Australia Day
January 26, 1788 marks the first arrival of British ships at New South Wales, and the raising of the Great Britain flag. While many choose to celebrate the diverse society and landscape of the nation, others prefer to call this Invasion Day, because of the many Indigenous lives lost.
A recent poll showed 49% of Australians believe the date should be changed.
Australia gained independence on January 1, 1901 so that's a frontrunner. Prior to the 26th being made official, many Australians celebrated Anzac Day, a day of remembrance for soldiers, as their national holiday. Gaining support is May 8, because "mate."
A quick news search shows the many protests going on, the marches for Indigenous recognition.
"Always was, always will be Aboriginal land."
It wasn't until May 27, 1967 that Aboriginals were granted Constitutional rights.
There are two groups: Aboriginal peoples, related to those who already inhabited Australia when Britain colonized the island - and Torres Straight Islanders, who descend from residents of the islands, part of modern-day Queensland.
A genetic study in 2017 showed that all Aboriginal people were related to a common ancestor from a population on the mainland 50,000 years ago. It is believed that they are the oldest population of humans living outside of Africa.
And speaking of the landscape, there is recovery following the disastrous bushfires from last year.
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