Among the lineup that day were names such as Doe Eyes, Jarrah Band and Pirritu.
Many of those attending the festival were also present during the Invasion Day Rally that was held just prior. Thousands of rally participants flooded Melbourne’s major streets to voice how the same date is seen as a date to mourn by some members of the Australian Indigenous community.
Several stalls were active in the Gardens during the Share the Spirit Festival, one of them for the Connecting Home organisation, whose mission is to help indigenous Australians who are partthe Stolen Generations.
Vanessa Vine, a Case Manager for Connecting Home, said that on that day she mourned, recalling the 26th of January as a date she associated with attempts to harm Australia’s natural environment, such as through polluting the waterholes, and the ‘genocide’ of Indigenous peoples.
Sharing the Spirit Festival Credit: Dina Indrasafitri
Vanessa herself is a part of the Stolen Generation. In her job, she often hears painful stories about those bearing the brunt of policies causing separation between them and their birthplaces and families.
“I was very lucky because my removal was as a baby and I was adopted so I was fortunate that I didn’t go into institutions or orphanages,” she said.
Paul Davies, who also works for Connecting Home, said that those who became victims of policies related to the Stolen Generation do not always display obvious signs of distress. There are those who appear fine outwardly, yet still in need of assistance.
“...there’s still that bit that is missing about their past and it’s not something that they can overcome but it’s something that they can work towards healing and hopefully make it better for the future generations,” he said.
The 26th of January might carry painful associations for those attending and performing at the festival. However, the event also became a platform for sharing information and nurturing connections. Vanessa said she felt some comfort from the music, the trees in the park, and the food served in Share the Spirit.
No Pride in Genoside Credit: Dina Indrasafitri
