1. The WugulOra Indigenous Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve
Indigenous history and traditional custodians will be recognised in the morning at The WugolOra Ceremony. WugolOra meaning 'One Mob' in Gadigal language, will begin at 7:30 am with a smoking ceremony by the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe, winners of the 2016 National Aboriginal Dance Rites contest.
A smoking ceremony is an ancient Aboriginal custom during which native plants are burnt to create smoke believed to have the power to cleanse and ward off bad spirits. After this there will be a dance performance by NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company, followed by the KARI Choir singing the National Anthem in Dharawal and English.
2. Invasion Day rally
Rallies will be held in major cities across Australia this invasion day. Taking part in an Invasion Day rally is a great opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Indigenous community and educate yourself on what this day represents for them.
The Sydney Invasion Day Rally is being organised by a new coalition of activists called Fighting In Resistance Equally who believe that national recognition of the Aboriginal genocide which occurred in 1788, is a crucial step forward to addressing widespread issues of oppression in Australia. The march will begin at 11am at The Block on the corner of Caroline and Louis Sts in Redfern.
The Melbourne Invasion Day Rally calls on sovereign people and supporters to meet at 11am at Parliament House on Spring street and march into the CBD.
The Brisbane Invasion Day Rally will begin with speeches at Brisbane Parliament House at 11am and will be followed by an open art competition and live music in Musgrave Park.
3. The Yabun Festival at Victoria Park, Sydney
The Yabun Festival is a celebration of Indigenous culture. An all-inclusive, community event, the festival has speeches, live music, dance and art. The Yabun festival is held annually and organised by the Gadigal Information Service Aboriginal Corporation, and is heralded as one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous peoples in Australia. There will be a smoking ceremony and a keynote address by Linda Burney.
4. The Saltwater Freshwater Festival at Coffs Harbour
The Saltwater Freshwater Festival is a festival of Indigenous history and culture, with a welcome to country led by Gumbaynggirr Elders followed by live music, Indigenous dance presentations, market stalls, cultural workshops and great food. The festival takes place at The Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens.
5. Educate yourself
If nothing else, this public holiday is a great opportunity to kick back at home and read up on Indigenous history and culture. There is a wealth of information available online about the lasting impact of colonialism on Australia's indigenous people and the continued oppression and destruction of their culture which has occurred since. Creative spirits is an online library of information, including resources on Aboriginal culture and history for adults and children. Australians together is a social movement dedicated to creating better relations between Indigenous Australians and the rest of the community, with specific resources about Australia Day.