An invitation to the Australian people from First Nations AustraliansThis NAIDOC week I’ve been reflecting on the Uluru Statement from the Heart. I encourage you all to read, or re-read this powerful statement, developed six years ago at the National Constitutional Convention. The Uluru Statement offers an invitation to all Australians from First Nations peoples, to “walk with” First Nations Australians “in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.” And this year, we will all get the chance to respond to this invitation, and create and embrace the potential for change. Change which could close the gap. Change which could reaffirm our nation’s identity. Change that in so many other countries, where indigenous cultures have been embraced, has led to so many positives. We all know the Paul Kelly song, “From little things big things grow”. The song tells the story of the Wave Hill Walk-Off in 1966, through to Prime Minister Gough Whitlam symbolically returning land to the Gurindji people eight years later – an event which become a catalyst for the Aboriginal land rights movement. The Voice Referendum is the ‘BIG THING’ this year. It is the result of many, many, little things, and is a key component of the Uluru Statement from the Heart – along with a Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of treaty-making and truth-telling. The Uluru Statement asks for recognition, further reconciliation and a “rightful place in our own country”. Or again, in the clear and confident words of the Statement: “We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. 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. We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.” This NAIDOC week, we pay our respects to First Nations Elders who have led this movement for reconciliation and justice over so many years. We also particularly acknowledge and honour the First Nations Elders who have championed First Nations-led approaches to social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and healing. Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
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