Tammy Hunter is a proud Wurundjeri woman living in Meanjin (Brisbane).
She is passionate about health and fitness and currently works for Deadly Choices in Queensland. She has always worked to support the Aboriginal Community, including in the early childhood space, land management and conservation of Country.
Deadly Story welcomes Tammy as she shares her thoughts on 2019's NAIDOC theme of 'Voice, Treaty, Truth.'
What does it mean for the Aboriginal Community to have a voice in our modern society?
It means empowerment. It feels like we have a platform in which we can finally have a voice without being arrested. It gives us strength and it doesn’t always feel safe but with social media our voices are heard on an international level.
What are your ideas for how the Aboriginal voice in this country can be given a greater platform?
We need to see more Aboriginal faces in the media such as TV, magazines, advertisements and in politics. When you see Aboriginal faces and voices being heard there is a sense of pride and you can relate.
What does treaty mean to you?
Treaty means empowerment of our people. It means real talk about history and politics. It means moving forward with recognition of the past.
What aspects do you think should be included in the conversation about treaty?
Preservation of cultural practices and compensation to our people.
What is a fact or truth about Aboriginal history and current experience that you think should be widely known?
I think the torture, rape and murders that took place throughout invasion and the truth of the stolen children which happened right up to the 70’s needs to be told. I feel if people had a better understanding of transgenerational trauma they might have different views of Australian history.
What do you think needs to be done to make these truths known?
Not only should the traumas of invasion be taught in schools, but the media should start reporting on the atrocities that continue. Until the true history is told I don’t believe true healing can start. We need more Aboriginal faces in the public media and in every area of society.