Empowering First Nations: Where to from here?
What are the immediate next steps to effect change?
We’re at a critical juncture in the road for First Nations. It’s been two years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart was released to the public and the political inertia on this critical reform remains. We’ve had consecutive failures in relation to progress on Closing the Gap, all the while our people are being locked-up at alarming rates and we die much younger in a land that we've looked after for over 60,000 years.
Optimistically, we have a younger generation who are becoming more politically engaged and highly connected on these sensitive issues. I believe the longer it takes to achieve reform for First Nations peoples in this country, the less forgiving our young people will be. I also believe the longer it takes to have a substantive discussion on the issues of treaty and constitutional recognition, the harder it'll become to truly reconcile First Nations peoples and broader Australia. The type of improvements and reforms we want to see, in my opinion, lie within the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Like many reports and inquiries before, such as the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the Uluru Statement from the Heart provides the blueprint for unlocking a lot of the impediments facing First Nations going forward. While it is not the only solution it crucially provides the opportunity for creating that reform and enabling First Nations to lead and design the solutions we identify as those most likely to reflect the lives we aspire to live and secure for generations to come.
This passage from the Uluru Statement from the Hearts sums it up best.
"When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country".
?Joe Hedger is the leader of EY’s Indigenous Sector Practice.
The views reflected in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organisation or its member firms.
Head Coach @ SwimAus Para Swimming Hub CBR - Australian Institute of Sport. Paris 2024 Australian Team Coach
5 年Agreed Joe. Each step in this direction is essential, if we want a united Australia that truly respects and understands its whole history. This is part of how we become an independent and strong people, together.
Commissioner, NT Anti-Discrimination Commission (pic: Larrakia Country, Northern Territory)
5 年The Treaty and constitutional recognition will amplify the voice, address the ethical loneliness, attempt to call on truth and reconciliation for injustices of the past and secure self-determination of the future.
Assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, Board Director for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, and best selling author. ABIA Book of the Year with Kerry O’Brien in 2024
5 年I agree brother. Well said ???
Managing Partner at Ernst & Young Tahi Limited
5 年Thanks for another thought provoking article Joe. As you and I have previously discussed, I think our two countries and indigenous peoples share many similar challenges. And reading your article and view on the potential within the Uluru Statement from the Heart instantly reminds me of the similar promise and opportunity our Te Tiriti o Waitangi | Treaty of Waitangi still holds for Aotearoa New Zealand (albeit written in 1840). Your article also reminds me to continue our sharing and working together - to help our teams, help our people, with the collective lessons and insights and innovations we possess and can create together. Ngā mihi nunui ki a koe e te tuakana, ki a koutou hoki e te whānau ISP! Anthony, Kohe, Phoebe, Toni, James, Peter, Shelley, Simon, Hamiora, Ryan, Tré, Isaiah, Evander, Gabrielle, Hirata, George, Courtney, Elaine, Angela
Freelance performer, educator and writer on Wangal country. #forloveofgaia #ulurustatementfromtheheart #alwayswasalwayswillbe #YES23
5 年Absolutely