That’s pretty much what Noel Pearson was saying a few days before the vote. I don’t really blame them. Australia just overwhelmingly rejected a very modest invitation for reconciliation, I don’t really see what else Indigenous leaders can do. It’s still worthwhile to fight for treaty and truth. But voice was kind of the easier option of the 3, so the other 2 are going to be very difficult.
Yeah, I suspect some of that generation of Indigenous activists will step back now. They’ve been at this for decades, making more and more concessions to try to get bipartisan support and have ultimately been betrayed at the final hour by the Coalition. Must feel pretty soul destroying.
As a member of another marginalised group I have always looked up to these Indigenous leaders for their passion and strength in fighting for change. My community supported the voice because we fundamentally believe in the idea of marginalised groups being able to have a greater say over the policies and laws that affect us. This is a great loss, not just for Indigenous Australians, but for all people who want to see structural change in their lifetime.
