How to Embrace the Voice: A Path to Empowerment for Indigenous Australians

There are only a handful of photos from the 1938 Day of Mourning. This is one of them. As a granddaughter  of Pearl Gibbs far left  and a great-granddaughter her mother Maggie Brown, second from right:  I take great pride in their commitment, determination  and sheer grit to take a stand on Aboriginal rights when they did. 

This photo is even more incredible when you think about  an era  where women took a back seat to the men. My grandmother Pearl Gibbs  has been described as a woman who ached, breathed and bled Aboriginal rights until the day she died.  She was the only woman to speak at this event about the living conditions of her beloved Brewarrina community.  And most notably she was the last speaker  on the agenda. 

Comments made by  prominent No to the Voice campaigner Warren Mundine in relation to the  1938 Day of Mourning in a recent LinkedIn post have prompted my post.   I just couldn’t let this one go  through to the gatekeeper, unaddressed.  

In this article  I will explore the historical context of the Day of Mourning and  the seven key lessons  so we can apply them to The Voice.

The Historical Significance of the Day of Mourning

The Day of Mourning and Protest held in 1938 was a pivotal event organised by the Australian Aborigines League and the Aborigines Progressive Association. Jack Patten, Bill Ferguson, and William Cooper were notable advocates. Women also played a significant role in this important event. My grandmother Pearl Gibbs with the support of her  mother and my great-grandmother, Maggie Brown. This movement aimed to protest the callous treatment of Aboriginal people over the preceding 150 years. They sought to demand an end to the state and territory government "protection" regimes that had segregated Aboriginal people on missions and reserves, limiting their opportunities and autonomy.

At its core, the 1938 Day of Mourning called for Aboriginal people to have full citizenship rights, equal education, economic opportunities, and the right to possess property. They envisioned being active and engaged members of Australian society, seeking equal treatment and opportunities to thrive in the modern age.

Achieving Milestones through the 1967 Referendum

The demands of the Day of Mourning protesters were not in vain. The 1967 Referendum was an important event in history. It was a catalyst to remove the exclusions of Aboriginal people from the Australian constitution and gave them the same rights as other Australian citizens. This landmark achievement also saw an end to the state and territory protection regimes, enabling Indigenous Australians to take significant strides towards equality. Again this was another campaign that my grandmother and her friend and fellow activist Faith Bandler played an important role in the NSW through the first  cross-cultural group named the Aboriginal Australian Fellowship.  That's another amazing story for another day.

Gradually over time . ..  Indigenous Australians have secured land rights, native title, and compensation funds, which reflected the activists' vision for land ownership and self-support. These achievements, coupled with various policies and programs, have no doubt helped address socio-economic disadvantage and poverty within some  Indigenous communities but not all.

The Relevance of the Voice

While progress has been made, it is undeniable that many Indigenous Australians still face challenges and disadvantages. Some argue that the solution lies in economic participation, where education, employment, and homeownership opportunities can create positive change within these communities.

Critics of the Voice fear that it may reverse the 1967 Referendum by reintroducing racial segregation into the constitution. They express concerns about the potential for a vast new bureaucracy interfacing at every level of government, which may inadvertently limit Indigenous autonomy and opportunities.  Nonetheless, there is not a single mention of the word “race” in the   proposed new Clause 129 that we will be asked to vote on later this year. Not once.   Not only is it disingenuous, to pull out the "race" card it is deceitful and misleading to suggest otherwise.  

Contrary to misconceptions, the Voice is not about abolishing Australia Day or harbouring resentment towards the nation. Rather, it aims to foster inclusivity and empower Indigenous Australians to be fully integrated into Australian society, embracing all the opportunities it has to offer.

The Dream of the Day of Mourning's Organisers Lives On  

The 1938 Day of Mourning protests hold valuable lessons that can inform the discussion and understanding of the Voice proposal today. Here are some key takeaways:

1.     The 1938 protesters demanded full citizenship rights and equal participation in Australian life. The pursuit of equality continues to be a prominent aspect of the Voice proposal nowadays. The Voice seeks to address historical disadvantages and ensure that Indigenous Australians have an equal voice and representation in decision-making processes.

2.     The Day of Mourning organisers sought genuine representation for Aboriginal people in the face of discriminatory policies. The Voice, too, aims to establish a constitutionally enshrined body that reflects the diverse voices and perspectives of Indigenous communities. It emphasises the importance of self-determination and direct involvement in shaping policies that impact their lives.

3.     The 1938 protests were a response to the mistreatment and marginalisation of Aboriginal people throughout Australian history. The Voice recognises the need to address historical injustices and provides a platform for Indigenous Australians to share their lived experiences and advocate for change.

4.     The Day of Mourning activists wanted to break free from government oversight and gain control over their own lives. Similarly, the Voice proposal seeks to strengthen Indigenous autonomy by allowing communities to have a direct say in policies that affect them. It emphasises the importance of self-determination and reducing external control.

5.     The Day of Mourning sought to raise awareness about the plight of Aboriginal people and challenge existing stereotypes and prejudices. In a similar vein, the Voice advocates recognise the importance of education and awareness to bridge gaps in understanding and support for the proposal.

6.      The 1938 protests were part of a broader movement for Indigenous rights, culminating in the 1967 Referendum that removed discriminatory clauses from the constitution. The Voice proposal builds on these past achievements by seeking to further empower Indigenous communities and continue the journey towards genuine representation and self-determination.

7.      While significant progress has been made since 1938, Indigenous communities still face many challenges and disadvantages today. The Voice proposal acknowledges the ongoing struggle and aims to create more effective policies and solutions to address these issues.

The legacy of the 1938 Day of Mourning lives on through the aspirations of the Voice proponents. Like the activists of 1938, the Voice advocates seek genuine representation, self-determination, and an end to government oversight in Aboriginal lives. By embracing the Voice, we can all work together towards a future where Indigenous Australians thrive, empowered by equal opportunities and recognition.

The  1938 Day of Mourning protests offer valuable insights that resonate with the goals of the Voice proposal today. Both movements share a commitment to equality, representation, self-determination, and addressing historical injustices. By learning from the past and embracing genuine empowerment, the Voice can create a more inclusive and fair future for Indigenous Australians.

I reckon my grandmother and her grandmother may not have referred to themselves as giants. However, I suspect they would have been proud to know that their descendants and their many friends and connections can confidently stand on their shoulders to pass  on their legacy to future generations AND finish what they started.   

There has never been a better time to say 1) YES to recognition, 2) YES  to a voice to politician’s,  governments and bureaucrats and 3) YES for parliament to make meaningful laws  for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.