Thread by @paulwpaton

To me, a proud Gunnai and Monaro man, Jan 26 is a day that has always been filled with mixed emotions. As the rain cleansed the beginning of the day, I joined Elders, community leaders and the public for a dawn service #truthtelling #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe 🧵

At the dawn service, we reflected on the many injustices, the systemic failing to properly educate this nation about it’s true history, and a calling out of the massacres of Aboriginal people across Victoria #truthtelling

Today, I’m thinking of the people of the Eora Nation, who’s land was invaded on this day in 1788. I’m also thinking of my own Elders and Ancestors - and those right across this beautiful continent - who’s Culture, Country & way of life was shamefully disrupted from that day forth

I’m also thinking of how deadly, strong & proud we’ve been, continuing to maintain our connections to Country & Culture, still standing here today asserting our rights & celebrating our rich & diverse cultures. I'm honoured to carry the stories & the dreaming of my people forward

I saw a poll this week which showed that 57% of Australians don’t know what Jan 26 commemorates. So, to many, ignorance is bliss. But each year more people are learning about our true history & thinking more deeply about how our society grapples & reconciles with these injustices

Change is coming. People are yearning for a more inclusive & appropriate day to celebrate. And governments are starting to understand the principles of self-determination. Power is hard for governments to hand back to those from whom it was stolen, but it's the only way forward.

I & @FVTOC stand ready to work with allies & those in power, to tell the truth, to find justice and to build a society where everyone's proud of the world’s oldest living cultures, & where control of our lands & waters is returned to its rightful custodians #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe