Hi all,

I just want to share an email I received from Amnesty International this week.

"January 26 is fast approaching. Together, hundreds of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander folk and non-Indigenous allies will march in solidarity across the country, standing firm with the message that January 26 is not a date to celebrate. Will you join us?

"This year, post-referendum and in the lead up to a Federal election, we have seen a frightening uptick in the amount of racism that First Nations communities are experiencing – so we want to make sure that there is a huge groundswell of support from both allies and First Nations activists within our people-powered movement!

"I really hope you will join us this January 26. If you would like more information about attending a rally, our team has put together this Invasion Day Activism Toolkit with all the information you need to stand in solidarity this weekend; your local rallies and events, how to join an Amnesty contingent, why we march, some resources to watch, read, share, wear and listen, social media tiles to share and printable posters.

"For many First Nations Peoples, January 26 is a day of mourning. It recalls the injustice that First Nations Peoples have experienced since the start of colonisation. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing trauma and injustices that they still face today – from disproportionate rates of incarceration and deaths in custody, to vast health inequities, and the continual desecration of sacred sites. Celebrating on this day overlooks these painful realities and the resilience of First Nations peoples in the face of ongoing colonisation. Celebrating on this day fails to recognise more than 65,000 years of ongoing survival of the oldest living culture in the world.

"As Uncle Rodney says, 6.2 million Australians voted yes in the Referendum, and we need as many of our allies and activists as possible to walk with us in solidarity on January 26, to show our decision makers that this is not a date to celebrate. With you by our side, we'll continue the fight for Indigenous Rights and better outcomes for First Nations communities. Thank you for your ongoing support of Amnesty and standing up against injustice."

And to make this also a music thread here are some songs to sing by First Nations and other performers:

AU Sign in                                                                                                       Yothu Yindi - Treaty

Archie Roach - Took The Children Away

Goanna - Solid Rock