We’re just a few days away from January 26th, otherwise known as Survival Day. That notorious date signals the beginning of the colonisation and genocide of Australia.
It’s a difficult day for First Nations peoples, a time of mourning but also a time to commemorate and celebrate the resilience and survival of Indigenous culture and identity.
Ahead of this Survival Day and to acknowledge the true meaning of January 26th, we’ve compiled a list of the First Nations-led events taking place around so-called Australia.
Scott Darlow & Chasing Ghosts
Hotel Esplanade, St Kilda, VIC
Aboriginal-led punk rockers Chasing Ghosts are joining with Yorta Yorta singer-songwriter Darlow for a huge co-headline concert. They’ll also be supported by special guest First Nations artist KIAH, and it’s all taking place at St Kilda’s most iconic venue.
“January 26 is a day to learn, heal and draw strength together as a Blak community with our allies, and to celebrate the fact that we are the oldest surviving continuous culture on the planet. I’d love to spend Survival Day 2022 at the Espy with all our mob and our allies, healing, learning and celebrating our culture and our survival!” Darlow said about the concert.
Share the Spirit Festival
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, VIC
Created by Songlines Aboriginal Music back in 2003, this community-led festival celebrates the survival of First Nations people in Australia annually on January 26th. This year boasts a strong lineup, featuring acclaimed Torres Strait Islander singer Christine Anu, alternative rocker Dan Sultan, Uncle Kutcha Edwards, and Bumpy. There’s also a hip hop showcase taking place, as well as the return of the event’s market stalls after a year without them due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And best of all, it’s completely free and non-ticketed!
Our Survival Day
The Briars, Mount Martha, VIC
Our Survival Day, a 100% Aboriginal-owned and women-led organisation, run this event celebrating Indigenous culture. This year’s theme is Reconnection: to mob, to ceremony, to song, to dance, to earth, to community, to culture. The all-First Nations lineup consists of didgeridoo player Ganga Girl, Aboriginal hip hop artist Miss Hood, Chasing Ghosts, and Caution. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees, it’s completely free, and for anyone else a ticket costs just $38.
Yabun Festival
Victoria Park, Sydney, NSW
It’s a big year for the iconic Yabun Festival – 2022 marks its 20th year of celebrating the survival of Aboriginal cultures and identity. With many perhaps struggling to attend this year due to COVID-19, a livestream will handily be available, while people can also listen to the event on Koori Radio 93.7FM. There will be live music and cultural performances, as well as children’s activities and panel discussions.
Day of Mourning March
Town Hall, Sydney, NSW
Starting at 10:30am, the silent march will begin at Town Hall before ending up at Yabun Festival in Victoria Park a few hours later. The route retraces the sets of the 1938 Day of Mourning. Marchers will be able to hear from families and campaigners who fight injustice everyday.
Survival Day 2022
Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA
This event will mark the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Assembly. After the opening ceremony at 12:30pm, a march will take place at 1pm, with speeches and performances following at 1:30pm. The COVID-safe event will feature a great mix of vital speakers and fun performers.
Birak Concert
Supreme Court Gardens, Perth, WA
A whole host of wonderful Western Australian artists fill this year’s lineup, including Lilly Gogos, Pipeline Band, and many more. Alongside the live music will be community stalls, while the Perth Heat will be there to entertain sports fans. Entry is free and the event runs from 3pm until 7:30pm.
Survival Day 2022
Townsville, QLD
Big Eye Theatre, a non-profit community organisation supporting and promoting Indigenous-led theatre, are hosting Townsville’s Survival Day event. The celebration and commemoration of First Nations peoples will feature dance performances, arts and crafts workshops, and live music. It will also be live-streamed for those who can’t make it.
