In this epilogue on the Voice series I have a deadly dangerous yarn with Aboriginal muso, activist, US -based International Creative Director, Miss Samantha Cook. We discuss the overwhelming No vote in the recent referendum on enshrining a voice to parliament and its impact on both the Yes23 campaigners as well as Aboriginal progressive No's who didn't want the referendum in the first place.
We unpack the history of the Voice campaign, the designers, financial backers and the government/media appointed Aboriginal leadership that led the campaign and what we believe they and we should do as the next step.
We acknowledge the trauma experienced by all, including the Yes23's who called for a week of silence as an expression of mourning and look at the whole exercise as a cautionary tale for our "leaders" to properly consult and include all Indigenous voices, especially grass roots people they purported to represent.
As for non-Indigenous allies, they need to 'hold space' for Indigenous peoples and learn to listen and respect our peoples whose lives were ultimately going to be determined and governed by non-Indigenous people as a result of this referendum. Can we instead look at a referendum on a republic again, whereby our peoples are included in writing a constitution together that acknowledges our sovereignty and an equal path forward? A document that leads to our self-determination and equity in Australia's economy derived from stolen Aboriginal land and waters? A treaty through a re-write of our constitution.
Sam shares her hope for a younger, diverse, intelligent leadership with strong ties to community and its concerns who need the space and funding to lead, which may require current leadership to step aside or at least include these voices and all come together and acknowledge our power in unity.