Debate revived on what Australia Day means

As millions of Aussies prepare to celebrate Australia Day this weekend, the debate on what the day means to Indigenous Australians has been revived.

(SBS)

On January 26, 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales and raised the British flag for the first time in Sydney Cove.

Since this day, Aboriginal people have mourned over the loss of their land, rights and culture.

While many Aboriginal communities will spend this Sunday reflecting on the wrongs of the past, others will celebrate the survival of Aboriginal people and their culture.

“The date is reflective of a whole range of things, it started a domino effect of marginalising Indigenous people and treating them differently,” said Djirribul woman Shelley Reys.

Listen: 'Invasion Day' debate resurfaces

LISTEN TO

http://audiomedia-sbs.akamaized.net/world-news_140124_313896.mp3

http://audiomedia-sbs.akamaized.net/world-news_140124_313896.mp3

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Iconic Aboriginal Australians have spoken to NITV News about what January 26 means to them.

Their answers will be revealed during the Survival Day special on Sunday, 6pm on NITV (Ch. 34).