Indigenous leaders in Australia seek formal legal and political representation with government
- More than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander leaders met in Uluru to discuss political recognition, agreeing formal treaties were necessary beyond proposed symbolic representation in the constitution.
- The government issued an apology for historical injustices in 2008, although community leaders and activists have sought legal commitments to reparative measures beyond symbolism.
- The push is likely to face strong opposition as the Australian Constitution has only been amended eight times in 44 attempts in its 116-year history.
Read
“Uluru talks: Indigenous Australians reject ‘symbolic’ recognition in favour of treaty” (The Guardian | May 2017)
“Australia’s Aborigines seek treaties in drive for more than symbolic change” (Reuters | May 2017)
“Why doesn’t Australia have an indigenous treaty?” (BBC News | May 2017)
Additional
(Image Credit: Calla Wahlquist/The Guardian)
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