The Land Court of Queensland will this week launch its inaugural First Nations Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) during a ceremony in the Western Downs region.
Land Court President Judge Fleur Kingham said today the RAP was a crucial step in improving the accessibility of the courts to Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Judge Kingham is scheduled to launch the RAP at the Dalby Event Centre, 210km west of Brisbane, during a ceremony between 9.15-10am Wednesday.
“With the launch of its first (RAP), the Land Court of Queensland is embarking on a vital journey, with sincere intent,’’ she said. “As President of the Land Court, I endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart.”
In May 2017, more than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates from across the country gathered in Mutitjulu, a First Nation’s community near the eastern end of Uluru in the Northern Territory, and put their signatures to the historic statement.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart was addressed to all Australian people and invited the nation as a whole to create a better future via a proposal of key reforms.
“I see the sentiment of that generous, powerful and hopeful statement reflected in the way this Court’s judicial officers and staff have enthusiastically prepared for this RAP,” Judge Kingham said.
“We will use it a platform to enhance the Court’s relationships with First Nations communities, and to collaborate on tangible and practical measures to improve this Court’s accessibility to First Nations peoples.
“Our vision is that the Land Court will be a culturally safe place that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing accessible, flexible, just, fair and innovative services and procedures. Respectful and inclusive interactions will build strong relationships and a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories.”
Wednesday morning’s RAP launch will be led with an Acknowledgement of Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by William (Thira-Mayinj) Haupt.
He is a descendant of the Muruwarri Tribe (through his mother) of the Gidgee people of the Culgoa River, North-Western New South Wales, and (through his father) a Mardigan man of the Crow People of the Channel Country, far south-west Queensland.
It will also include a ceremonial dance by the Mura Biri Gururu Aboriginal Dancers.
Access the Land Court RAP.
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