Task+3+-+Aboriginal+Charter+of+Rights



**Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) [1920 - 1993]**

Kath Walker was a very prominent poet, writer, activist and public speaker in the 1960's. She spoke and wrote about the plight of Aboriginal People in Australia in a way that expressed the thoughts, feelings and desires of the Aboriginal People in a way that society had never heard before. Kath walker attended the Federal Council for Aboriginal Advancement (FCAA) annual conferences from 1960 and at the 1962 annual conference in Adelaide she read her 'Aboriginal Charter of Rights'.

Task: Below you will find a copy of the Aboriginal Charter of Rights complete the following questions/tasks.
a) Identify the rhyming pattern of this poem and provide an example.

b) Explain what a 'charter' is and how this title links to the content of the poem.

c) "Opportunity that places  White and black on equal basis" How do these two lines link the poem to the concept of social justice?

d) In **paragraph** form select **TWO** techniques used in this poem and write about them using the four step process: 1. Identify technique 2. Provide example 3. Explain the effect 4. Link back to Social Justice NOTE: You must use complex/sophisticated techniques not basic 'repetition'

e) What is the purpose of the poem? and How do you know this?

Aboriginal Charter of Rights

We want hope, not racialism, Brotherhood, not ostracism, Black advance, not white ascendance. Make us equals, not dependents. We need help, not exploitation, We want freedom, not frustration; Not control, but self-reliance, Independence, not compliance, Not rebuff, but education, Self-respect, not resignation. Free us from mean subjection, From a bureaucrat Protection. Let's forget the old-time slavers: Give us fellowship, not favours; Encouragement, not prohibitions, Homes, not settlements and missions. We need love, not overlordship, Grip of hand, not whip-hand wardship; Opportunity that places White and black on equal basis. You dishearten, not defend us, Circumscribe, who should befriend us. Give us welcome, not aversion, Give us choice, not cold coercion, Status, not discrimination, Human rights, not segregation. You the law, like Roman Pontius, Make us proud, not colour-conscious; Give us the deal you still deny us, Give goodwill not bigot bias; Give ambition, not prevention, Confidence, not condescension; Give incentive, not restriction, Give us Christ, not crucifixion. Though baptised and blessed and bibled We are still tabooed and libelled. You devout Salvation-sellers; Make us neighbours, not fringe-dwellers; Make us mates, not poor relations, Citizens, not serfs on stations. Must we native Old Australians in our land rank as aliens? Banish bans and conquer caste Then we'll win our own at last.