Why we believe in the Yes Vote ~ The Voice
Damien here, I wanted to make my thoughts on the up-and-coming Referendum; A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
I firmly believe in the Yes Vote.
There are many reasons for holding this view, but rather than list a thesis we would like to offer a series of resources for you to read, listen, reflect upon and share with family, friends and colleagues with the intent of making an informed opinion.
Here is a short yarn about our reality, a statement that was made by a close family member. Someone who is a strong female, university educated and operates with integrity in all aspects of their life. This person is someone who is not afraid to engage in tough conversations when it relates to essential human rights, and someone who leads by their actions in the workplace and community in a quest to improve future health, economic and cultural aspirations for all.
“I need to be honest; I am happy that my child is a fair skin Aboriginal in 2023, he/she won’t need to disclose their indigenous heritage when feeling unsafe or uncomfortable. Nor will they experience the level of discrimination that a darkskin person may experience in the school yard, workplace, or community from non-indigenous peoples from all walks of life.
They will also have the freedom to navigate environments with greater ease when racial tension is present rather than becoming a target or victim".
This can’t be the future for my children (Mallee and Ngarri), this can’t be the future for any child, adolescent or adult regardless of race or religion.
This is one of many reasons I firmly support the Yes Vote; everyone is entitled to have the opportunity to live, work and thrive in an equitable and culturally safe environment/country. Government policy has failed First Nations people for 150 years.
We would like to offer a series of resources for you to read, listen, reflect upon and share with family, friends and colleagues with the intent of making an informed opinion.
Resources
Here is the summary of all the references that the The Conversation (independent news) has:
https://theconversation.com/au/voice