The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an important document that expresses the collective aspirations of Australia’s First Nations peoples. In May 2017, an assembly of 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders gathered in Central Australia to discuss the nature of recognition and how the nation of Australia might move forward in the future. This gathering culminated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The Uluru Statement from the heart is a call to the Australian people from First Nations Australians for unity and to build a better future. This has been proposed to be done through the establishment of a constitutionally enshrined ‘First Nations Voice’ in the Australian Parliament and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty making and truth-telling.
The purpose of the statement is to provide a platform for meaningful reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian population. It provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have a greater say in how their future is shaped and how their culture, history and values are recognised across the country. The statement also calls for a Makarrata Commission to be established to oversee a process of ‘agreement-making’ between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an important document in Australia’s history and provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian population. It is vital that we all take the time to understand the document and its implications for the future of our nation ahead of the referendum of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
At Abbott Native Title Trustees, we support the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Our values include taking the time to listen and learn from our clients, showing respect and valuing Australia’s First Peoples. These values align with intention and purpose behind the Uluru Statement of the Heart and having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. Our work as a whole is to ensure Aboriginal people have recognition over their rightful land and are able to access the compensation through native title trustee and land rights services.
For more detailed information you can watch the video about the Uluru Statement from the Heart