Ways to support First Nations communities beyond January 26
January 26 can be a day of reflection, resistance, support and solidarity for First Nations communities. On this day, you would have seen rallies and events all over the country showing solidarity and support for First Nations communities and their continuous fight for rights — what is often an arduous journey to fight alone. But the fight shouldn’t stop here! While January 26 is definitely the day to show your support, it shouldn’t be the only day. The onus should be on us, and everyone else to support Indigenous voices all year round.
Here are a few ways to show your support to First Nations communities beyond January 26.
Support First Nations-led grassroots campaigns
Instagram user @foemelbourne has a fantastic resource of these campaigns from different states.
Support First Nations voices, businesses, artists, mutual aid efforts and community-led organisations and events.
Amy Thunig has written a great article outlining a list of First Nations-owned businesses. Clothing The Gaps is also a great business to start with.
Educate yourself!
History has often mistold the stories of First Nations communities, leading to generations of people misunderstanding the history behind the treatment and experiences of Indigenous folk.
We can un-learn this and start to learn the truth behind these misconceptions through listening to Indigenous communities by reading books, watching videos, and listening to Indigenous authors and voices.
Instagram user @kristins_reads has listed out a set of books that are good to start with.
Talk to others
Having a conversation with others about what you’ve learned can be uncomfortable and difficult, but doing so can increase the waves of support for the cause, while removing some of the emotional labour experienced by First Nations peoples. You could even start by learning the name of the Indigenous land you live on and telling others around you.
Tap into your critical thinking & question yourself and others
Even if you’re working hard at diversifying your feed and incoming news, mainstream news will probably sneak into your daily reading one way or another. If you’ve grown up in Australia, you may also have some unconscious biases leftover from your schooling experience and years of socialisation.
We can challenge these thoughts and stories by simply questioning them with questions such as “Who wrote this story? Who’s presenting it? What are their historical and commercial ties? Where does this belief of mine come from, and what can I do to remove it?”
Doing so will allow us to align our thoughts and behaviours to challenge the negative narratives that are spread about First Nations communities, while centering their actual experiences.
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list! As time goes on, there will be many more ways to support Indigenous folk through different means. I implore you to keep an eye and ear out for what these communities need, and how we can do better in allyship.
Services that aid First Nations communities if you or someone you know is needing support
Brother to Brother (1800 435 799) – Crisis support by Aboriginal men
13YARN (13 92 76) – Crisis support by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The National Indigenous Postvention Service (1800 805 801) – After-Suicide Support
WellMob – Online wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
