The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council have released a statement for January 26 Australia Day.
“Australia Day is complicated for many First Australians, and we have a long way to go before all Australians feel comfortable celebrating Australia Day on January 26, or indeed at all. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples feel that moving the date would be a starting point for creating a new dialogue and platform for Reconciliation.
“The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council is in agreement and advocates that Australia Day should be celebrated on May 27 – the day in 1967 that Australians voted overwhelmingly to amend the Constitution to allow the Commonwealth to make laws for Aboriginal people and include them in the Census. In any case, our national day provides an opportunity to come together (COVID permitting) and acknowledge the gifts that our Creator has bestowed upon us in this Great Southern Land.
“We propose an addition to the Australia Day 2022 theme – Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. Do. – bringing us closer to the 2022 NAIDOC theme of Getup! Stand up! Show up!
“Words are easy and limitless, but actions require time, effort and commitment. We ask that you make 2022 the year of ‘Do’”
The statement then offers suggestions for parishes, schools, organisations and individuals can take action this year and play our part in ensuring First Nations rights and self-determination.
“They include attending Mass at an Aboriginal and Islander Catholic Ministry, displaying acknowledgement plaques prominently in public places and supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart.’
To start your year “do” read the statement in full and plan your actions.
https://mailchi.mp/natsicc/australia-day-2022