Kimberley community determined to advance the cause of Aboriginal people

Giovanni Torre
Giovanni Torre Published October 14, 2024 at 12.30pm (AWST)

One year on from the failed Voice referendum, Kimberley leaders remain resolute in their commitment to a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard and genuinely influence decision-making, advocating agreement-making and truth-telling as the foundation for justice.

Kimberley Land Council chief executive Tyronne Garstone said Kimberley Aboriginal people show "remarkable resilience, moving forward despite the challenges, disappointment and setbacks".

"In Bardi language we say: Iwooloongan Iyoordin biinmal ningamoord ambooriny - tide come in, tide go out. We are strong people," he said on Monday.

"We know that 77.5 per cent of remote Kimberley communities voted yes to a Voice to Parliament. We also know that our members remain committed to the need for a Kimberley Aboriginal Regional Body, one that works directly with government on the matters that affect our lives, our rights and our futures."

Mr Garstone said the Land Council continues to support the key reform concepts of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and "firmly believes" a process to oversee both treaty and truth-telling is critical to achieving justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"To date, there has not been a nationally coordinated process of truth-telling about Australia's history of colonisation. In the words of former KLC CEO Nolan Hunter and academic Damien Freeman, 'this has been one of the biggest historical barriers to genuine reconciliation in Australia'," he said.

The Land Council head said linking agreement-making with truth-telling provides the potential for substantive justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"While truth-telling can shine light on the wrongs of the past and their contemporary effects, agreements – or treaties – provide a practical way to address, redress and compensate for those wrongs," he said.

"Agreements can recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's identities and political status, provide redress for past wrongs, and enshrine commitments from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and governments. They can be vehicles for economic and social empowerment and self-determination."

Mr Garstone said the Council urges "our Kimberley community and the rest of Australia to stand strong through these challenging times - the ebbs and flows of the tide - and rise with us".

"Together, we can close the gap to create a more just and equitable future for everyone in our region and our nation."

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