Image: People gathered around a table in friendly discussion.
Genelle’s reflections
I had never experienced anything like the Kitchen Table talk before so while I remained open minded, I was a little nervous about what to expect. I found it to be informative and the presentation of information was both easy to learn about and presented in a visual and tactile way. This leant itself for me and the other participants to being engaged more readily. There was plenty of opportunity for everyone to speak if they wanted to and share their impressions and this was done in a respectful way.
The information was succinct and was a very candid reminder of our colonial history and the relationship with our First Nations people and how, time after time, there have been many attempts of recognition, reconciliation and a place in our great country.
The continued abuses and disregard of respectful, articulate and intelligent requests to government, the monarchy and other avenues of representation to be heard was shown time and again to be ignored, with very little engagement at best, and more often than not, dismissed out of hand.
The opportunity to fearlessly look at the facts of our aboriginal and colonial history, even though horrendous and uncomfortable, can only help us understand how the Uluru Statement from the Heart is a gracious gift to the people of Australia. More than 80% of our First Nations people want to walk with and be able to share the 60 millennia of history, knowledge and culture that can work in tandem with modern Australia.
One of the many parts of the statement that shines through for me is:
We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country”.
David’s thoughts
I found the information provided at the Kitchen Table Conversation, in regard to all the attempts that have been made to formally recognise our First Nations people, have been too numerous to still be where we are today.
The chronology in my mind’s eye has been ongoing since the late 1700’s and it is incomprehensible we are still discussing this in 2023.
We learned that various governments have made attempts but in the absence of a Voice, they have been made without any consultation with First Nations people and, despite their best intentions, continually fail.
I have now a firmer belief, that the Voice will go a long way in connecting both cultures. This is why I will write yes.
Drop us a line if you’d like to come to a kitchen table conversation on the 2023 Voice to Parliament Referendum.
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