Gandu Jarjum training day
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128 No 3, 5 May 2023, page no. 20
Gandu Jarjum, the QTU’s First Nations committee, met in Cairns on 17 March for its annual training day.
Regional meetings and planning/training days allow local members from that area to attend and observe. Aside from reviewing, updating, and changing QTU policy, the bulk of the day was spent on Voice. Treaty. Truth. and the QTU campaign’s design.
Gandu Jarjum members received training and resources from ACTU First Nations Educator and Officer Rachel Bos, who took us through the Unions for YES! Voice referendum campaign. We took a deep dive into what the Uluru Statement from the Heart actually is, and why we are at a turning point in history.
We also looked at the three steps that came out of the Uluru Statement – Voice. Treaty. Truth. – and why it is important to achieve them in that order. We need a Voice enshrined in the constitution first, so that First Nations peoples can have a say in the laws and policies that impact upon us; the creation and implementation of Treaty/ies (it is important that this occurs after Voice, so First Nations peoples actually get a say); and then Truth-telling, ensuring that the true history of colonisation is finally told.
We also considered the complexity of the campaign, and the role that teachers play. We developed our own statements, which we are going to use to “pass on the message stick”.
After completing the training, we then spent the afternoon brainstorming, developing, and collaborating on the role that the QTU and its members will play in the campaign. All we can say is – watch this space!