Indigenous advocates call for constitutional change following Uluru convention
Indigenous spokespeople advocated last night at Melbourne University for the “Uluru Statement from the Heart”, seeking reforms and a voice to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in rejection of simple constitutional acknowledgment.
Regional dialogues and the First Nations Convention last year called for a voice enshrined in the Constitution, pushing a “better future for our children based on justice and self-determination” according to the Statement.
“In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard”, it said.
“This statement is not one that sits on the wall without achieving what it asks for”, said Thomas Mayor, a hopeful Indigenous advocate, and Zenadth Kes man.
“We can do it. Australia is ready.”
He spoke of his involvement in the Uluru Convention and the Darwin Dialogue last year, a witness to the first reading of the statement 250 delegates from across the country.
“I went to Uluru with great hope that a consensus would be made: that we could achieve something”, he said.
“The entire room stood as one and endorsed the statement with standing acclimation, with not one amendment.”
“At that moment I saw people that had been in a passionate debate against each other embracing with tears in their eyes. It was such a profound moment of hope,” Mr. Mayor said.
Jill Gallagher, a proud Gunditjmara woman, and the Victorian Aboriginal Treaty Advancement Commissioner said the treaty-making process has been both exciting and difficult.
“Anything that’s worth fighting for is not easy”, she said.
“The treaty process is not about stealing someone’s backyard”, she said. “It's about agreement making, land, culture, recognition, and telling the truth. That’s what treaties should be covering.”
Ms. Gallagher spoke in rejection of mere acknowledgment of Indigenous peoples in the Australian constitution, endorsing the implementation of a “Makarrata” Commission encouraging voice, treaty, and truth.
“When I read the Statement it was a profound moment of hope for Black Australia,” she said. “If we settle for symbolism, we’re selling ourselves short-it’s not the right thing to do.”
Mr. Mayor compared the Uluru movement to the Australian same-sex marriage legislation, pushing for support from the public and organisations.
“Much like the same-sex movement, we need to take the initiative. Don’t wait-get the words out. We need to make the Statement an image every Australian sees,” he said.
“To start the healing process, we need all people in Victoria to understand what happened at the time of settlement”, Ms. Gallagher said in conclusion, encouraging written signatures on the Statement from attendees.