I live on Palawa Country, specifically the traditional lands of the Mumirimina people of Oyster Bay Nation. I recognise their deep connection to the land, sky, and water of this Country since time immemorial, disrupted by invasion and genocide.

All nations across Lutruwita/Tasmania embodied a level of mutual care, peace, and harmony that is almost unimaginable. I have been blessed to be born here and raised by my community to understand and learn many things, but in the context of this piece, the truth and history here in Lutruwita/Tasmania and our solidarity with Palestine and the Palestinian people which is not new.

It’s been revealing to witness how people of all ages navigate learning about Palestine, its culture, and history for the first time since October 2023. This period has been intensely reflective for me – from the Referendum to what’s happening right now in Palestine.

Amidst local injustices, personal grief, loss and the troubling impacts of planned logging in Lutruwita/Tasmania and other destruction to Country, I’ve observed a stark contrast between the struggles on my land and the solidarity for Palestine.

The disrespect towards people who fight tirelessly for justice is disheartening. I often find myself unsettled by the sensation of being surrounded by strangers on these lands, my Country.

Growing up on the North West Coast, attending school, engaging on social media as a Blak woman, working, and participating in activism and advocacy alongside my community – all these experiences have shaped my perspective. It’s a strange world to navigate, connecting with people who often hold hateful and untrue views about my people and mistreat Palawa Country.

Lying awake at night, I wonder: what will it take for more people to genuinely care? Living near Piyura Kitina/Risdon Cove, one of many massacre sites of Aboriginal people, I feel an odd sense of dissonance.

Seeing how people go about their lives so close to this significant site highlights the relationships people who are visitors here have with Palawa Country. How do people who have lived their whole lives near this site and many others, and probably still don’t know the truth? Don’t know the history? Don’t know the true names of the places around them or where they live?

The historical trauma of invasion and genocide is all too familiar. Witnessing similar violence and dispossession in Palestine is heart-wrenching. Since the Nakba in 1948, Palestine has endured relentless imperialist oppression, military occupation, and settler colonial violence. Palestinians have faced brutalisation and dispossession on their own lands.

I understand what it’s like to be despised without reason, to face hatred that is often unfounded.

This experience of sorrow and frustration can overshadow my sense of pride and connection. I am part of a legacy of resistance against illegal colonial occupation and violence.

Observing the selective support people show – what they choose to support in person or online reveals a deeper issue. Standing in solidarity requires not only passion and endurance but also self-care and a commitment to collective wellness. This ongoing fight for justice demands that we continue to support each other.

The behaviour of some people in this island community is challenging to comprehend. Yet, knowing the history and political landscape helps us understand the pervasive and relentless racist attitudes, and impacts of white supremacy.

Many living here are descendants of those who perpetrated genocide against the Palawa in Lutruwita/Tasmania. Benefiting from their ancestors’ actions. As many continue to celebrate invasion and genocide here parallel to my people mourning and marching the streets fighting for our basic rights, justice and change.

At the weekly rally in Nipaluna/Hobart, I often find myself in tears. Watching people chant together, hearing the drums, and seeing the faces of children attending with their families is deeply moving. There is a genocide unfolding in my lifetime, and it pains me for humanity and our future.

How could I not cry as we chant about the number of children killed in Palestine during the last couple of months alone? Or remembering the videos and photos I saw the night before coming from people on the ground in Gaza showing what’s happening right now?

Standing at the wharf in Nipaluna/Hobart, surrounded by colonial buildings and statues of figures who committed injustices against my people, I reflect on the brutality and violence my ancestors faced. The fight for survival and the preservation of my culture, language, and community continues.

The devastating reality of current struggles feels alien and distressing against my cultural values. Yet, I must stand with my Palestinian siblings and others facing oppression. My commitment is unwavering, despite the emotional toll.

I could detail the negative reactions and observations from the rallies, but these are distractions.What truly matters is the collective movement we are continuing to build. Witnessing strangers connect and introduce themselves at rallies has been uplifting. This connection reminds us of the power of solidarity and just feels right to connect more with people around us on this island.

We must witness the strength and love of the Palestinian people amid their suffering. Let us not only empathize but take collective action. Please understand that solidarity with my people must include my siblings who are also deeply impacted by colonialism and corporate greed in places like West Papua, Hawai’i, Turtle Island (Canada and USA), Sudan, Congo, Yemen and, of great urgency at this particularly horrifying chapter of history, in Palestine. Our solidarity shouldn’t ever be dictated by geographical proximity.

To see injustice and do nothing is a privilege and a choice. Why is it challenging for you to make the choice to stand with us?

– Madeline Wells

From climate change to human rights issues, in Australia and around the world, Indigenous and First Nations peoples help lead movements by sharing our knowledge and love as part of our ongoing commitment to fight for a better future for all life on Earth through sustainable and just solutions. These solutions come from our connection to Country and each other, our complex understanding of everything we are connected to culturally, our lived experiences, our values, and always feeling the impacts first and worst.

Respect, solidarity, and understanding demand action. Reflect on how your story connects to the land you inhabit and determine your next steps. Do what you can to support the fight for justice both locally and globally.

My people will always fight for the freedom and liberation of all oppressed peoples. Understanding our history is just as important as knowing our truth in the present and our ongoing solidarity with each other against injustices born through colonisation. We fight for the healing of Country, the healing of our people, the healing of our children and ancestors, and the continuation of our cultures, languages, dances, songs, traditions, stories and love.

To show respect, to show solidarity and to show understanding is to hear the truth. It is showing up and it is not being selective about the people you care about. Take your acknowledgement of these lands and my people out of your mouth and off your email signatures if you are not living authentically by the words you say.

Despite enduring one of history’s most brutal genocides, we persist. Our fight continues for our lands, our ancestors, and all those suffering under colonial oppression. When will you choose to stand beside us rather than remain quietly complicit?

Why shouldn’t I stand with Palestinian mothers, children, Elders, storytellers, teachers, musicians, artists, farmers? Don’t stop humanising them – they are more than numbers.

Let us show the world what freedom can look like and continue our fight for a permanent ceasefire and an end to occupation so that all Palestinian people can return to their lands and heal.

From the river to the sea, always was, always will be.