This draft declaration is currently being considered through the United Nations system. We might consider, as an act of reconciliation, recommending Australia endorsing the draft declaration and rights of the world's Indigenous people. I believe it is important for every Australian to understand these rights and to have an understanding of the diverse and complex nature of Aboriginal societies, histories and heritage. Aboriginal studies is only a compulsory subject to study in some states, it should be in all, so that we may all in society have a better appreciation of the unique position of the Indigenous heritage. We might consider as an act of reconciliation, recommending that aboriginal studies should be compulsory in all schools.
Language is a fundamental part of Indigenous heritage.
Language conveys concepts, relationships and philosophies. When language is lost, the depth of these concepts, relationships and philosophies is also lost. Where Indigenous languages is still spoken, we need to assist communities to record their languages and help other communities to revive their language. We need to understand that places in our landscapes had aboriginal names before European colonisation, many of our towns have Aboriginal names, but there is also a need to discuss and consider restoration of Indigenous place names, or perhaps even the use of bi-lingual names, such as the Grampians and Gariwerd. We may wish to consider recommending continued support for recording and revival of Australia's Indigenous languages.