Definition of Reconciliation
Reconciliation is defined as the process of understanding and restoring a relationship, particularly if the reason for the rift is as a result of one party’s actions. Reconciliation is a community-based movement involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It is a process that aims to improve relations between Indigenous peoples and the wider community.
Reconciliation is not a new idea. The first major step to recognise the rights of Aboriginal people began in the 1960s with the Freedom Rides and resulted in changes to the constitution to include Aborigines in the census in the 1967 referendum.
In the 1990’s the High Court decisions in the Mabo and Wik cases and the recognition of Aboriginal collective rights to own traditional land
The 2007 “SORRY” speech was one of the first acts of the new Rudd Government. It was hailed as a great step forward in the Australian government recognition of past human rights abuses – particularly in relation to ”The stolen generation”. It has been criticised by some as a ceremonial gesture with not enough real improvement in Aboriginal quality of life as the statistics on the previous page indicate.
Reconciliation is defined as the process of understanding and restoring a relationship, particularly if the reason for the rift is as a result of one party’s actions. Reconciliation is a community-based movement involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It is a process that aims to improve relations between Indigenous peoples and the wider community.
Reconciliation is not a new idea. The first major step to recognise the rights of Aboriginal people began in the 1960s with the Freedom Rides and resulted in changes to the constitution to include Aborigines in the census in the 1967 referendum.
In the 1990’s the High Court decisions in the Mabo and Wik cases and the recognition of Aboriginal collective rights to own traditional land
The 2007 “SORRY” speech was one of the first acts of the new Rudd Government. It was hailed as a great step forward in the Australian government recognition of past human rights abuses – particularly in relation to ”The stolen generation”. It has been criticised by some as a ceremonial gesture with not enough real improvement in Aboriginal quality of life as the statistics on the previous page indicate.
More recently, there has also been discussion about the role of the government in the Northern Territory Intervention that was intended to improve health and education outcomes in remote Aboriginal communities. The positive outcomes has been a reduction in alcohol related violence and improved attendance at schools. Part of the way the government has encouraged communities to ensure the children are well cared for is to link welfare payments to food vouchers. Some have argued that this is discrimination (and therefore an abuse of human rights) because the same rules do not apply to “white” families where there is violence and neglect. (As in the recent case of the 7 year old at Hawks Nest who was starved to death by her parents)
Generally, Australians are better recognising Aboriginal culture and their traditional connection with the land. Sacred sites are protected and aboriginal history is compulsory in the Australian education system.
As well as government recognition, NGO’s such as ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) continue to work to raise awareness of Aboriginal issues.
It is unlikely that the problems in Aboriginal communities will be solved in the near future.
Generally, Australians are better recognising Aboriginal culture and their traditional connection with the land. Sacred sites are protected and aboriginal history is compulsory in the Australian education system.
As well as government recognition, NGO’s such as ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) continue to work to raise awareness of Aboriginal issues.
It is unlikely that the problems in Aboriginal communities will be solved in the near future.
No comments:
Post a Comment