GENEVIEVE HUGHES
With NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week almost over and the issue of indigenous constitutional recognition in the minds of parliamentarians, now is a good time to re-examine some of the cultural and historical achievements of Australia’s indigenous peoples.
The theme for NAIDOC week 2015 is Uluru – an iconic and sacred Australian site. 2015 marks the 30th anniversary since Uluru was given back to the traditional owners of the land. Not only a popular tourist icon, Uluru, as a sacred site can be held as a symbol of the timeless connection between Aboriginals and the land of Australia.
On July 6th, the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader met with around forty of Australia’s most influential indigenous representatives to discuss a possible referendum that will, if successful, alter the preamble of Australia’s constitution to recognise indigenous Australians as the original custodians of the land. The change is intended to build mutual trust between Aboriginals and other Australians, however the Prime Minister has stated that the referendum will not be finalised until July 2016. With apparent bipartisan support, hopefully, the referendum will be successful.
Arguments that Indigenous recognition in the constitution is merely symbolic and will not bring about any practical benefits to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders are not unmerited: 200 years of distrust and discrimination cannot be salvaged solely with a non-discrimination clause. However, indigenous recognition is, at the very least, a step in the right direction.
Prominent indigenous activist, Noel Pearson has identified four hurdles in the pursuit of constitutional recognition: “The first hurdle is the Prime Minister and what he’s prepared to run with, secondly the party room, thirdly the Parliament … and the fourth hurdle is the people. In my view, the people are the lowest hurdle, they are a profoundly difficult hurdle to overcome and get onside.” Social justice commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Mick Gooda has expressed concerns that indigenous recognition will never be realised.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has faced criticism regarding this issue; his credibility has been challenged after his statement that Aborigines living in remote, isolated communities have exercised a “lifestyle choice”. Such a fundamental lack of sensitivity regarding the debilitating and lasting difficulties of cultural assimilation and isolation, is contradictory to the Prime Minister’s claim that he is “prepared to sweat blood” in order for this amendment to made as quickly as possible.
For the Australian people, NAIDOC week remains an important tool in breaking down barriers between Indigenous culture and Australian culture. In March 2015, the Guardian published a study which indicated 73% support for constitutional recognition, and 82% support for the removal of clauses that discriminate on the basis of race. Keeping indigenous cultural achievement and history in the public consciousness will be integral in the passing of this referendum.
Social Catalysts 