During this royal visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla, it's crucial to reflect on the ongoing impact of colonisation and the history that many of our people live with every day. While there are those who may view this visit as a momentous occasion, for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it serves as a reminder of the history of this land and the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice. Australia’s history is deeply intertwined with the arrival of the British Crown and the subsequent displacement, violence, and marginalisation faced by First Nations peoples. Sovereignty was never ceded, and the assertion of "Terra Nullius" disregarded the rich cultures, knowledge, and traditions that existed long before 1788. This land has always been, and always will be, Aboriginal land. The resilience and enduring sovereignty of First Nations people is a testament to our strength and resistance against forces that sought to erase us. It is this spirit of resilience that fuels the ongoing calls for truth-telling, treaty, and genuine reconciliation. It is vital to keep these truths at the forefront and continue pushing for justice, healing, and respect for our self-determination. This moment should inspire all Australians to engage in conversations about our shared history and advocate for change. Only through acknowledging the truth of our past and respecting the rights of First Nations people can we begin to create a future where we all stand on equal ground. #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #SovereigntyNeverCeded #TruthTelling #SelfDetermination
wouldn't it be so helpful if King Charles was to make the apology on behalf of 'the crown'. It wouldn't hurt him at all, but it would help many thousands of aboriginal people so deeply I'm sure.
Love this! Beautifully expressed.
CEO of Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL) | Social Impact | MBA
4moYes the silver lining is that it is at least in the public discussion. Though, I’m losing hope at Australia’s ability to have thoughtful dialogue in a world of populism. There was a quote this morning from Annabel Crabb that is sad but humorous: “a healthy number of Australia's radical free-speech advocates found themselves sufficiently unencumbered by prior engagements to pop up and call for the senator's immediate sacking”