Classroom
STAY EDUCATED
Of course, listening to First Nations peoples isn’t just for January, it’s forever. Keep up to date, no matter the date, by adding these voices to your follow list and acknowledging the diverse views of First Nations people across this continent.
STAY INVOLVED
As Nick Harvey-Doyle says, “For most allies, 26 January is a day to demonstrate active participation in a nationally significant issue. But for First Nations peoples, it is just one day out of a lifetime committed to advocacy.”
The best thing you can do on 26 January is commit to sustained support – being a First Nations ally all year round.
If you’ve got reparation dollars burning a hole in your pocket, you can always put your money where your morals are. Gomeroi woman Amy Thunig has created this excellent list of First Nations-owned businesses to buy from. For more large-scale business end partnerships, Supply Nation is Australia’s leading database of verified Indigenous businesses. And you can always contribute to the Pay The Rent Grassroots Collective.
You can support more targeted First Nations causes and campaigns, whether with your money, your voice or your time as a volunteer. Though it may not always seem like it, the power to change the status quo is in your hands.
You might also like
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Brighten up your inbox with our not-too-frequent emails featuring Peppermint-related news, events, competitions and more!
explore
More articles
Hang out with us on Instagram
Between 2000 to 2015, global clothing production doubled... while the duration of garment use decreased by 36%.
We are throwing away clothing at a faster rate than ever before. How can we tackle this problem?
✨️ WEAR
Be an outfit repeater - wear your items of clothing as long as possible. Learn to style your garments in various ways. Loved clothing lasts.
✨️ SHARE
If you really need to move it along, share the love with friends - hold a clothing exchange night! Or organise a timeshare with a friend where you swap a few favourite pieces of fashion. If you really can`t find a new home for it, then donate to an op shop or charity.
✨️ CARE
The care of your clothing – washing, drying and ironing – can account for approx 30% of a garment`s total carbon footprint. Hand wash, line dry, wash in cold water, and only wash when necessary.
✨️ REPAIR
Mending – and making – slows down fast fashion buying habits. Repairing used to be common practice, until disposable fashion took over. Extending the life of clothing by just nine months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20–30%. Fixing doesn`t need to just be utilitarian – get creative with visible mending!
*Fact from The United Nations Environment Programme
#PeppermintMagazine #WearShareCareRepair #SustainableFashion
Have you whipped up the Acacia A-Line Skirt yet? 🪡
Accessible to beginner and experienced sewists alike, its classic style makes this skirt a wardrobe staple and a pattern you can happily play on repeat. Curved front pockets and the fun exposed-zip detail at the centre back make this style pop! The Acacia is a blank canvas, awaiting inspiration – add contrast top stitching, trim the pockets with bias binding or even change the length. We’ve chosen the smooth, clean lines that come from facing the waist, with back darts to ensure a neat fit on the hip. *chef’s kiss*
This pattern was made with the support of the lovely folk at @WeftAndWarpFabrics 🫶🏼 The team at Weft and Warp graciously sent three sewists the fabric of their choice to whip up their own Acacia A-Line – the results are super sweet!
Head to our website to see the makes from @The.Sewcialite @HandmadeByCarolyn and @You_CanSew - link in bio!
#PeppermintAcaciaAlineSkirt #PeppermintPatterns #WeftAndWarpFabrics #MeMade
Polka dots for days…
We love this Tansey Top by @_Rubys_Threads_ - the ultimate simple but stylish top you need in your rotation now!
Pattern: #PeppermintTanseyTop
Fabric: Japanese cotton @RawFibre
#MeMade #PeppermintPatterns
How`s your long weekend going? Working hard on your PhD? 🪡✂️🧵
Image from JoellsLeatherWorks on @Etsy
#ProjectsHalfDone #SewingPile #ProjectPile
In case no-one has told you lately, Emma Giacalone says you`re a good egg. (And we happen to agree).
This incredible mini egg embroidered 3D artwork was created by @Emma_Giacalone_Textiles, a textile artist in Gloucestershire, UK.
"When we buy an item of clothing, a label is attached telling us how to look after it to keep it at its very best. My mission is to create little care instructions to help to remind us to lead our happiest life."
INGREDIENTS: Freehand machine embroidered onto 100% cotton, using Egyptian cotton thread, and wool felt backing.
#EasterArt #GoodEgg #TextileArt
No ordinary wrap dress! 💃
Wrap dress wardrobe malfunction? Not with the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress pattern! We designed the Waratah to make sure this never happens.
Enjoy a few BTS videos from this super fun shoot. Maybe some inspo for Easter weekend sewing?
MODELS/SEWISTS: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress @Tricky.Pockets @Laura_The_Maker
Head to the link in bio for the #PeppermintWaratahWrapDress 🪡
#PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress
