The Pilbara’s First Nations community voices their concerns and grievances at Yule River Meeting

Federal and State politicians have heard the frustrations of the Pilbara’s First Nation community at the Yule River on Country Meeting. The annual on Country Meeting is a two-day initiative, on July 7 and 8, by the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation which serves as a platform for discussion between the region’s First Nation community and government officials. Day one is an exclusive First Nations forum where members discuss and debate issues in the draft Call-to-Action, which is a document that lists the community’s areas of concern. On day two government officials are invited to attend, listen, and respond to these concerns. This year was the 8th meeting, with Federal Minister Linda Burney, State Minister Tony Buti, State Senator Dorinda Cox, and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in attendance. Ms Cox said so many high-ranking government officials from around the country came to attend the meeting because of its significance and the importance of the Pilbara to Australia. “When I’m standing in the chamber, my feet in the Senate, it brings me back and I catch myself thinking about the red dirt of the Pilbara,” she said. “This is the engine room of the nation and it brings in the GST of the nation for us. “Thank you, Auntie MK, for mentioning that $300 million goes off a day on trade.” With the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament referendum coming up, Ms Cox said this was an especially important time and the Pilbara played a pivotal role in the Yes campaign. “We cannot continue to sit by and do the same thing, “she said. “That is the definition of madness in this country, doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. “So by the end of this year, there will be a referendum and it’s the first referendum in 20 years, we’re going to have a lot of young people voting for their first time. “We all need to get on board with that, not just here in the Pilbara region, but you have an important voice. “And I know the members of the Pilbara Aboriginal voice who have struggled, struggled with no support, and struggled with no resources.” After their introductory speeches, Aboriginal elders and community members were given a chance to ask questions to the guests. Topics of the conversation centered on the issues raised in the call to action which include education, health, housing, wellbeing, and community safety. Concern was raised by one community member on how a Voice to Parliament would affect Indigenous sovereignty and Ms Burney said she wanted it to be clear that it wouldn’t. “I want to make it clear today, Aboriginal sovereignty is not being affected by supporting a Voice to Parliament and if you’re being told that it is you’re being lied to,” she said. “We have been extremely careful around the issue of sovereignty.” Former chair of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation Raelene Cooper said the same issues were raised every year and the Government needed to actually listen this time. “All the issues that we’ve talked about in this forum, every time I’ve come here it’s the same stuff,” she said. “I think there needs to be a change in the legislation. “We have an opportunity here for the Yes campaign.” As the State Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr Buti was the focus of considerable questioning about the Government’s efforts to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The destruction of cultural heritage sites was brought up by Ms Cooper, who has campaigned extensively to protect Indigenous rock art. She said the Government and private industry have ignored the community’s concerns. “We have a right and a say, too,” MS Cooper said. “The destruction of sacred and significant rock art is shameful, absolutely disgraceful, and appalling.” The draft call-to-action was made at a Pre-Yule river workshop in South Hedland in April, involving elders and other leaders from the Pilbara. The draft invites government agencies and other organisations in the Pilbara to work together to close the gap and improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians.