The last 50 years have been witness to mounting calls by Indigenous people for an improvement to the dire array of socio-economic statistics. These calls, often against changing political landscapes have resulted in successive Governments frantically searching for answers by implementing new and often untested Indigenous governance arrangements. I believe these moves by Government, while well-intentioned, also serve the agenda of promoting their political doctrine and associated leadership. Retaining the leadership mantle is all-important to any Government and while the approach adopted by our nation’s leaders has changed, one thing remains and will always remain steadfast: that is, the desire of Indigenous people to have an unfettered and genuine voice in their future. This desire is reflected in Indigenous people’s wishes to have true and meaningful representation at the legislative level and not just at the community level.
The Rudd Government’s apology to the Stolen Generation has been a big step in the right direction. It was greeted with elation with many saying the historic gesture has pointed to a new dawn in Indigenous affairs - perhaps one that will be a prelude to incorporating Indigenous wisdom into legislative decision-making. The apology sends a clear message to all Indigenous Australians that this Government is serious about addressing Indigenous disadvantage through new and innovate ways. While today’s apology helps to close this chapter of unfinished business, it opens up a positive new one in committing to a whole-of-Government, whole-of-community approach to providing social and economic opportunities to Indigenous people. The Government’s apology was not only appropriate, sensitive and comprehensive but signalled a real willingness to engage all parties including the Opposition to work collaboratively to put an end to the legacy of failed policy. In this respect, the Government is to be commended for laying this important foundation and challenge at the feet of all Australians and in doing so reaffirming the goal of national reconciliation. However the lack of mention of compensation leaves this issue to be resolved.
But how can the wider Church play an increasingly important role in supporting such positive moves to help deliver reconciliation, equality and justice to Indigenous people? They can do it by supporting those Indigenous organizations and individuals who are creating pathways for Indigenous people. Time and again I have heard Indigenous people who have risen from despondency to new heights of achievement talk of their new beginnings and ambitions for the future through their spirit, faith and resolute desire for a better life. It is human nature to often take a ‘rear-view mirror’ approach to one’s life and to look back and say our past successes will be the measure of our future successes. When we perceive these successes to be small then, more than likely, our future will be undergirded by small effort and thus small results. However when we as a people consciously listen to our inner spiritual voice and realize that we are the masters of our own destiny and that we do have the real power and choice to make a difference to our lives and to the lives of our loved ones, then something far greater is possible. The Government’s apology is such an example of the outcomes of the call and belief from Indigenous people.
The words of Golda Meir, one of the founders of the state of Israel, are significant when she talked about the struggle she and her people faced: ‘All my country has is spirit, we don’t have petroleum dollars. We don’t have mines of great wealth in the ground; we don’t have the support of worldwide public opinion that looks favourably upon us. All Israel has is the spirit of its people, and if the people lose their spirit even the United States cannot save us.’
The Church body has an unprecedented opportunity to work together to reaffirm the spirit of our people against the morasses many Indigenous people have found themselves so that future positive outcomes such as the National Apology eventuate. The Government’s apology has greatly uplifted the spirit of many Indigenous people however the sustenance of this needs to be carried outside of the political realm. This is where the Church needs to increasingly advocate for justice and equality for Indigenous people by engaging in those legislative decisions that affect Indigenous people and advocating for a just approach.
In closing I pray for our people’s continued successes to be undergirded by the wider church engaging in legislative decisions affecting Indigenous people and a commitment by the wider church to support Aboriginal and Islander aspirations: 'the bricks have fallen down but we will rebuild with dressed stones: the fig trees have been cut down, but we will change them into cedars' (Isaiah 9:10).
‘…the one who sows to please the spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up’ (Galatians 6: 8:9)
Reverend Shayne Blackman
CEO, NATSICA
Apology Day, 13 February 2008