This year we have seen many highs, lows and downright devastating events and issues in the Indigenous Affairs space. We find ourselves 230 years into a colonised space where our voices are increasingly being drowned out, our allies few and the agenda of oppression growing and strengthening. As we round out another year, it is important to take stock of the year and fortify ourselves for the year ahead.
Not an exhaustive list, nor is it in any particular order, but here I round out some of the big highs and lows for 2017
1. Clinton Pryor - High
Clinton Pryor has walked almost 6000km across Australia to promote Aboriginal rights. (AAP) Source: AAP
When Pryor arrived he met with elders and activists at the tent embassy where he was honoured with an official Welcome to Country and collaborated with the activists that converged upon Canberra for the historic event. Politicians came to meet Pryor to show respect and engage in discussion – with one notable absence – Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who waited for Pryor to meet in his courtyard. The reportedly sour meeting ended quickly but the effort of Pryor was not to be diminished by the lack of engagement with the government as Pryor has served to inspire Indigenous young people by demonstrating what can be achieved through determination and courage.
2. Government's response to Referendum Council Report - Low
Malcolm Turnbull at the first meeting of the Referendum Council in May 2017. Source: AAP
Arguably the most reasonable and compromised position that could be put to the government to consider, but the telling us everything that we need to know – under the LNP government – patriarchal condescension will continue. Indigenous people having a say over policies and laws that directly affect them is not on the table according to this government. A reality we were all too aware of – but this solidification of political stance is demonstrable of the fight we have ahead of us.
3. Return of Mungo Man - High
Australia's oldest known human remains, known as 'Mungo Man', make their way back home to eventually be buried on country. Source: Getty
Scientists have said that Mungo Man’s burial was one that intrigued and demonstrated that he was a respected member of the community and the study of his remains rewrote what was known about Indigenous people, however, the communities have pushed for his return since he was removed and now that he is home – his example will inspire many other communities who are seeking to repatriate their ancestors and artefacts.
4. Indigenous poet racially attacked by HSC students - Low
Ellen van Neervan (Photo/Noel McLaughlin) Source: Noel Mclaughlin
Ms van Neervan was subjected to vitriolic racist denigration from HSC students who, in one instance likened her to a monkey, and the ad hominem did not stop there. Despite the NSW Educations Standards Authority being appalled at the attacks and calling for apologies, there remained several students who and minimised the impact of their words.
This is one of multiple examples of notable Indigenous people being subjected to racial vitriol throughout 2017 and is symptomatic of the society in which we live.
5. First Indigenous woman elected to Victorian Parliament - High
The Greens' Lidia Thorpe will make her maiden speech as Victoria's first Aboriginal woman MP. (AAP) Source: AAP
Since being elected she has been given the responsibility to be the Vic Greens spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs, Sport, Aboriginal Health, Skills and Training and Mental Health.
6. Deaths in Custody - Low
Protesters angry over Aboriginal deaths in custody gather outside WA Parliament House. Source: AAP
The deaths in custody in recent history demonstrate not enough is being done the address the systemic problems and there are calls once again to implement the recommendations that came from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Deaths in Custody.
Without action, we know there will be a continuation of the status quo.
7. Homeground Festival - High
Homeground at the Sydney Opera House (Orlando Sydney) Source: Orlando Sydney
8. Mining and ecological devastation - Low
An Indigenous Queensland group says Indian company Adani shouldn't be allowed to mine on their land. (AAP) Source: AAP
Despite growing community sentiment against mining projects of this nature, the government continues to support mineral mining and places emphasis on jobs as the rationale.
9. Blacktivism - High
Aretha Stewart-Brown leads the march for January 26 #ChangeTheDate rallies (Facebook) Source: Facebook
10. Suicide, poverty and the politics of oppression - Low
The Government's cashless welfare card trials in Ceduna, South Ausralia and Kununurra, Western Australia. Source: SBS World News
Until the dynamic and rhetoric changes, the poverty will continue to eat away at the fabric of our communities.
11. NAIDOC, Black women and laying the foundation for 2018 - High, Higher, Highest
NAIDOC 2018 theme recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women for their achievements (Bundarra) Source: Bundurra.org
2017 has been a difficult year of loss, devastation, mourning and outrage amid some scattered beauty to maintain the fire and hope for the future. 2018 is a year to change the conversation, control the message and grow understanding of our message and our pursuit of an equitable future for our children and communities.
Have safe holidays and New Year – repair your spirits and refresh your energy and get ready for 2018!
