Latest thoughts part seven - First Peoples

As a priority justice issue, we need to be doing everything possible in the cause of reconciliation with our First Peoples. This of course means closing the gap in so many areas and dealing with the outrageous levels of incarceration of our indigenous people, but it also means pursuing treaties and greater truth-telling in establishing firmly in the minds of future generations the proper place of our First Nations in Australia's long history. For the disgraceful way they have been treated, we need to keep saying sorry until reconciliation is complete. This is even more urgent in the face of the devastating 'Voice' referendum result. 

So don't let me hear that 'Welcomes to Country' or acknowledgements of country are not needed. Of course they are ... because they are respectful and educational and traditional, and keep the fires of reconciliation burning. How can we sleep while this injustice is unresolved?! We so easily forget we live on unceded land - we take it for granted at best, or try to eliminate this truth at worst. So let's acknowledge Country, promote reconciliation, support treaties and close the gap as a national priority - and, may the Church take the lead rather than, because of ignorance and apathy, get in the way!! 

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