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Social Justice & Human Rights Issues:
A Comparative Investigation
Economic Independence
Investigation Two
Jan Ryan (Teacher - Tweed River High School)Social and political changes
Social and Political changes are necessary to improve Indigenous peoples’ economic status. Government and Indigenous initiatives have partially addressed this economic status. The impact on their lifestyle can be assessed by looking at the levels of change in health, employment, housing ownership, education levels, numbers of people in the criminal justice system and the racism experienced by Indigenous people.(i) (Australia)
These social changes can be added to political changes that have happened and need to happen in the future, if Aboriginal peoples economic status is to reach levels of equity with non-Indigenous people. Political changes that have been addressed, and in some cases need to be re-addressed, include Land rights Legislation, Native Title Legislation, Mandatory Sentencing, Anti-Vilification Legislation, Anti-Discrimination Legislation, a Treaty or change to the Constitution.(ii) (International)
Fundamental incompatibilities remain between the Western concept of individual freedom and the tribal view of religious and political expression. There are also conflicts about policy, within some Indian Nations, between traditionalists and those Native Americans who do business with American companies.
Related links - Australia
A political Dreaming : our place - Indigenous aspirations for constitutional law reform
A 1998 essay by John Scott who was then the Chief Education Officer, Aboriginal education Office of the Board of Studies, NSW. essay located on the ABC Online site TheCommon Good.
National Native Title Tribunal
The Tribunal is a Commonwealth Government body that facilitates the making of agreements among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, governments, industry and others whose rights or interests may co-exist with native title rights and interests.
Related links - International
www.indians.org
A site for American Indian Tribes that are federally recognized. This site has a conservative viewpoint.First Nations: Issues of Consequence
A site that is intended to provide raw data, pertinent data, foundational data as regards the State of Native America. This site has a radical viewpoint.
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