M2 - Learner Manual

9.24. Comparisons -Indigenous and Non-Inidgenous Disadvantage

An analysis of these statistics has shown a small closing of the gap in access to education, however, poverty remains entrenched even with the introcution of major policy measures and initiatives such as Closing the Gap and the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP).

 

Comparisons with Other Colonised Nations

There are many similarities and differences between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Indigenous peoples in other colonised nations’ – history, land rights and culture. Here we will look at other nations with similar histories and systems of government such as New Zealand and Canada.

In the instance of New Zealand and Canada they both have treaties, which Australia does not have. In New Zealand indigenous peoples have mandated representation in parliament as well as access to fishing and land rights. Canada also has a Treaty however, this varies with each Territory and Treaty. They do not have a mandated number for representation.

The common thread amongst the three countries (Australia, New Zealand and Canada) is the cultural aspects such as, that traditional customs and rituals, language(s), diet, spirituality, social structure, government or political structure are based on access to land and practice of culture. This is directly impacted by the duration of colonisation. Some examples of common threads include:

·         spiritual belief and practice

·         laws, social hierarchy, and political structure

·         policies imposed by the colonising nation

·         indigenous resistance to colonisation

·         loss of land, culture, language, etc.

·         disparity and disadvantage between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations

·         substance misuse

·         government apology for past injustices

·         ratification of the IDHR or other Human Rights conventions

 

In all three countries, the Indigenous populations have had to cope with restrictions which inhibited their traditional way of life. All have fought for land rights, regardless of Treaties because in many instances the treaty did not comprehensively address or compensate for the loss of land and culture.

Indigenous people in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America are worse off by almost any socio-economic indicator than their non-indigenous compatriots. The degree of improvement in the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous disadvantage is slow with entrenched poverty and conditions arising from dispossession and limited access to land, education and markets.

Constitutional recognition in all instances is limited, with countries raising this matter year after year at the United Nations as well as other forums.

Rights to resources is also limited, with many not duly compensated for mining or mineral rights.

Examples of equity gained by Indigenous peoples in other colonised nations is also limited and this varies from country to country. Most often there is very little or limited recognition of their rights, land or culture. There is also limited support for specific indigenous health or education programs.