Finding the Heart of the Nation 2nd edition
Thomas Mayo
Finding the Heart of the Nation 2nd edition
Thomas Mayo
In this updated edition of the bestselling book, Finding the Heart of the Nation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander author Thomas Mayo gets behind the politics and legal speak to explain why the Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to all Australians.
Australia is set to vote on a referendum to enshrine a First Nations voice in the constitution as a result of the 2022 federal election. In this book, Thomas focuses on the stories of First Nations People, including some new voices, looking at the truth of our past and present, and hopes for a better future. Importantly, he shares with you - the Australian public - how we all have the power to make change. The campaign for Voice Treaty Truth, starting with a referendum, is an opportunity to right some of the wrongs, give First Nations People a seat at the table, and to recognise that we are a nation with over 60,000 years of continuous culture.
Completing his writing just after the 2022 federal election, Thomas has included a new introduction and conclusion, as well as a call to action for all Australians. Now in a paperback format, this collection of stories offers hope and tells us how we, as Australians, may find our collective heart.
Review
Mark Rubbo
In 2017, over two hundred and fifty Indigenous representatives from around the country gathered at Uluru and unanimously adopted the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The last paragraph reads, ‘In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.’
The Indigenous people of Australia have occupied this country for over 60,000 years, their sovereignty was never ceded. For two hundred years their sovereignty has been usurped and in the Statement they laid out a path for reform that would empower their people and enable them to take a rightful place in their own country. The Statement made three proposals: first, for a First Nations’ Voice enshrined in the Constitution; second, for a Makarrata Commission to supervise agreement making or treaties; and third, a process of truth telling for the nation. The then Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, rejected the main plank of the Statement, the Voice, and this has been reiterated by Scott Morrison.
In this moving book, Thomas Mayor, a delegate to the Convention, takes us through his journey and through conversations with twenty other key people to help us understand the significance of the Uluru Statement. This a beautiful illustrated hardback that should be in every home and library.
This review originally appeared alongside Finding the Heart of the Nation 1st edition.
Mark Rubbo is the managing director of Readings.
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