When
Where
Why
As voting day draws closer and hundreds of thousands of people decide to vote ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ for a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament, the necessity to create and
hold spaces for First Nations people is essential.
As a collective of First Nations people from different clans and nations, we too recognise the variety of thought and diverse Blak opinions and perspectives on the Voice to Parliament. However, this discussion has been unsafe and harmful to our communities - creating an onslaught of racism, scrutiny and discrimination against First Nations people, no matter their position.
Historically, our people have joined together. We have yarned as one and discussed the issues confronting our own communities. We are holding this space to allow a freedom of thought, guided by staunch Blak activists, academics, elders and young people, to think beyond the referendum. What does the Blak movement look like? What are we fighting for? On voting day, Australia will decide something on behalf of all of our people… so it is vital that we sit together and yarn about the long-term struggle for self determination and land back.
No matter the outcome, we need to build a strong First Nations movement, that stays true to the demands and values that we have always mobilised and organised for.
This event is welcomed to everyone. This includes non-Indigenous people and those on all sides of the discussion. However, we will not tolerate any counter-actions, bigoted hate or racist contributions. A yarning circle is a cultural protocol, a practice of knowledge, community and growth - not a battlefield for racists.
More guidelines and boundaries will be established on the day. For more information, feel free to reach out to us on Facebook.
So, bring a mate, bring your partner, bring yourself, to enter this yarning circle and discuss the Voice to Parliament, beyond the referendum and build the Blak Caucus.