Keynote Address – Mr Stan Grant

Summary

The speaker reflects on the impact of historical trauma on identity, drawing from personal Aboriginal heritage and broader global contexts. They discuss the concept of 'transgenerational epigenetic inheritance' and its effects on genes, leading to physical and mental health issues. The narrative emphasizes the need to reset stories of the past, acknowledging both the suffering and the survival, to foster unity and a collective identity that looks towards a future of hope and peace.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The speaker acknowledges his deep connection to the land and its indigenous people, highlighting his mixed heritage and the importance of respecting and remembering one's roots.
• 📚 The concept of 'resetting the stories we tell about ourselves' is introduced, emphasizing the intersection of history, memory, trauma, and identity.
• 🧬 The script discusses the idea of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, or the 'memory of wounds,' which refers to how environmental changes and traumas can be passed down through generations, affecting our genes and health.
• 📖 The impact of inherited trauma is explored through personal and historical examples, such as the Holocaust and the frontier wars experienced by the speaker's ancestors.
• 🔄 The necessity of changing the narrative and lifting the weight of historical trauma from current generations is emphasized to allow for healing and progress.
• 🌱 Despite ongoing challenges, the speaker points to positive changes and achievements, such as improvements in health and education outcomes for Aboriginal children.
• 🔗 The script touches on the broader implications of identity and how it can be both limiting and empowering, drawing on the experiences of the speaker's global travels and diverse friendships.
• 🌍 The idea of 'rooted cosmopolitanism' is introduced, which reconciles the tension between one's cultural roots and the broader global community.
• 🏛 The speaker reflects on the fragility of citizenship and belonging in Australia, and the importance of shaping our own identities beyond the constraints of historical narratives.
• 🔮 The script concludes with a call to embrace a collective identity that looks beyond past grievances, drawing inspiration from the philosophy of Ernest Renan and the concept of 'radical hope.'

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speech?

The main theme of the speech is 'resetting', focusing on the idea of resetting the stories we tell about ourselves, particularly in relation to history, memory, trauma, and identity.

Who is the Polish Nobel Prize laureate poet mentioned in the speech?

The Polish Nobel Prize laureate poet mentioned is Czesław Miłosz, who wrote about the memory of words and wounds.

What does the term 'transgenerational epigenetic inheritance' refer to?

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance refers to environmentally induced changes that are passed down from one generation to the next, affecting how genes are expressed and potentially leading to various health issues.

How does the speaker connect his own family history to the broader themes of the speech?

The speaker connects his own family history by discussing his Aboriginal heritage and the experiences of his ancestors, such as his great-great grandfather Frank Foster, to illustrate the impact of historical events and trauma on personal and collective identity.

What is the significance of the speaker's mention of Elizabeth Posner's book 'Survivor Cafe'?

The mention of 'Survivor Cafe' is significant as it grapples with the inheritance of trauma and the importance of remembering personal stories and historical atrocities to cope with inherited trauma.

What does the speaker mean by 'resetting these stories'?

By 'resetting these stories', the speaker refers to changing the narrative around historical traumas and the way they shape our identities, to lift the burden of past wounds and move towards a more positive and inclusive understanding of identity.

How does the speaker discuss the current situation of Aboriginal people in Australia?

The speaker discusses the current situation of Aboriginal people by acknowledging both the ongoing challenges, such as over-representation in prisons and poorer health outcomes, and the progress made, like increased university degrees and improved health statistics.

What is the concept of 'solid tourist identities' mentioned in the speech?

The concept of 'solid tourist identities' refers to identities that are narrow and exclusive, which can lead to conflict and violence. This term is used to describe identities that can be harmful when they define people too rigidly.

How does the speaker use the idea of 'cosmopolitanism' in relation to identity?

The speaker uses the idea of 'cosmopolitanism' to describe an identity that is both rooted in one's own culture and history, while also being open to and embracing of the universal aspects that connect all people, regardless of their specific background.

What does the speaker suggest about the role of history in shaping our identities?

The speaker suggests that history plays a significant role in shaping our identities, but it is also crucial to be able to reset and reinterpret historical narratives to avoid being trapped by past traumas and to build a more inclusive and hopeful future.

What is the story of Chief Plenty Coups mentioned in the speech?

The story of Chief Plenty Coups illustrates the concept of 'radical hope'. Despite the despair and loss felt by his people after the buffalo died, Chief Plenty Coups sought to lift their spirits and give them a new chance at life, symbolized by his act of laying his war bonnet on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.