Ahead Of The Vote, Here’s Some Important First Nations Writing On The Voice
As the country gets closer to voting Yes or No on the Voice to Parliament referendum, we wanted to put together a list of some insightful and informative First Nations perspectives.
‘It’s Our Voice – So Let Us Speak’
Kelly Menzel, IndigenousX
“… For a non-Indigenous person to wander in and express opinions, thoughts and ideas about our business — without expertise — from a significant media platform, further violates and silences our voices.”
‘We’re Not ‘Closing The Gap”
Uluru Statement, Instagram
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‘Yesterday, I Was A No. Today, I’m A Yes. Here’s Why’
Roxanne Moore, Crikey
“Today I’m an extremely reluctant Yes. I’m not happy about it; I feel compromised. But life in the colony is constantly compromised, and there’s rarely a ‘win’ for First Nations movements that doesn’t feel bittersweet…
We as First Nations peoples have been forced into binary thinking, a characteristic of white supremacy. In reality, the fight for First Nations justice is so much greater and more complicated than a Yes or a No vote: it’s 250 years of genocide, land theft, stolen children, stolen wages and discrimination.”
‘Blackfullas Do Not Require Validation In An Alien Constitution’
Lynda-June Coe, Speaking To The Voice, Instagram
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‘The Voice To Parliament: Beyond Yes Or No…’
Luke Pearson, IndigenousX
“We may disagree right now, and we may feel that old familiar sting, but if there is a voice we’ll need to band together to either get behind those who make up our voice, or we’ll need to speak against them if they fail to adequately represent our interests. If there is no voice we are going to need to band together to find new alternatives to move forward, and continue to hold the lines we have been holding for decades already.
When this has passed, who we voted for in the referendum will be a moot point, for the battle will have moved on to its next phase. The question of party or campaign loyalty, of ‘camps’ and everything else will need to be left by the wayside.”
‘Yes Or No – Australia Is Still Guilty’
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, IndigenousX
“When I reflect on what this referendum is asking, I cannot help but feel sadness. Sadness for the mere fact we are asking for crumbs, in a world where we deserve it all. Deserve the power, and the real change.”
‘”Yes’ Says The Conversation With Blackfullas Continues”
Senator Briggs, Twitter
“Yes” says the conversation with Blackfullas continues.
“No” says we’re done here.— Senator Briggs (Biblically Accurate) (@Briggs) August 10, 2023
‘Voice To Parliament: Why Mob Are Staying Silent’
Chelsea Watego, IndigenousX
“It’s the settlers, to the left and to the right who remain on the same ledger when it comes to undermining Indigenous sovereignty.”
‘I’m Voting Yes Because Without Change, Things Will Remain As They Are – Or Get Worse’
Tanya Hosch, The Guardian
“Are we prepared to keep trying the approach that has failed us for generations of Indigenous lives?”
‘OPINION: Only A Treaty Will End The War Against First Nations People’
Senator Lidia Thorpe, SBS
“Every day is Invasion Day until we have a Treaty in this country.
When the British invaded these lands, we never sat down to negotiate what peaceful coexistence looks like.
The violence that started with colonisation continues through deaths in custody, incarceration, child removal and desecration of Country.
Only a Treaty will end the war against First Nations people.
We demand a peace Treaty because First Nations people are Sovereign people. The law in this country needs to reflect the fact that our Sovereignty was never ceded.”
‘I Remain Undecided On The Indigenous Voice To Parliament. And I’m Exhausted’
Celeste Liddle, The Guardian
“As an Arrernte woman, I feel stuck with a choice between systems I do not trust and the fear of giving in to rabid racists.”
‘Without Treaty, The Voice To Parliament Could Work Against Real Change In This Country’
Treaty Before Voice, Speaking To The Voice, Instagram
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‘Voting On The Voice: Will It Fight Racist Violence?’
Amy McQuire, Presence
“I would never vote against the idea of another black representative body but I wonder, if it is to happen, how we use it to fight the ongoing fight?”
‘We Should Be At The Decision Making Table’
Michael Mansell, Speaking To The Voice, Instagram
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‘Past, Present & Future’
Nakkiah Lui and Jennifer Beale, Harpers Bazaar Australia
“I see The Voice being able to provide a mechanism for self-determination for all the different First Nation community groups around Australia.”
‘OPINION: The Voice Will Deliver The Same Govt Control Over Black Lives. We Need Land Rights And Sovereignty’
Gwenda Stanley, SBS
“Everyone else has become rich from this country, ripping minerals and resources from the ground. All we’re asking for is a bit of our land back.”
‘I Know The Voice Won’t Fix Everything Overnight, But I Feel Like It’s The Opening Of A Pathway’
Eddie Betts, Clothing The Gaps, Instagram
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‘If The Voice Is Rejected, My Heart Will Break. But First Nations Progress Won’t Be Stopped’
Aaron Fa’Aoso, The Guardian
“Whether it’s through the voice, or through treaty, or through both – let’s change the story. Let’s change our story.”
More Voice Coverage:
The Voice Referendum Date Has Been Set. What Now?
Australia’s Forefathers Denied First Nations People A Voice. We Have A Chance To Change That
“More Than A Voice”: Senator Lidia Thorpe On Why It’s Time For A Blak Republic
Karla Grant On What Australia Can Learn From Norway’s Voice To Parliament
Lidia Thorpe Doesn’t Owe You Shit
Why Do I Care What Kamal Is Voting?
‘We Are Definitely Leading The Change’: Young People On The Voice Referendum
Marcia Langton And Fiona Stanley: “Why The Voice To Parliament Will Help Close The Gap”
Image Credit: Nakkiah Lui and Senator Lidia Thorpe, Getty Images