Relay for recognition: AFL legend kicks off a nationwide relay to raise awareness about constitution

[fruxodaily]

[QUOTE]AFL legend Michael Long will kick-off a nationwide relay in Melbourne to raise awareness about constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians.

The Journey to Recognition relay begins at Federation Square at 9.30am (AEST) on Sunday and coincides with national Sorry Day, which acknowledges the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal people including members of the stolen generation.

Earlier this year, federal parliament passed an Act of Recognition as a stepping stone to holding a referendum to recognise the first Australians in the constitution.

Last year, the federal government put the referendum on the backburner because there wasn't enough public awareness.

Since federation, only eight out of 44 proposals to amend the constitution have been approved.

Long encourages people to get involved in the campaign for recognition so the "first chapter" of Australia's story can be added to the constitution.

"We have such a long history as Aboriginal people and that should be recognised," he said.

"But recognition won't just happen by itself, all of us have to make it happen."[/QUOTE]

[URL]http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/05/26/02/33/relay-for-recognition-kicks-off-sorry-day[/URL]

[Jeep-Eep]

Damn right!

[Lonestriper]

The campaigning around 'no' vote for the referendum is going to the most awful. dog-whistle "I shudder when aboriginality is mentioned" bile ever. It was shitty enough when it was contained to the High Court but the public being directly involved means this is going to be a nightmare.

ps: If you do anything other than 'vote yes' when it comes up you're an awful human being