Can we catch up?

AUSTRALIA is the only first-world country with a colonial history that does not recognise its Indigenous people in its constitution and empower them in an advisory capacity.

Norway, Finland and Sweden all recognise the Sami in their constitutions and give them a voice in their affairs through representative bodies.

The United States recognises Indigenous people in its constitution and the ‘sovereignty’ of Indian tribes has long been recognised. As well, the National Congress of American Indians has operated as a voice of tribal interests in Washington DC since 1944.

Canada recognises indigenous rights in its constitution and has a national Assembly of First Nations.

The New Zealand M?ori Council is a body that represents and consults the M?ori people of New Zealand. The council exerts pressure on New Zealand governments to protect Treaty of Waitangi rights.

Many countries recognise their First Nations people in their constitution and empower them to advise their Parliaments on matters concerning them. Why not Australia? Please vote YES for recognition of our First Nations people and for an advisory committee to Parliament. It is time we caught up. 

Felicia Di Stefano