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Two people, Josie and Alec, smiling, posing outdoors.
Josie Alec
First Nations Lead, ACF

By Teila Watson and Josie Alec

Around the country people mark January 26 in different ways. For First Nations people this date marks the start of the destruction of the world we knew and nurtured for 60,000 years. It is a reminder of suffering and colonisation that is unjust, often violent, and continues to this day. Australia is the only former British colony who celebrates its national day on the anniversary that colonisation commenced in that country.

We’re asking you to take this day as an opportunity to remember this nation’s history, acknowledge the stolen land you’re on and show respect for the First Nations people who nurtured Country and nature for thousands of years.

Image of text "RESPECT COUNTRY RESPECT PEOPLE" in white on a dark background.

When we consider the natural places we love, we cannot separate these places from the First Nations people who have nurtured, maintained and sustained these landscapes. As Australia’s national environment organisation, ACF understands that to confront the urgent climate and nature crises, we have much to learn from the nation’s original, enduring custodians.

Through healing social relationships, we may together learn to heal this beautiful Country that all of us in the ACF community love.

Here are just a few ways you can learn, share and show respect on January 26 and beyond.

Show up to a rally or gathering

A powerful way to mark the date is to join a rally or gathering. Stand with First Nations people as we follow in the footsteps of our ancestors – drawing attention to the disadvantages we face today and the need for self-determination, and for our sovereignty to be acknowledged and respected.

Some of the key events are listed below and you can find a full, comprehensive list of events around the country here.

Queensland

New South Wales

Australian Capital Territory

Victoria

Western Australia

South Australia

Tasmania

Northern Territory

Speak truth to power about the importance of nature and climate

First Nations Peoples have a deep and lasting connection to Country and have cared for, shaped and managed land and sea for millennia.

Habitat destruction, climate-wrecking coal and gas and dangerous nuclear all threaten Country. Guided by the oldest cultures on Earth, we can safeguard the places, plants and animals we love, reduce our climate impact and keep people and nature healthy. 

We urge you to use your voice to speak up for Country and people. To make the effort to learn and combat the rampant disinformation that is spreading hateful rhetoric through politics and media. Together, we can stand in solidarity, speak up for change, and see a future where nature and people are shown the respect they deserve.

Learn more about our shared history

We recognise that everyone is on their own journeys, learning about this nation’s history, First Nations’ resistance and survival.

We’ve compiled a list of helpful resources and stories for you to absorb and share.

  • Heart of Country: a short film weaving together the stories and songlines of this ancient continent, and the first to protect it from damage caused by fossil fuel and nuclear industries.

  • First Inventors: A short television series exploring the innovative creations that enabled First Nations people to thrive, ranging from transforming volcanic terrains into fish farms to mastering the art of harnessing dangerous fire for survival.

  • Voices of the River: an award-winning 10-part documentary series showcasing the inspiring and powerful words from Traditional Owners along the Martuwarra Fitzroy River and their fight to protect it from large-scale water extraction.

  • The Australian Wars A three-part series that explores the bloody battles fought on Australian soil and the war that established the Australian nation.

  • Australia's Torres Strait islands: Swallowed by the sea (First Nations Front-line episode 2): Half-hour episode following the Torres Strait Island people’s campaign to protect their island home, featuring Our Islands Our Home activist and artist Yessie Mosby.

  • Find your next favourite book from Australia’s leading Indigenous publishing house Magabala Books.

However you choose to spend 26 January, we thank you for your solidarity.