Indigenous communities across Australia and Finland are experiencing both advancements and setbacks related to rights, treaty negotiations, and cultural heritage. Following the defeat of Australia's Voice referendum, many Indigenous groups are taking matters of truth-telling and treaty processes firmly within their own hands, even as the federal government remains largely silent.
Pat Turner, the CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organizations and chair of the Coalition of Peaks, expressed concern over the aftermath of this significant political defeat. "Very sadly, the referendum to establish the constitutionally enshrined Voice was defeated and the Coalition of Peaks is not its replacement," Turner stated. This sentiment of rejection is palpable within many First Nations communities, which feel they are going backward rather than making strides toward Indigenous rights.
Despite this national stagnation, progress has emerged at the state level. March 2024 saw South Australia establishing its own Voice to Parliament—a move heralded as significant only four months after the failed national referendum. Concurrently, New South Wales initiated consultations aimed at paving the way for treaty negotiations.
Communities are realizing the power of local action. Lorena Allam, who reports on Indigenous affairs for the Guardian Australia, noted, "Communities are having their own conversation about how we do treaty and truth-telling, not waiting for governments to do these processes." This grassroots effort is shifting the focus back to Indigenous perspectives and solutions, fostering conversations rooted within local cultures.
Notably, Victoria has established the Yoorrook Commission, focusing on truth-telling as part of healing from historical injustices. The initiatives being taken are welcomed as they resonate with people who have personal stakes and vested interests, emphasizing meaningful discussions independent of formal government structures.
Unfortunately, the situation is not as encouraging for Queensland, where truth-telling inquiries and treaty processes have been unceremoniously scrapped under the new Liberal government led by Premier David Crisafulli. The Pathway to Treaty, which started promisingly, saw its prominent truth-telling commission cease operations soon after its framing. This backwards movement has devastatingly impacted the First Nations community, according to Pat Turner, who points out, "The shutdown of the inquiry and the state government's 'tough on crime' agenda is devastating for the First Nations community in Queensland."
The federal government’s perceived retreat from addressing Indigenous rights concerns has also created disillusionment among the public. Professor Lindon Coombes from the Jumbunna Institute referenced the silence surrounding national ambitions for Indigenous affairs, reflecting on the sense of isolation among communities: "It does feel like there's a bit of a vacuum nationally, the current government is sort of stepping away from its ambitions around Indigenous affairs."
Shifting focus to the international stage, the Sámi Parliament of Finland has been vocal about the pressing violations of Sámi rights, particularly relating to mining issues. According to UN findings issued on October 10, 2024, Finland was found to be at fault for breaching two major international human rights treaties by failing to secure free, prior, and informed consent from Sámi communities before granting mineral exploration permits.
"These findings bring the interpretation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights..to align with the long-standing interpretation of Indigenous rights," remarked Martin Scheinin, professor of international law and human rights. He highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and the significant rights of indigenous peoples to their land and resources.
Pirita Näkkäläjärvi, President of the Sámi Parliament, stressed the importance of the UN’s findings, stating, "It is quite scandalous...that this immediately led to human rights violations." The Sámi Parliament anticipates these findings will inspire changes to current mining legislation, asserting indigenous rights are fundamental and should not be ignored.
Indigenous representation is being fuelled by authentic voices, whether through local treaties at home or international advocacy. Meanwhile, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have made headlines of their own. Following the recent purchase of about 2,000 acres of land near Medford, Oregon, tribal leaders declared, "This is the most historic piece of land...we could possibly get," according to Chairman Delores Pigsley. This land is of significant historical importance; it includes the likely location where the Treaty of Table Rock was signed.
This purchase is not just about land but reclaiming heritage. Robert Kentta, treasurer of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, expressed, "This is through purchase, and... it's not just about settlement or apology for past wrongs." The tribe aims to make the land accessible for their community, working on restoration and preservation efforts, such as enhancing access to traditional food sources and cultural teachings.
Across these stories, it is clear: Indigenous communities are not waiting for permission. They’re taking the initiative to engage with their histories, rectify injustices, and reclaim ownership of their narratives. From creating their own pathways for truth-telling to seizing land rights, it’s evident there’s momentum behind the call for justice, accountability, and healing.