Dr Zuleyka Zevallos

Didn't get to write up @SydWritersFest "First Things First" panel on #UluruStatement with Bruce Pascoe, Stan Grant, @mdavisqlder, @DrSRP1 & hosted by Julianne Schultz. In light of today's discussions, let's dive into some key points. 1/ Statement is already a model for progress

#Indigenous people in other parts of the world (such as Latin America) have produced similar bluprint for sovereignty using the process & language of the #UluruStatement. Similarly some local councils in AUS, such as The Shoalhaven, are acting on the report. This is amazing. 2/

Final report of the #UluruStatement was published only one month after national consultations, in June 2017. To have sparked massive national conversations PLUS international impact where other Indigenous groups use it is UNPRECEDENTED. Few documents have such swift impact. 4/

First Things First panel discussed the massive undertaking of travelling to different parts of Australia (from metro to regional and remote). Work continues with Prof @mdavisqlder & colleagues travelling nationally and internationally to begin implementing #UluruStatement. 5/

#UluruStatement ends with this line: "We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future." Our politicians who gave bipartisan support may have rescinded this promise - but the rest of the nation does not have to wait to implement it. 6/

Bruce Pascoe discussed how Australia's pre-history is purposefully hidden from the nation. In 1843, for example, James Kirby, documents Aboriginal systems of aquaculture; in 1839, Major Thomas Mitchell reports on Aboriginal agriculture & bread making; & George Grey - farming. 7/

Bruce Pascoe's book "Dark Emu" uses historical records, many of which were omitted from official publications, to dispel the myth of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people are "simple" hunter gatherers. Evidence shows they had sophisticated tools & methods for agriculture 8/