Blog 9

To my Ukrainian friends and Community

Loss

Like a lot of you, I know about generational grief and loss.

Ukrainians know how it feels when their country of heritage is invaded and their culture is threatened. History for the Aboriginal people of Australia began over 60,000 years ago. White people came here only 235 years ago – for the First Nations people this was their invasion. Over the last two centuries there is so much history that is relevant from their perspective that most of us do not know.

As a displaced person with a Ukrainian mother, I want to learn about the untold history during those years. This will not change the history or the past of white Australia, but will add the Aboriginal version to it for understanding and justice. I like being an Australian, but this is not about team Australia; it is not about team Ukraine. This post is about team humanity!

Data shows that of all First Nations people globally, Australian Aboriginals are the most disadvantaged!

It is not going to be an easy road for all of us after October the 14th. But we can be stronger, braver and more united if we just allow ourselves to leave our baggage behind and accept the hand offered by the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart. Accept their invitation and give them a say on how they can solve their own issues!!

Let us extend our love and support to First Nations People, so that they are listened to with a voice to Parliament, so that they can flourish in their own country. At the moment the data says they are not!!

Ukraine belongs to Ukrainians.

It does not belong to Russia!!

Aboriginal people should be written into our Constitution through a voice to parliament.