Australia Day: A Tale of Two Stories

Australia Day, known by the Aboriginal community as 'Invasion Day,' or 'Survival Day,' has a very rich history. For some, it is a day full of celebration, but for others, Australia Day serves as a reminder for the day an entire people group started their journey off of the map. 

Upon arriving to Australia, many of our expectations were soon fulfilled - amazing scenery, beautiful weather, strong coffee, and breathtaking beaches everywhere. Sydney greeted us with diversity, artwork, culture, and opportunity like none of us East Tennesseans had ever seen.

I believe that the reality of living in Australia has not quite set in yet. We live ten minutes from on of the world's most famous skylines and attend a university that looks like it is straight out of a movie scene. This country has already taken a piece of our hearts and we have only been here one week...no wonder why native Aussies celebrate Australia Day with all of their heart and soul.

For 97% of the population, this once-penal colony has been their home for generations, and the crowds give their country the recognition it deserves...for a whole day, a nation laughs, parties, and makes memories to last a lifetime (or at least until the next 'Stralia Day).

January 26th, 1788 is the day the First Fleet arrived to New South Wales, and uneasy relations with the Aboriginal community began almost immediately. Due to the British 'invasion' of Australia, the previous one million aboriginal peoples has dwindled down to a mere three percent of the country's population. Modern Australians who identify as Aboriginal seldom have plans to celebrate Australia Day. Instead, they celebrate the Aboriginal culture that is left today.

In Sydney,  we walk past people of Aboriginal decent every day, whether on their way to work or performing in Circular Quay.

Australia truly is a country worth great recognition and celebration. Our journey here has just begun and I am already dreading the day we have to leave (thank goodness it is still three months away). The strength of the Aboriginal nations has held true despite efforts to completely remove them, and 'Survival Day' will always remind me of their roots. With Australia Day approaching quickly, I choose to celebrate the Nation that is and the peoples whose rich culture influenced its development along the way.