Supporting 'Indigneous Voices': A Chinese-Australian Perspective

These are all important components that make up the splendid mountains and rivers that make this land so unique and beautiful.

In addition to beautiful mountains and rivers, Australia is also a country full of opportunities. That's why migrants from all over the world choose to come here, to enjoy living in this generally peaceful society, raise families and benefit from Australia's strong economy. Personally, I arrived in Adelaide in 1996 and moved to Melbourne in 1999. Living and working in Australia, I feel very lucky with all that this country has to offer.

However, as I marvel at the beauty and opportunity of this ancient land, I also often remember that it has been home to Aboriginal people for more than 60,000 years and that they have a deep connection and respect for the land that they have cared for over the years. around the land, which is reflected in their unique culture and art. Unfortunately, over the past two hundred years, especially during the colonial era, they have experienced appalling injustice.

As a nation, Australia has a rare opportunity this year to address this historic injustice and heal the wounds in our national psyche through the upcoming 'Indigenous Voices' referendum.

In "A Manifesto from the Soul," Indigenous leader Fiona Jose writes in her moving essay "Ending Great Spiritual Loneliness" that, through an "Indigenous "The Voice" to achieve constitutional recognition would not only end her people's "enormous spiritual loneliness" but also benefit all Australians. Because in this country we are not spiritually barren only when our ancient hearts are recognized and given a voice. This 'Indigenous Voice' is an opportunity to recognize and honor the unique and continuing presence of Aboriginal people in Australian history from time immemorial.

Although Chinese Australians have also experienced discrimination in this country, we cannot fully empathize with the deep sense of helplessness and pain experienced by Aboriginal people. As a proud Chinese-Australian, I don't think we can just be passive spectators benefiting from the wealth of opportunities this multicultural country has offered since the abolition of the White Australia Policy in the early 1970s. We have a responsibility to actively contribute to creating a more just and inclusive society, including respecting and supporting our Indigenous peoples.

That means casting a yes vote in this year's referendum to support "Indigenous Voices" as a crucial step towards recognition of Indigenous peoples and national reconciliation.

By enshrining long-deserved recognition of our Indigenous peoples in our Constitution, the nation's supreme legal document, Indigenous Voices offers our nation an opportunity to heal and move forward. Giving Indigenous Australians a greater voice in decision-making that affects their lives will ensure that their views and experiences are taken into account when laws or policies that concern them are developed, improving policy and outcomes for Indigenous groups .

Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating's Redfern speech, Kevin Rudd's speech on the "stolen generation" (referring to the forced severance policy, which forcibly sends children of Aboriginal families to foster families or boarding schools, forcing them to isolate themselves from their parents, family and culture) and Aboriginal musician and cultural icon Archie Roach ) and the touching song "Took My Child" both moved us deeply and reminded us of the deep pain and suffering our Indigenous peoples have experienced. This constitutional amendment referendum provides an opportunity to finally take an important step, apologize to the aborigines, and face up to history.

"It's time to build Indigenous voices." Those were the words of Julian Leeser MP when he resigned from the shadow cabinet recently to actively campaign in favor of Indigenous voices. "Indigenous people are looking to be heard," said Ken Wyatt, the first Aboriginal MP and former Coalition Minister for Indigenous Affairs.

The "Visceral Ulu Declaration" is a historic and important document negotiated by Indigenous Australians. It poignantly expresses the earnest desire of Indigenous Australians: "In 1967, we were counted (in the population); in 2017, we expected to be heard." For our Indigenous peoples, the path to healing and reconciliation is A long journey filled with heartache. As Chinese-Australians, we have the opportunity to be a part of this journey, to learn from it, and to develop a deeper respect and understanding for our Indigenous peoples - truly being a part of this country and its democratic process.

So let us stand shoulder to shoulder with Indigenous people, listen to their inner voice, support Indigenous Voices, and work with all communities to build a nation of healing, harmony and prosperity that benefits everyone.