We support the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for the Constitutional recognition of First Nations Australians through the establishment of a Voice to Parliament. At the Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA), we firmly believe in the interconnectedness of all beings and are proud of our nation’s rich and diverse First Nations cultures.
Australia is preparing to cast their votes in a referendum on 14th October 2023 to enshrine a Voice to Parliament, which would be a permanent body with both National and Local Voices representing First Nations people, giving First Nations communities a way to advise government on the policies, laws and decisions which impact their lives.
This upcoming referendum is set to be a significant historic event in the journey towards true reconciliation. We are honoured to accept the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and commit to work and walk together with First Nations peoples and communities in a movement of the Australian people for a better future and acknowledge the importance of ensuring Indigenous voices are embedded throughout our own practices.
Whilst we strongly support the principle of the Voice, we acknowledge the diverse views held on this matter, and the importance of being informed and engaged. We encourage everyone to seek reputable information about the Voice, to listen to First Nations leaders, and to partake in open and honest dialogues, but to do so respectfully and considerately.
The Jane Goodall Institute Australia acknowledges with deep respect the First Nations of this land we now call Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to Country, and acknowledge that they never ceded sovereignty. We thank them for caring for our living land and sea scapes since time immemorial. We acknowledge and respect the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.
If you would like to begin your journey towards an informed vote, we encourage you visit the below links as a starting point:
https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/view-the-statement/
https://voice.gov.au/
https://voice.gov.au/resources/information-booklet
https://voice.gov.au/resources/indigenous-voice-co-design-process-final-report
