Hundreds gather for Invasion Day protest at Darwin’s Don Dale
Elders from Larrakia Nation addressed a crowd of hundreds at Darwin’s Invasion Day protest, following a smoking ceremony in the morning. See all the pictures and videos.
Northern Territory
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Hundreds gathered outside the old Berrimah jail, which houses children as young as 10, in mourning and protest of Australia’s national day.
Elders from Larrakia Nation talked of the trauma the day Captain Cook declared Terra Nullius for the nation of Australia.
As the horns from the annual Ute Run echoed in the distance John Mills spoke of the hurt those celebrations represented.
“I’m triggered by all those horns, what they’re celebrating is a farce,” Mr Mills said.
“This isn’t a day of celebrations, it’s a day to mourn. January 26 is just a day.”
Meanwhile, children drew on the path between protesters with their drawings reading ‘close Don Dale’ a cry heard for more than six years.
The grandmother of a 12-year-old currently inside Don Dale Youth Detention Centre said her grandson would not be able to play basketball while protesters spoke outside the fence.
“When I came here today my grandson rang me and he said ‘where are you?’” she said.
“I said I was outside … we’re having a rally. And he said that’s why we can’t do activities because there’s a rally outside.
“So, that place shut them down and told them not to do any activities until this rally is over.”
And even though they weren’t allowed to hear the rally Eric Fejo made a passionate point of yelling towards the Detention Centre to show his support for the kids inside.
“I thank everyone here today. We can’t do it without you. We need all the help that we can get,” Mr Fejo said.
“There’s a long way to go this year, but if we can be unified we can do anything.
“We need to show these kids over there that hey you’re not by yourself, we’re here supporting you.”
It came after a smoking ceremony at the Darwin Waterfront early in the day led by the Garramilla Dancers and Lynette Fejo.
Also in attendance were the Rirratijingu Dancers from North East Arnhem Land who showed off their culture.
The event was embraced by hundreds who watched in awe as the dancers moved around the smoke.
Many of then walked through the cleansing smoke themselves as Trent Lee tended the flame.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles also got involved in the event alongside other members of her cabinet.
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Originally published as Hundreds gather for Invasion Day protest at Darwin’s Don Dale
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