News of the Queen’s loss of life broke on the identical day as my cousin’s funeral. My cousin, like greater than 500 First Nations individuals within the final 30 years alone, died in custody. I used to be notified on Monday of one other loss of life in custody.
The establishments that British colonisation introduced right here, from the schooling that erases us to the prisons that kill us, are designed to destroy the oldest dwelling tradition on the planet. That’s the legacy of the crown on this nation.
The “British empire” declared a struggle on these shores, towards this nation’s First Nations peoples. This led to massacres. And also you desire a minute’s silence from me?
Their struggle continues and remains to be felt as we speak – on our kids, our males, our land, our water, the air we breathe. But we’re meant to kneel to the colonising drive with our arms on our hearts?
It's insulting that the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has referred to as the 22 September public vacation a “Nationwide Day of Mourning for Her Majesty The Queen,” when First Nations individuals have referred to as for 26 January to be acknowledged as a Day of Mourning since 1938.
We referred to as for a Day of Mourning in order that this nation may perceive how we’re nonetheless affected by colonisation as we speak. We’re not grieving a singular human life, we’re reeling from the violence that's the legacy of the monarchy.
Who gave permission for our flag to be lowered to half-mast? That energy has been taken away from us, once more.
Our younger persons are turning to suicide, as a result of they don’t see a future for themselves within the programs the monarchy created on this nation.
I’m penning this in solidarity with First Nations people who find themselves triggered by the glorification of our oppressor, to the moms who should take heed to individuals grieving the Queen whereas dwelling in concern of their infants being stolen and our youngsters who should pay their respects in school regardless of the British empire’s makes an attempt to wipe us out.
Colonial governments are complicit in persevering with the crimes towards First Nations individuals as a result of that's the agenda of the coloniser towards First Nations individuals around the globe. To assume that folks can stand and rejoice that's ignorant and painful.
First Nations persons are proud, sovereign individuals. The British empire tried to wipe us out, however they failed. We're nonetheless right here and we've got a chance to do issues in another way on this nation.
The “demise of the crown” comes with the chance to take heed to grassroots First Nations individuals, who're telling the reality concerning the monarchy on this nation.
Breaking the cycle of colonial oppression begins with truth-telling, and truth-listening. Understanding that that is our shared heritage will assist us transfer ahead and heal this nation.
Fact-telling holds up a mirror to our society and asks: who're we? The place are we coming from, and the place can we wish to be?
Can we wish to be a nation who can’t management our personal affairs? The place our head of state is whoever was born into the appropriate household? Can we wish to champion stolen wealth and privilege, or are we a rustic that cares about equality and democracy?
We’re one of many few commonwealth nations that doesn’t have a treaty with First Nations individuals.
Treaty is an finish to the struggle. It’s once we come collectively to barter how we are able to reside alongside one another, peacefully. Treaty will create a brand new nationwide id, that we are able to all really feel pleased with and part of.
If we wish to mature as a nation, the one mechanism to really unite us is a treaty. Be a part of us in making a nation that we are able to all rejoice.
Come on this journey with us.
Post a Comment