26 January: A day of mourning and survival for many First Nations peoples

Monash University is committed to the advancement of Indigenous peoples and to ensuring Indigenous cultures, knowledges and voices are represented, understood and celebrated across our community.

The University acknowledges that 26 January is a day of mourning and survival for many First Nations peoples. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this date marks the beginning of dispossession, loss and trauma – yet it also symbolises extraordinary strength, resistance and continuity of the world’s oldest living cultures.

Our commitment to truth-telling

At Monash, we’re committed to truth-telling – a principle guided by the Yoorrook Justice Commission and advanced through Victoria’s Treaty process. We recognise the ongoing impacts of colonisation and the importance of amplifying First Nations voices across our teaching, research, and community.

Last year, I announced the establishment of  the Yoorrook Taskforce to guide the University’s engagement with the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the nation’s first truth‑telling process. Next month, Monash will release our formal response to the Commission’s recommendations, outlining our commitment to action informed by the world‑leading work of the Commission.

Truth-telling means acknowledging history honestly, learning from it, and taking action to ensure Indigenous perspectives shape the University’s future. You can support this by:

• engaging with resources and events led by the William Cooper Institute and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous)
• attending or promoting Survival Day or Day of Mourning events. This year, the William Cooper Institute is proudly sponsoring Our Survival Day led by Our songlines. If you wish to support this event, you can purchase tickets here or register as a volunteer
• sharing endorsed University messaging from my channels or the William Cooper Institute.

Day of Mourning and Survival Day 

On 26 January 1938, Yorta Yorta Elder Uncle William Cooper and members of the Aboriginal Progressive Association organised the first Day of Mourning – Australia’s first national Aboriginal civil rights protest. Held on the 150th anniversary of colonisation, it called out dispossession and injustice and laid the foundation for ongoing movements toward justice and equity.

We continue to honour Uncle William Cooper through the William Cooper Institute, an integral part of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President.

For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, 26 January is also known as Survival Day – a time to recognise the enduring strength of culture, community and connection to Country. Survival Day events across Australia celebrate resistance and resilience, often beginning with dawn services that honour the Day of Mourning.