Lidia Thorpe, a prominent Indigenous activist and independent senator, made headlines for her controversial protest during King Charles III's visit to Australia. Shouting for a treaty and the return of stolen Aboriginal remains, Thorpe's outburst in the Australian parliament shed light on ongoing issues of colonization. Despite facing backlash, Thorpe remains dedicated to her stance on formal recognition and commitment to addressing systemic injustices towards Indigenous peoples.
Lidia Thorpe: A Voice for Indigenous Rights in Australian Politics
Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous activist and independent senator, has emerged as a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights in Australia. Her recent protest during King Charles III's visit brought national attention to the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice.
Background
Thorpe is a Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung, Gunai, and Wiradjuri woman with deep roots in Indigenous communities. She has a long history of activism, advocating for environmental justice, Indigenous sovereignty, and cultural preservation.
In 2022, Thorpe was elected to the Australian Senate as an independent. She became the first Aboriginal woman in Victorian history to hold this position.
King Charles III Protest
During King Charles III's visit to Australia in November 2022, Thorpe interjected during the Welcome to Country ceremony, shouting "Always was, always will be Aboriginal land" and "Treaty now."
Her protest drew mixed reactions. Some praised her for using the platform to raise awareness of Indigenous issues, while others criticized her timing and lack of respect.
Aftermath
Despite facing backlash from some quarters, Thorpe has remained unyielding in her commitment to Indigenous rights. She continues to advocate for a treaty, the return of stolen Aboriginal remains, and an end to systemic injustices.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1. Why did Thorpe protest King Charles III's visit? A1. Thorpe protested to highlight the ongoing colonization of Australia and the need for a treaty that recognizes Indigenous sovereignty.
Q2. What is a treaty in the context of Indigenous rights? A2. A treaty would be a formal agreement between the Australian government and Indigenous Australians, recognizing their rights and ensuring their involvement in decision-making.
Q3. What are stolen Aboriginal remains? A3. Stolen Aboriginal remains refer to the thousands of human remains of Indigenous Australians that were taken without consent for scientific and anthropological purposes. Thorpe advocates for their return to their rightful communities.
Q4. What systemic injustices do Indigenous Australians face? A4. Indigenous Australians face systemic injustices in areas such as health, education, employment, and criminal justice. Thorpe works to address these disparities.
Q5. What is Thorpe's stance on the Australian constitution? A5. Thorpe believes that the Australian constitution is "racist" and that it should be replaced with a treaty that acknowledges Indigenous sovereignty.
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