UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Summary

This video script highlights the struggle and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their rights and culture. It discusses the historical denial of basic citizenship and human rights, the quest for self-determination, and the significance of land and language to their identity. The script also celebrates the achievements in land rights and the role of figures like Eddie Koiki Mabo in challenging the notion of terra nullius, ultimately advocating for the acknowledgment and respect of indigenous rights within the Australian society.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The script acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as the oldest continuing cultures globally, emphasizing their importance and the need for respect and celebration.
• 😔 It highlights the historical injustices faced by these cultures, including denial of basic citizenship and human rights, and the need for societal catch-up.
• 🤝 Hon. Paul Keating suggests that recognition of the dispossession and injustices done to Indigenous peoples is a crucial first step towards reconciliation.
• 💪 Indigenous peoples have been fighting for recognition as distinct peoples with the right to self-determination and control over their futures.
• 🌏 Ban-Ki Moon, representing global indigenous representatives, acknowledges the long struggle for rights, indicating a collective international effort.
• 📜 The document outlined in the script consists of 9 key sections focusing on foundational rights, life, culture, education, participation, and self-governance, among others.
• 🌟 Mick Gooda stresses that human rights are inherent and not earned, advocating for the understanding that all members of the human race possess these rights.
• 🗳️ Dr. Tom Calma emphasizes the importance of self-determination, stating that decisions should be made freely without coercion, reflecting autonomy.
• 🏞️ Brian Wyatt discusses the broad definition of resources, including not just extractive industries but also access to natural elements like water, national parks, and traditional foods.
• 🏘️ Uncle Bob Anderson credits Eddie Koiki Mabo for challenging the myth of terra nullius, which significantly altered the legal landscape for Indigenous land rights.
• 🎉 Gwen Parkin shares the joy of achieving land rights after a 20-year struggle, illustrating the profound impact of such victories on Indigenous communities.
• 🗣️ Janine Gertz underscores the importance of language preservation for cultural and spiritual identity, and as a means of passing knowledge to future generations.
• 🏫 Ken Langford-Smith describes Yipirinya School as a 'two-way' institution, highlighting the importance of independent educational institutions for Indigenous communities.
• 👵 Cheryl Wilson emphasizes the significance of language in maintaining Indigenous identity and the necessity of teaching it to younger generations.
• 🤝 A woman in the script advocates for a 'two-way' approach to learning, suggesting mutual respect and exchange of knowledge between cultures.
• 📚 Dr. Megan Davis recommends using the declaration of rights in all levels of government and public meetings, indicating its utility in advocating for Indigenous rights.

Q & A

What is the significance of recognizing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures internationally?

The recognition is significant as it acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as the longest continuing surviving cultures in the world, which is important to respect, value, and celebrate.

Why is the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples described as 'shameful' in the script?

The history is described as 'shameful' because these peoples have been denied basic citizenship rights and human rights, and have faced dispossession and the destruction of their traditional way of life.

What does Hon. Paul Keating suggest as a starting point for addressing historical injustices?

Hon. Paul Keating suggests starting with an act of recognition, acknowledging the dispossession of traditional lands and the smashing of traditional lifestyles, as well as the practice of discrimination and exclusion.

What is the main goal of indigenous peoples as mentioned in the script?

The main goal of indigenous peoples is to be recognized as distinct peoples with the right to run their own lives and determine their own futures.

What is the importance of self-determination according to Dr. Tom Calma AO?

Self-determination is important because it allows indigenous peoples to make decisions without coercion and to understand and influence the factors affecting their lives.

What are the key sections of the document mentioned in the script?

The key sections of the document are foundational rights, life and security, language, culture and spiritual identity, education, information and employment, participation, development, economic and social rights, rights to country, resources and knowledge, and self-governance.

What does Mick Gooda emphasize about human rights?

Mick Gooda emphasizes that human rights are inherent and do not need to be earned; they are possessed simply by being a member of the human race.

What does Mick Dodson suggest is at the heart of self-determination?

Mick Dodson suggests that the ability of people to make real decisions about things that affect their lives is at the heart of self-determination.

How does Brian Wyatt define the scope of 'resources' in the context of indigenous rights?

Brian Wyatt defines 'resources' not only as extractive industries but also includes water, access to national parks, forests, traditional foods, and medicines, emphasizing the right to these resources as part of land rights.

What role did Eddie Koiki Mabo play in changing the perception of indigenous land rights?

Eddie Koiki Mabo played a pivotal role by dispelling the myth of terra nullius, which led to a significant change in the understanding and recognition of indigenous land rights.

How does Gwen Parkin describe the experience of finally achieving land rights after a long struggle?

Gwen Parkin describes the experience as the most wonderful feeling, with people jumping up and screaming in joy when they were informed that they had title to their land.

What does the recognition of native title mean for the traditional people of the land, according to Evelyn Parkin?

According to Evelyn Parkin, the recognition of native title within the Western system means that the traditional people are finally acknowledged as the rightful inhabitants of the land, affirming their spiritual ties that cannot be taken away.

Why is the preservation of indigenous languages considered crucial, as mentioned by Janine Gertz?

The preservation of indigenous languages is crucial because they are the means through which knowledge is passed on to future generations and cultural and spiritual identity is asserted.

What is unique about Yipirinya School as described by Ken Langford-Smith?

Yipirinya School is unique because it is a 'two-way' school, established as an independent institution after a 10-year campaign by the elders, allowing for a school of their own that respects and incorporates indigenous knowledge alongside Western education.

How does Cheryl Wilson emphasize the importance of language to the indigenous identity?

Cheryl Wilson emphasizes that language is a fundamental part of the indigenous identity, stating that without language, culture, and strength, they cannot be considered an indigenous race, and it is essential to teach this to the children.

What does the phrase 'two ways' signify in the context of the script?

The phrase 'two ways' signifies the idea of coexistence and mutual learning between European and indigenous cultures, walking side by side and learning from each other.

How does Dr. Megan Davis recommend using the declaration of rights in various public and government settings?

Dr. Megan Davis recommends taking the declaration to all meetings and using it as a reference to mention, refer to, and assert the rights it contains, emphasizing its importance for everyone from school kids to elders.