Uluru Statement from the Heart
Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) is committed to promoting positive change within the community. We recognise the vital role public libraries can play in supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart and fostering understanding of First Nations’ culture.
Collaborating with our First Nations’ communities, member Councils and local organisations, YPRL is hosting a range of events through the In Conversation series. These events and the supporting resources offer opportunities to understand and learn more about the significance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, as well as the Voice to Parliament, and the referendum.
YPRL is dedicated to promoting your democratic rights by providing you with access to information on the upcoming referendum to enable you to make an informed vote as you see fit.
You can read more about our endorsement of the Uluru Statement from the Heart here.
In Conversation events
To open the series Eltham Library hosted Proud Yankanjatjara and Wirangu woman Shelley Ware and Proud Wotjoboluk woman Janine Coombs in conversation. The event offered a unique opportunity to hear from two Aboriginal women as they expressed their perspectives on what the Uluru Statement from the Heart means to them, to Aboriginal people, and its potential significance for the wider community. Attendees were able to become informed, explored the issues, and learned from the guest speakers, providing an enlightening start to the program.
On 13 September Proud Wiradjuri man, artist, writer, Anglican priest, and First Nations leader Reverend Uncle Glenn Loughrey will be exploring the Statement in a yarning session alongside Proud Aboriginal man Uncle Charles Pakana an author, editor, journalist, and founder and owner of Connection Matters Radio. Book to attend this event at the Mill Park Library, which is sure to offer insight and perspective. Register Now.
Later in the month Proud Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg, co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly and Proud Aboriginal man Uncle Charles Pakana join us to explore the misinformation arising around the Statement, the Voice, and the Referendum at Ivanhoe Library on 28 September. There will be the opportunity for questions and conversation, with refreshments provided. Register Now.
The First People’s Assembly yarning sessions
The First People’s Assembly of Victoria is the democratic voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria. (Find more information on their website here).
In December 2019, the First People’s Assembly of Victoria was announced as the Aboriginal Representative body in accordance with the Treaty Act. It is made up of elected general delegates, delegates from Victorian Traditional Owner groups, Elders and Youth delegates, and representatives of resident Aboriginal people from other parts of Australia and Torres Strait.
Victoria is the only state or Territory in Australia that has enacted the three key elements of the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart – Truth telling, Treaty and Voice.
Yarra Plenty Regional Library are proud to be hosting a series of events for mob and allies in partnership with The First people’s Assembly of Victoria. The programs will give people a chance to learn about Treaty, have a yarn, ask questions, and help shape the next steps on the journey.
With state-wide Treaty negotiations set to begin later this year, it is an exciting time to find out more and get involved! You can find a list of events run by The First People's Assembly here.
The Deadly Collection
As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting positive change within the community and highlighting First Nations culture and creators, we were excited to launch the Deadly Collection across YPRL as of the 4 August. The Deadly Collection ensures stronger visibility of First Nations culture and stories within our library collection through the titles which are written, illustrated, directed by, or featuring First Nations creatives. Search for ‘Deadly Collection’ in the library catalogue or look out for the display in each branch and hub with the distinctive cover logo designed by Wurundjeri Artist Alex Kerr!
Further reading from our Collection:
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Finding the Heart Of The Nation : the journey of the Uluru statement towards voice, treaty and truth
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Statements from the soul : the moral case for the Uluru Statement from the Heart
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Everything you need to know about the Uluru Statement from the Heart
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Truth-telling : history, sovereignty and the Uluru Statement
Resources to assist your understanding of the Statement, the Voice and the Referendum:
- Explore the Statement at The Uluru Statement website
- Books, eBooks and eAudiobooks from our collection.
- The Victorian Aboriginal News Referendum '23 Tapes podcast offers exclusive interviews with key influencers in government, media and community. Available to listen to for free wherever you stream your podcasts or from the above link!
- There is a great collection of translated resources in First Nations languages; including videos, a community toolkit, radio ads, posters, fact sheets, social media materials and a conversation guide.