To Co-Design Body
Co-design process: Submission
I am a life-loving human who is blessed to have spent time living close to the land with Indigenous mob from many nations. I am a mother and have birthed 4 babies into water and on country. I have completed a double degree in Arts and Science and was awarded the highest university honour of the Chancellor's medal for my academic record and service to communities. I work to connect people, with respect, to themselves, others and nature, through cultural gatherings and community events sharing music, dance and arts. I was born in England, traveled the world, emigrated to Australia and have also lived in Africa and Asia.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is important because we must recognise the sovereign nature of all beings. Speaking from the heart, the time is now to come together and strive for lasting, positive change. From the heart of Australia, Uluru, all the way to every coast, we call for constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice(s) to Parliament.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
There are many reasons why it is critically important for Indigenous people to have a say in matters that affect them. The statistics of 'the gap' between Indigenous and non-indigenous people in healthcare, incarceration, suicide, education and more in this country proves that the current methods of governance and these imposed systems are not working. Through the act of Terra Nullis this land of Australia was stolen, these people were at best colonised and assimilated and at worst raped, tortured and killed. There is much collective ancestral trauma within the history, herstory and living memory. But there are also ancestral gifts that can be nurtured and harnessed.
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
Enshrining the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution is a systemic and structural change that is more withstanding than mere legislation. This shows that the people of Australia are truly ready to walk with First Nations peoples towards a better future for all.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
Elevating Indigenous Voices to Parliament is one way to support the nurturing and harnessing of ancestral gifts of Indigenous people and also the wisdom, courage and deep cultural knowledge held by First Nations peoples. Indigenous problems deserve Indigenous driven solutions, with support from all people.
Harmony is unity in diversity. Together we can be more. We are ancestors of the future and what we choose to do now, impacts the Earth and future generations.
Yours sincerely
