Far South Coast Indigenous leader Ossie Cruse is optimistic that a national effort is underway to renovate the constitution.
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Uncle Ossie was one of many delegates visiting Uluru last week at a major gathering of Elders on the 50th anniversary of the historic 1967 referendum.
The delegation rejected the symbolic constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.
The Referendum Council recommended the Federal Government and opposition to establish a treaty with First Nations people as well as a permanent place for First Australians constitutionally enshrined in Parliament.
“It’s a tremendous starting point,” Uncle Ossie said.
“It’s the first time in my memory that there’s been a national effort.”
The Uluru Statement of the Heart formed the concluding document of the three-day gathering, stating children “should be our hope for the future”.
“It is an incredible declaration. I really believe it will take us through the stages to a peaceful settlement,” Uncle Ossie said.
“The government will start talking about monetary settlement, but it’s more for the peace of our children’s children.
“I can see that Australia wants this and I think people power will make that happen.”
Uncle Ossie said federal politicians would have no alternative but to react to what the people wanted.
“We have a nation that is falling apart right now and no one can understand what’s happening there,” he said.
“The powerlessness of Aboriginal people has gone on far too long.
“We now have to have bilateral discussions and talk on one level.”
