Selectively Juggling

I’d definitely advertise in large letters “I voted Yes! Why didn’t you?”, referring to the Australian Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum held on 14th October 2023. I would use that space to challenge others, those who chose to vote no, those who chose to reinforce and uphold racist ideology. Those who chose to ignore the voices of the vulnerable, marginalised, traumatised and forgotten. Those who voted against self-efficacy and self-determination, self-agency and reconciliation. Those who chose to vote against human and civil rights, against enshrining an indigenous voice in parliament. I want to challenge those who ignored the historical and contemporary evidence which clearly qualifies and quantifies prolific examples of historical and systemic prejudice, resulting in the removal of children from families. These issues aren’t relics of a bygone past, but very much ingrained in the structures of society. I could go on and describe the new ways indigenous children are being removed via Out of Home Care, the over representation within the judicial system, higher incidences of chronic illness and disease resulting in lower life expectancy rates. Although I am non-indigenous these issues are near and dear to me. I am an Ally, and will continue to fight the good fight. After all we all bleed the same. One race, human! And there is an incredible journey ahead … challenging but filled with purpose, rewards and inspiration. However, as a white woman and an ally, I listen to my indigenous brothers and sisters and follow their lead, their goals, their voices.