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The Uluru Statement from the Heart was established in 2017 as a petition by First Nations people in a bid to increase representation of Indigenous culture. Put simply, it asks Australian people to join together to build a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution, and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty making and truth-telling.
On the eve of NAIDOC Week, the First Nations leaders behind the statement announced the release of a new t-shirt in collaboration with THE ICONIC aimed at spreading national awareness and support for the statement in the lead up to a referendum. Sally Scales, a renowned APY artist and member of the Uluru Dialogue leadership team, has designed the new print.
“The inspiration behind the t-shirt was to include the artistic styles of my mother, my grandmother and myself to reflect the different techniques that flow through our generations,” Ms Scales said.
“What this also represents is the generational wisdom involved in progressing the Voice to Parliament. The Uluru Statement isn’t a new movement…it has been progressing for generations. I wanted that to come through in the shirt.”
A black cotton t-shirt is printed with the words “voice” and “Makarrata” formed in colourful Indigenous motifs. Professor Megan Davis, the Balnaves Chair in Constitutional Law and the Co-Chair of the Uluṟu Dialogue, spoke about the significance of the design.
“It was really important to include Voice and Makarrata in the design to reflect what the Uluru Statement deliberately calls for. We want to maintain momentum and turn the words of the Statement into tangible action,” Professor Davis said.
“The first shirt launch was a big success, and it’s incredible to know people are showing their support for the Uluru Statement. By wearing a shirt, you aren’t just accepting the invitation to walk with us on a journey to a better future, you are supporting a moment in history.”
For the first time since establishing, the Australian government has committed to acting on the statement. You can read more about what that means in the future, here. In the meantime, the new Uluru Statement t-shirt is available exclusively on THE ICONIC in adult and children’s sizes. Shop the style below.
Uluru Statement Voice Makarrata T-Shirt, $30. SHOP NOW
