We are about halfway through NAIDOC Week for 2023. It is a time to celebrate the culture and achievements of Australian Indigenous people.
This is a special year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Later in the year we will have a referendum to change the Constitution to include recognition of the traditional custodians of the land and representation in the form of an advisory "Voice to Parliament". It is really difficult to pass a referendum. I saw that in the referendum for Australia to become a Republic in 1999 when the majority of Australia wanted to be a republic but the seeds of doubt were sown about the details and it did not pass. There is a lot of doubt being thrown on the Voice by opponents but I hope the morning after the referendum we will hold our nerve so we can hold our heads high in Australia and say we have given Indigenous people the recognition and representation they have requested. Evidence shows that when we are involved in our solutions, it is more likely to work. So why wouldn't we give Indigenous people a chance to help us make our nation better!
In the meantime we can celebrate Indigenous culture by appreciating the street art that commemorates yesterday's sorrow and the glad tomorrow of one of the oldest living cultures in the world.
Above: Fitzroy, January 2023
Below: Federation Square, February 2023
Boorimul Booboop Narrkwarren (Emu Family) roaming free on Country by Aunty Zeta Thomson, in collaboration with Mike Maka and Simone Thomson
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Brunswick building site by Upfield bike path near Albion St: March 2023:
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Nicholson St, North Carlton: January 2023:
Swanston St, CBD: November 2021
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Hosier Lane, CBD: February 2021:
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CERES, Brunswick mosaics: 2018
By Upfield bike path by Brunswick Rd, Brunswick: 2021
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Happy NAIDOC Week!
More posts for NAIDOC Week:
Aboriginal flag cake for NAIDOC Week
Aboriginal Street Art in Melbourne (2) for NAIDOC Week
Aboriginal Street Art in Melbourne (3) for NAIDOC Week
Porridgies, children's books, racism and recognition
Street Art in Melbourne #6 Aboriginal art for Sorry Day
Exceptional, beautiful post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove these artworks - crossing fingers for the referendum results. C'mon Australia, you can do it!
ReplyDelete