June 27, 2019June 27, 2019

NAIDOC Week 2019 Aboriginal Voices

Aboriginal Voices – Voice, Treaty, Truth

This NAIDOC Week, the community is invited to join Diana David, CEO of Reconciliation Victoria and Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson in a panel discussion based on the three key elements set out by the First Nations Australians in the Uluru Statement of the Heart. Richie Williams will perform on his Didgeridoo and then join the discussion.

Time: 6.45pm for 7-8pm panel discussion followed by supper.

Date: Thursday 11 July 2019

Location: Eltham Library, Panther Place, Eltham

Nillumbik Reconciliation Group is proud to partner with Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries in hosting this Aboriginal Voices Forum. We are grateful to Nillumbik Shire Council for awarding us a Robert Bridgford Indigenous Trust grant which allows Nillumbik to hold this free public event to support the Aboriginal community and the State of Victoria as they work towards Treaty negotiations.

In the spirit of Reconciliation we hope you can attend.

This year we are celebrating with events online. NRG has made a video which has been sent to Primary and Secondary schools in Nillumbik. Here is the link for you to watch it too.

The week begins after Sorry Day on 26 May when we can remember with deep regret the taking of the children and the losses of language and culture and homelands suffered by Indigenous Australians.

Reconciliation Week begins on May 27 until June 3.

This week includes two important dates:

The Referendum of 1967, May 27. Aboriginal people were now counted in the census and could have laws made by the Commonwealth government instead of being subject to state legislation.
June 3, 1992. The handing down of the judgement on the claim of Eddie Mabo to the ownership of his land on Mer Island in the Torres Strait. The High Court found that his ownership had not been erased by the settlement of Australia. The recognition that sovereignty was never ceded is now commonly added to acknowledgement of traditional owners.