As the sun rose on January 26th, a date many Indigenous Australians refer to as “Invasion Day,” a powerful Aboriginal artwork illuminated the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House. The light show, titled “River Life” by Indigenous artist James P Simon, marked 237 years since British colonization of the continent began.
The dawn projection was followed by traditional Aboriginal dances and ceremonies at Sydney’s Barangaroo Reserve, serving as a symbolic reminder of the resilience and endurance of the world’s oldest living culture in the face of centuries of dispossession and marginalization.
“To have it on an iconic part of the harbour representing the First Nations people, it’s right to do so,” said Yvonne Weldon, a City of Sydney councillor and Wiradjuri woman, of the Opera House display.
A Day of Mourning and Celebration
For many Indigenous Australians, January 26th is not a day of celebration but one of mourning – a reminder of the devastating impact European settlement had on Aboriginal communities through violence, disease, and the erosion of culture and language. However, it has also become an opportunity to honor the survival and contributions of First Nations peoples.
Across the country, Invasion Day rallies and marches emphasized resistance to ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities, while cultural events showcased the richness and diversity of Aboriginal arts, music, and traditions. The juxtaposition underscored the complexity of the date for Australia’s First Peoples.
Calls for Change Gaining Momentum
The growing prominence of Invasion Day events and acknowledgments in recent years reflects a broader push for reconciliation and recognition of Indigenous Australian rights and sovereignty. Many are now calling for the date of Australia’s national holiday to be changed out of respect for First Nations peoples.
While the Australian government has thus far resisted such calls, the public discourse around January 26th has undoubtedly shifted. Unprecedented numbers participated in Invasion Day marches in 2023, and more businesses and local governments are opting to work on the day and celebrate Australia at other times of the year.
Shining a Light on Enduring Indigenous Culture
Artistic displays like the Sydney Opera House projection play a vital role in enhancing the visibility of Indigenous perspectives on Australia Day and providing an outlet for Aboriginal voices to reach wider audiences. Such installations spark essential conversations about Australia’s history and the contemporary experiences of the continent’s First Peoples.
As artist James P Simon’s light show bathed the Opera House in Indigenous artwork, it served as a powerful metaphor – a symbolic reclaiming of space and a reminder that Aboriginal culture remains very much alive and central to Australia’s identity, despite the devastating impacts of colonization.
“The world’s oldest living culture is from here,” said Councillor Weldon. The Invasion Day projections and performances, she explained, aimed to “Celebrate our survival.”
While January 26th continues to evoke mixed emotions for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians alike, the growing recognition of Invasion Day and the centrality of Indigenous voices and arts in its commemoration suggests a society grappling with its colonial legacy and slowly shifting towards a more inclusive, respectful national narrative.
