Wishing somebody a ‘Happy Australia Day ‘ could be determined as offensive, according to advocates in the indigenous community
- ‘Happy Australia Day’ called politically incorrect in light of dark history
Wishing someone “Happy Australia Day” could be considered offensive, according to Indigenous advocates.
Cado Muir, a leading advocate for Aboriginal culture, heritage and awareness, called the phrase an “ignorant gesture”.
“This issue is extremely divisive and sensitive for all Australians,” Mr Muir told News LTD in 2019.
“I know White Australia is guilty and fragile. I know Black Australia is broken and angry.”
Leading Aboriginal culture, heritage and awareness advocate Cado Muir (pictured) has branded the phrase “Happy Australia Day” an “ignorant gesture”.
Leading Aboriginal campaigner Cherie Toka (pictured) said many people were replacing the term “Australia Day” with “Survival Day”.
He called on Australians to rise above the “basic destructive emotions” in the debate and instead shift attention to the aspects that bring the country together.
Leading Aboriginal campaigner Cheri Toka said many people had replaced the term “Australia Day” with “Survival Day”.
She said National Day of Remembrance on January 26 was a sad day for Indigenous people.
January 26 marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove in 1788, carrying mostly British prisoners and soldiers.
For many Indigenous Australians, whose ancestry on the continent stretches back 50,000 years, this is “Invasion Day”, the beginning of British colonization of Aboriginal lands and their brutal enslavement.
“Celebrating Australia Day on January 26 is offensive,” said Joe Williams, a psychiatrist and former professional rugby league player.
The movement to change the date has intensified in recent years, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets of capital cities over the holidays to support Indigenous Australians.
The 28-year-old insists the Aboriginal flag will be flown on Sydney Harbor Bridge all year round (Ms Toka pictured)
Thousands of Australians are expected to protest against the national holiday as Australia Day celebrations begin today.