I would like to acknowledge the initiative of the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the AFL in coordinating this session. I’d further like to thank the Head of Mission, Mr Peter Woollcott for the invitation to participate in today’s discussion which focuses on racism and sport in Australia.

This year’s Native Title Report outlines the four broad themes in native title that I will focus on as Social Justice Commissioner. They are: building an understanding of, and respect for, our rights to our lands, territories and resources throughout Australia, creating a just and fair native system through law and policy reform, promoting effective engagement between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and enhancing our capacity to realise our social, cultural and economic development aspirations.

I also acknowledge my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters here today, Mr Mark Nolan (Chair of the Eidos Institute) and Professor Bruce Muirhead (CEO of the Eidos Institute), Institute Board Members, University representatives, distinguished guests.

Co-chairs of the Close the Gap Campaign for Indigenous Health Equality - Dr Tom Calma, National Coordinator Tacking Indigenous Smoking, and Mr Mick Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner

On behalf of my Elders I salute Gadigal Elders, both past and present, for their continued struggle for country and culture here in the place where our colonisation began.

With respect and gratitude I acknowledge that we sit on the lands of the Kombumerri People of the Bundjalung Nation and I thank the Traditional Owners for allowing us to do so.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda charts an agenda of hope that can guide us towards a reconciled Australia.

Our relationships in native title: starting the conversation

AIATSIS Native Title Conference: Keynote address

Mick Gooda
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner
Australian Human Rights Commission

Brisbane

Thursday 2 June 2011

It is with respect and gratitude I acknowledge that we sit on the lands of the Nyoonga People and I thank the Traditional Owners for allowing us to do so.

I am a Gangulu person from the Dawson Valley in Central Queensland and when I speak to my Elders, they ask me to pass on my salutations to the Traditional Owners of the land I visit for their continued fight for their country and their culture.