Here's how First Nations people have reacted to King Charles' visit

1 day ago 3
ARTICLE AD BOX

King Charles' visit to the country has had mixed reactions, from staunch words of protest to warm welcomes.

Yesterday morning, a statue of Queen Victoria in Sydney's CBD had red paint splashed over it, hours before the King and Queen Camilla were due to arrive.

Screen Shot 2024-10-23 at 11.48.59 am.png

A statue of Queen Victoria in Sydney's CBD splashed with red paint.

The Queen met with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss at a domestic and family violence roundtable yesterday.

Commissioner Kiss put out a statement saying part of her role is to promote awareness of and respect for Indigenous people's rights.

"With no treaty negotiated with the First Nations Peoples of this land, the impacts of invasion and colonisation have had genocidal consequences, and inter-generational and ongoing effect," she said.

"Domestic, family and sexual violence is one of those effects."

The King visits the NCIE

King Charles also visited the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) to meet with representatives from different Aboriginal community organisations yesterday.

The monarch met key Elders on Tuesday morning after a small group of protesters gathered outside the NCIE in Redfern.

He was welcomed with a smoking ceremony in the building's courtyard, while chants of "You're on stolen land" and "No pride in genocide" could be heard from outside the centre.

After his stop at Redfern, King Charles was led to meet Beryl Van-Oploo, who served him 40 years earlier during another Australian tour.

This time, Aunty Beryl offered the King kangaroo pies, before he was rushed off to the sports hall.

Royal Tour of Australia and Samoa - Day Three

King Charles speaks with Elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, during his visit to the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. Credit: Toby Mellville/PA Wire Credit: Toby Mellville/PA

"I'm honoured to have him here because I grew up with respect," she said before his arrival.

King Charles watched a performance by Indigenous dancers before going into a private meeting with Elders.

"We’ve got stories to tell and I think you witnessed that story yesterday,” Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council chair Allan Murray told the King.

, others, like Wiradjuri Badu activist Lynda-June Coe found inspiration.

"Lidia really embodies what the modern-day warrior actually is about … never wavering from those issues on treaty, truth-telling, but more importantly, sovereignty and self-determination," Ms Coe told the ABC.

"What she (Senator Thorpe) has done is really brought home a message to the Commonwealth that we remain an unceded, sovereign people.

"We are surviving a regime of extermination that is built upon stolen land."

Opera House protest

A snap rally was held near the Sydney Opera House, where the King and Queen were due to arrive.

Around a dozen protesters gathered, shouting "Not our King" and "Always was, always will be".

One of the organisers of the protest, Dunghutti activist Paula Silva, said that the monarchy and King inflicted pain upon First Nations people that is still felt today.

"I attended the Sydney Opera House to demand the land be returned to First Nations people. It's important to me as a young First Nations man to stand up for our ancestors and stand up for what's right.

"The infliction of pain upon our people is still felt. The trauma that we suffer continues from the monarchy, the King and the Australian government. This always was and always will be Aboriginal land," he said.

876f0d5b-e32f-4ee6-a107-e5ee58fe6647.jpg

A small group of a dozen protesters gathered near the Opera House where the King and Queen were due to arrive.

Many took to social media to share their reflections, with a photo of late actor Uncle Jack Charles circulating, with the caption "There will only be one King Charles".

Read Entire Article