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There's a momentum that has gathered pace in recent times, with people continuing to expand their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Australia's long history. With that realisation, we will begin to make demands of our leaders to formally acknowledge that history in our nation's foundation documents, governance and in our children's schooling.
A new Australian identity will emerge that fully embraces our indigenous beginnings alongside our later development through colonialism and immigration - expanding the lens on our nation's history for a fully inclusive and rich cultural heritage that is intrinsic and celebrated by the whole nation.
WESLEY ENOCH, QUANDAMOOKA
Transcript from ABC television broadcast, 7.30
"January 26 fills me with a lot of trepidation. I feel a bit fearful because it is also a moment where I'm reminded that the country wants to forget me.
It keeps saying that, "This is the most important story, the arrival of the First Fleet is the most important story that defines our nation." And I know it is different than that.
I reckon that as Australians, we have a real identity problem. We think that we're young and scrappy and we're lucky. Where in fact, we should be elders on the world stage.
We have the oldest living culture on earth and it is here in this landscape and the more we think that we can learn from Indigenous Australia rather than thinking of it as a deficit model then I think we'll have an Australia Day that is more important and embraced by everyone.
I reckon we spend a lot of energy saying, "Change the date. Change the date." When in fact the energy needs to be change the minds and hearts of Australians.
Let's have a voice to parliament. Let's talk about treaty. Let's talk about sovereignty. Let's make permanent changes that actually help us all grow as Australians.
We need to build some identity that is from deep within and it starts with our relationship with this country, our relationship with the First Peoples and then this idea of how we can work together to make structural change and not just the window dressing."
Growth through literature is something we truly believe in and Abbey's is a proud supporter of the INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION. You can DONATE BELOW by simply adding the ILF item below to your order to donate $2. Every donation counts. To donate more, just change the order quantity. Click through on the first item below for more info.
The aim is to inspire broader Australia about the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' first languages and why learning in language is important.
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