First Nations Voice in constitution addressed at Cape York Partnership’s women’s day event
Almost 200 guests from key community organisations have gathered to support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament during an International Women’s Day event. Check out the photo gallery.
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More than 200 people from various community organisations and local businesses attended the International Women’s Day luncheon hosted by the Cape York Partnership at Crystalbrook Riley.
On Wednesday guests were in attendance to show their support for the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Voice to Parliament.
Cape York Partnership chief executive Fiona Jose credited her father with giving her a strong knowledge of identity before acknowledging Indigenous leadership in the room.
“The main goal for me as a First Nations woman is to use the platform I have to bring together a conversation with the local Cairns business community and that’s the upcoming referendum,” Ms Jose said.
“The Uluru statement is so un-political – it is from our heart to your heart.
“I believe a ‘yes’ vote in this voice referendum will ensure Indigenous people will always have a say in laws and policies made about us.”
Ms Jose spoke of her lived experience of suffocation as a First Nations woman and said she had confidence in the people of Australia, more than politicians in “getting us to the referendum”.
Multi-award-winning scientific futurist and author, Dr Catherine Ball delivered the keynote address at the event.
To have attendees at the event of Dr Catherine’s calibre supporting First Nations women was significant, Ms Jose said.
“As only three per cent of the population our people struggle to be heard.
“We need the support of all Australians, the 97 per cent, to ensure we can be listened to for generations to come, so our voices are included as a fundamental and positive part of our national story.”
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Originally published as First Nations Voice in constitution addressed at Cape York Partnership’s women’s day event
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