“ Importantly Aboriginal people should be aware of this false economy which forms the basis of Aboriginal affairs in this country.
The economic lifeline is maintained only at the discretion of politicians and a fickle public.
We must therefore develop and consolidate a viable economy for our various communities and organisations that will sustain us into the future.
We must create short and long-term economic strategies now and thus create a more independent and secure base for ourselves and our children.
The reality is that Aboriginal people under utilise, to put it kindly, their current economic and personnel resources. The potential for economic viability for our people is available now if only we could awake to the opportunity and not be blinded largely by employment survival economics
Unless the approaches to Aboriginal health are broadened to include greater attention to the health problems of adults, and are matched by broad ranging strategies aimed at redressing Aboriginal social and economic disadvantages, it is likely that overall mortality will remain high.
Dr Charles Perkins opening the Australia’s First National /International Indigenous and Economic Conference (NIBEC 1993) Alice Springs. 1993 International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
Picture above Dr Charles Perkins with Claystone Marketing mentor Colin Cowell
Link to https://www.claystonemarketing.com/mentors/
Considering the previous scenario let me now suggest some strategies for consideration which may assist to create a template for our future the healthy Australia.
The key elements are all interconnected in a total mosaic of Aboriginal affairs underpinned on the one hand with our culture and on the other with Aboriginal affairs economics.
Read Mr Perkin full speach here
NACCHO Aboriginal health: Dr Charles Perkins 1993 speech “Aboriginal people and a healthy economy”
1.The first is the Aboriginal economy specifically and what we can do to remove the concept and perception of “welfare” from Aboriginal affairs.
2.My second major suggestion toward our survival as Aborigines, is cultural renaissance
3.Thirdly, We must “free up”, for want of a better word, our numerous Aboriginal organisations.
4.The future is ours to create. Today is our tomorrow
5.Fifthly a major element which would allow us to move away from the dependency situation, is free education for all Aboriginal people at all levels.
6.My sixth point is that there is an urgent need to establish an effective, independent, non-government sponsored national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island organisation.
7.My seventh point is Health, Sport and Recreation.
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