Conversations from the Heart – Hearing First Nations Voices
The Equal Employment Opportunity Network (EEON) in partnership with the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) and RMIT hosted an empowering and thought-provoking event “Conversations from the Heart – Hearing First Nations Voices”. Attendees had the privilege of engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, hearing insights, priorities and aspirations of Indigenous communities in Victoria ahead of Treaty discussions and before the national referendum, encouraging attendees to consider how they can contribute to positive change.
The event commenced on a soul-stirring note with a captivating digeridoo performance by the esteemed Uncle Shane Charles. The powerful resonance of the traditional instrument resonated with the audience, setting the tone for a meaningful conversation to follow. Karen Milward opened the program by encouraging these conversations to continue so that everyone is informed about the sensitivities and the importance of the impending referendum.
The dialogue unfolded between Uncle Shane Charles and Uncle Steven Walsh, two revered Indigenous leaders who spoke with wisdom and passion about the issues close to their hearts. When asked about the importance of the voice referendum, Uncle Shane Charles articulated, “It’s an opportunity to create a whole new nation moving forward. To consolidate that respect, first and foremost, we acknowledge the first peoples on the planet, who are from here, we have no migration story. We have creation stories, and this has all the beautiful lens of culture and knowledge and wisdom… Wouldn’t it be good to be able to create something where no matter who you are, where you come from, you’re accepted, respected, no matter the colour of your skin?”
Uncle Stephen Walsh highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasising, “We’re in 2023, well over 250 years of colonisation, and Australia is still behind the rest of the world. Most importantly, we as the First Nations people are well behind the rest of the world. New Zealand has always had a treaty with their mob. Canada and many other Indigenous peoples of the world have as well, but Australia is still falling behind. We must ask ourselves, everybody has to ask themselves, ‘Where do we want to be? Who do we want to be?'”
Participants were encouraged to seek the necessary information to make informed choices, fostering a society that celebrates diversity, acceptance, and respect. It left attendees inspired and motivated to take action in advancing reconciliation, equality, and justice.
As the echoes of Uncle Shane’s digeridoo performance reverberated, it reminded everyone that the time for change is now. Australia stands on the cusp of a transformative journey, where embracing First Nations voices and embracing the richness of Indigenous culture will lead to a more inclusive and harmonious future for all.
