Country, Culture, People, Future

December 2020

Support for reconciliation in Australia higher than ever

Posted: December 15th, 2020

The ‘2020 Australian Reconciliation Barometer’ (ARB) shows that support for reconciliation is growing and that more Australians know how to get involved. According to the report, the ARB indicates a steady improvement, however inequality and racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is still an issue.

The survey included 495 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and 1988 general community members, across all states and territories. The report outlines five dimensions of reconciliation:

  • Race Relations – All Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous cultures, rights and experiences, which results in stronger relationships based on trust and respect that are free of racism.
  • Equality and Equity – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in a range of life opportunities and the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised and upheld.
  • Unity – An Australian society that values and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage as a proud part of a shared identity.
  • Institutional Integrity – The active support of reconciliation by the nation’s political, business and community structures.
  • Historical Acceptance – All Australians understand and accept the wrongs of the past and the impact of these wrongs. Australia makes amends for the wrongs of the past and ensures these wrongs are never repeated.

Reconciliation Australia said “Reconciliation gives Australians a framework for understanding our race-relations and provides a framework for moving forward to a reconciled future.”

For more information about the 2020 Australian Reconciliation Barometer click here.

To download the summary report click here.

Legislations’ shortcomings noted in the Juukan Gorge Inquiry.

Posted: December 11th, 2020

Industry, and State and Federal legislation have been held accountable by the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia Inquiry into the destruction of 46,000 Year Old Caves at the Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara.

The Committee tabled an interim report, titled Never Again from its Inquiry to Parliament on December 9 2020. They noted that more time was needed to produce a full report to cover such complex issues.

The findings make it clear that several laws must change to address the power imbalance inherent in State and Federal legislation.

The report makes seven recommendations focussing on improving relations between industry and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and improving the legislative framework protecting Indigenous heritage.

A copy of the media statement YMAC has prepared in response to this report in available here.

YMAC will continue to advocate for legislative reform, for a fairer and more balanced environment for Traditional Owners to undertake agreement-making and for central involvement in decisions about what happens on their Country.

 

YMAC Annual Report 2020

Posted: December 7th, 2020

 

YMAC’s Annual Report 2020 is available to download from this website.  Copies of the publication are being posted to members and additional copies are available also at YMAC offices.

YMAC News Issue 41

Posted: December 4th, 2020

In this edition of YMAC News we update you on:

  • The recent Regional Committee Meetings
  • COVID-19
  • Law reform and the Draft Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill 2020
  • YMAC’s Juukan Gorge Submission
  • Ningaloo ILUA
  • YMAC’s 50 per cent ownership of Pilbara Solar
  • What’s happening in our regions
  • How to unlock your Aboriginal ancestry

To view a copy online click here.

To download a copy click here.

Country is our mother, the provider and keeper of cultural belongings. Country and Culture go together. You can’t have one without the other.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians throughout Western Australia, and on whose Country we work. We acknowledge and respect their deep connection to their lands and waterways.

We honour and pay respect to Elders, and to their ancestors who survived and cared for Country.

Our offices are located on Whadjuk Country, Southern Yamatji Country, Yinggarda Country, Kariyarra Country, and Yawuru Country. We recognise the continuing culture, traditions, stories and living cultures on these lands and commit to building a brighter future together.

Disclaimer: Caution: Please be advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.

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