This statement has been created by the organisers of the Media Circus in consultation with the Indigenous people of this area… we made a decision to make this statement rather than request a traditional welcome to this country by Wurundjeri elders because we believe it is our responsibility to acknowledge this country and the circumstances that have brought us here…

we would like to:

acknowledge

Aboriginal people's continuous right to make decisions regarding their land and culture

the ongoing discrimination, marginalisation and genocidal practices which Indigenous people are subjected to in this country

respect

the elders, the ancestors, and the future generations of the Wurundjeri people, the owners of this land that Trades Hall stands on

express

our shame regarding the dialogue about Indigenous people of Australia and their rights, particularly what comes from the government of this country

our disgust, horror & sadness regarding the history of this country and the treatment of Indigenous people in Australia since invasion

our hope for a society where Indigenous people and cultures are heard, seen and respected, and our commitment to work towards such a society

take responsibility

by being aware of our own role in the creation of better relations between Indigenous and other Australians (and therefore making this statement)

by moving away from a tokenistic Indigenous presence at the Media Circus by actively seeking Indigenous peoples advice and participation in the media circus generally

for creating better understanding and consciousness of Indigenous people's sovereignty, culture and rights through the work that we do

by calling for a public acknowledgement by the government of Australia of Indigenous sovereignty