To whom it may concern,
Submission to Co-design process
In deep respect of the country and the Wurrundjeri people where I was born, and the elders past present and emerging. My hope is for an inclusive respectful future for all living beings to prosper and live a life of contentment and peace. I live my life dedicated to offering loving service through mindfulness and healing practices to the wider community. I have a Bachelor's degree from Deakin in Education and a Masters of Education from Melbourne University as well as a Diploma in Sound Healing.
Why do you think the Uluru Statement from the Heart is important?
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an acknowledgment of the truth as it is. Taking away the layers of 'stories' that colonial rule(s) has imposed as a fictional truth, distorting from the essence of what we know to be true. The spiritual connection and reverence of land and living beings is one that all of our ancestors had, and that we come from but conveniently 'forget' in efforts to control and own and profit from what is not ours in the first and last place. This statement came from the heart of our country and land and the custodians who have looked after this land from time immemorial. This deep connection cannot be ignored anymore as we can see the way that mistreatment and abuse of the land reflects in the growing climate disasters and the horrifying ways that colonial rule and dispossession have and continue to abuse and annihilate the original custodians and their descendants of this land. How can we in all our consciences allow this to continue?
Why do you think it's important to enshrine the Voice to Parliament in the Constitution, rather than include it only in legislation?
These are rules made up by colonial rule for control, they can be swayed and changed by any profiteer. It must be legislation for it to be recognised. But there is so much more that needs to be done that just introducing legislation that goes nicely into writing and often not practice.
How could a Voice to Parliament improve the lives of your community?
First show us honest advocates of the land and the people and I would have more to say about how they might help.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to have a say in the matters that affect them?
It is their land, they are our elders, leaders and guides. It is we who should be listening to them. Sovereignty was never ceded and as newcomers to this land, we are the ones who must stop and listen instead of controlling and profiting, abusing and denying.
It is long past time for this to be made a reality. Please open your eyes and hearts to the truth. To the way of reconciliation, of peace rather than violence and of sharing and listening, rather than ruling and profiteering.
Kind regards
