Dear ,
Two years is an awfully long time.
And so when I walked into the W Melbourne in Naarm earlier this week and saw a packed room of people, I couldn't help but smile.
Here we were, choosing to mark and celebrate NAIDOC Week together - after years of being apart.
Choosing to sit in the truth of our past, to tell stories, to share wisdom, and to work together to ensure a bright future for First Nations people in every corner of this unceded land.
‘NAIDOC is only one week of the year, but it’s an amazing opportunity for us to really
spotlight and think about those who’ve paved the way for us and the mob that are still here today advocating,’ shared filmmaker, director and writer, Kimberley Benjamin.
The energy in the room was palpable.
Despite the frequent clink of silverware, we were all completely rapt - listening to the honesty and power of awesome First Nations women like Kimberley and her fellow panellists Tanya Hosch, General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy at the AFL; and Nerita Waight, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service’s Chief Executive Officer.
They shared their vision for the future with us and called on allies to take action to support First Nations voices.
‘Power allied with ignorance is the most ferocious enemy that justice can have,' warned Tanya Hosch.
'You don’t have to speak for us, but you can make it clear that you agree and amplify.’
‘Channel the energy in this room that we've
created today, and think about the ways that you can take this into your own worlds,' urged Kimberely.
I still feel that energy and determination, even days later, as I replay the musings Nerita Waight left us with, before we said our goodbyes and returned to a bustling and cold Melbourne morning.
‘First Nations communities are not just stories of the same disadvantage.'
'We are stories of adversity, yes, but strength and determination and purpose and innovative solutions.’
Solutions, strength and determination. Despite adversity.
It's not a hard thing for anyone to remember. But it means the world to hear it said out loud, and bears repeating - during NAIDOC Week, and year-round.
Yours in the fight, Madison Howarth Online Learning Manager, Future Women
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