hows everyone feeling about the referendum because i am extremely upset
hows everyone feeling about the referendum because i am extremely upset
To those in Australia who are entitled to vote: if you haven't already, don't forget!
The First Nations peoples of this land we call Australia have issued the rest of us with an invitation to walk with them.
That invitation might not be from every single First Nations person. Who are we to demand unanimity? But the invitation is from the peoples as a whole, following a robust democratic process of dialogues, culminating in the #UluruStatement from the Heart.
From their hearts.
To us.
Out of a common humanity and love.
To me, it's such a simple thing to accept that invitation.
And imagine if the #referendum failed and you hadn't done everything you could to #PleaseVoteYesToday #VoteYes23
I take no pleasure in writing this piece. I have spent my life campaigning for recognition and reconciliation in this country. Through all that time, I have found ways to feed hope. I have believed often in our better angels. Now, though, I can see the truth: whatever the outcome of today’s vote, whether the double majority required to make this alteration to the Constitution is achieved or not, reconciliation is dead.
All I want to say tonight is that I will always listen to the Voice of Australia's first nations people.
As someone living on the land of at least three cultures of the Stoney Creek Nation, the Tyerenotepanner; Panninher and Lettermairrener people - on the island of Lutruwita, I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. And I extend that respect to all the first peoples of the land now known as Australia; land that was never ceded.
We are blessed by your science, your culture, your grace. As the oldest continuing living culture in the world, we are privileged recipients of your insights and your wisdom.