SUPPORTING THE PATHWAY TO VOICE, TREATY & TRUTH

1 JULY 2023

Australia is the only country in the world that doesn’t formally recognise its Indigenous people in the constitution. It’s time to put that right. The Voice referendum at the end of the year is an opportunity to vote for positive change that will move us further along the path towards genuine reconciliation.

Over the past 20 years, Terrain NRM has had the privilege of working collaboratively with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples groups across the Wet Tropics. We appreciate and recognise the critical role that Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, and Aboriginal Peoples across the nation, play in caring for and healing country.

For this reason, Terrain NRM supports the Voice to parliament. A strong and empowered First Nation’s culture is an essential foundation for the future health and wellbeing of Country.

Why is the Voice important for solving our environmental challenges?

1. The Voice recognises Traditional Ownership

Rainforest Aboriginal People have been looking after our environment for thousands of years. We all have a role to play – and we believe Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples must play a leading role in caring for Country. Terrain NRM’s support of the Voice affirms our recognition of the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples as the Traditional Owners of the Wet Tropics.

2. The Voice ensures representation of Indigenous knowledge

The Voice to Parliament is about recognising the value of Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, and enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have a say on policies and legislation that affects them. In the NRM sector we already acknowledge the value of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, gathered over many centuries, and believe it must be incorporated into government policies and programs to ensure they are effective and sustainable.

3. The Voice promotes collaboration and partnership

Terrain NRM’s ethos is to ‘solve our environmental challenges – together’. Our impact is amplified when we work in partnership with others, embrace diverse perspectives and respect each other’s cultural differences.

4. The Voice commits to reconciliation

Environmental, social and economic issues are intertwined. People with less social, economic and political capital are more likely to suffer the consequences of a degraded environment. Respecting the rights, cultures and aspirations of First Nations people and committing to reconciliation will also positively impact on our environment.

traditional owner map

Credit: Wet Tropics Waterways

We encourage you to find out more before you vote on this important matter:

Uluru Statement from the Heart: https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/

The Voice: https://voice.gov.au/about-voice/voice-principles

Queensland Path to Treaty: https://www.qld.gov.au/firstnations/treaty

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