Foreword by Fred Chaney -- Introduction, Megan Davis and Marcia Langton -- 1. Finding a resolution to constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians, Marcia Langton -- 2. Through black eyes, Harold Ludwick -- 3. Building our house, Tony McAvoy -- 4. Telling our story, owning our story, making our story, Josephine Bourne -- 5. The opportunity and the challenge of constitutional recognition, Eddie Cubillo -- 6. Minding each other's business, Geoff Scott -- 7. Ships that pass in the night, Megan Davis -- 8. Building a new, better legacy, Kirstie Parker -- 9. Constitutional recognition: a case for less is more, Asmi Wood -- 10. A place at the constitutional table, Nolan Hunter -- 11. Refugees in our country, Dawn Casey -- 12. Unfinished business, Nyunggai Warren Mundine -- 13. Constitutional recognition is not a feel-good exercise, Sean Gordon -- 14. Is the Constitution a better tool than simple legislation to advance the cause of Aboriginal people?, Michael Mansell -- 15. Keeping the fight alive, Teela Reid -- 16. There's no such thing as minimal recognition - there is only recognition, Noel Pearson -- 17. Navigation a path towards meaningful change and recognition, Patrick Dodson.
Summary:
Why should Indigenous people have a direct say in the decisions that affect their lives? Australia is one of the only liberal democracies still grappling with such a fundamental question. The idea of constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians has become a highly political and contentious issue. It is entangled in institutional processes that rarely allow the diversity of Indigenous opinion to be expressed. With a referendum on the agenda, it is now urgent that Indigenous people have a direct say in the form of recognition that constitutional change might achieve. It's Our Country- Indigenous Arguments for Meaningful Constitutional Recognition and Reform is a collection of essays by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander thinkers and leaders including Patrick Dodson, Noel Pearson, Dawn Casey, Nyunggai Warren Mundine and Mick Mansell. Each essay explores what recognition and constitutional reform might achieve-or not achieve-for Indigenous people.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.