Uluru Statement and Uluru Handback poster on display

On the left is the Uluru Handback poster. The poster has same colour scheme as Aboriginal flag with a yellow Uluru shape in the middle. White text saying "You are on Aboriginal land". On the left is the Uluru statement from the heart. The statements text and its signatory's are in the middle surrounded by an artwork depicting important tjukurpa of the area

Two items are now on display on level 2 at the Northern Territory Library in Parliament House; the Uluru Statement from The Heart and the Uluru Handback poster 1985. 

“We, gathered at the 2017 National Constitutional Convention, coming from all points of the southern sky, make this statement from the heart” - opening words from the Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

The Uluru Statement from The Heart is a culmination of a series of discussions held across the country. It was created at the 2017 National Constitutional Convention at Uluru, 50 years after the 1967 referendum. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives from all parts of the continent and adjacent islands gathered together to create a message for the Australian people, call for the establishment of a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament and a Makarrata Commission to supervise the process of agreement making, (or treaty) and truth-telling to the nation. The Statement features the signatures of hundreds of attendees at the National Convention. It is bordered by paintings of important Tjukurpa (Dreaming stories) by Maruku artist and Uluru traditional owner Rene Kulitja, and Mutitjulu artists Christine Brumby, Charmaine Kulitja and Happy Reid.

Also on display is the Uluru handback poster. This poster celebrates the handing back of the title deeds to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the Anangu people in 1985. The poster was designed by the renowned political artist and activist Chips Mackinolty and also features signatures of traditional custodians. It is recognised as an historic document for First Nations People, symbolising a high point in land rights following decades of determined lobbying to have their rights recognised. 

“The land was being returned to its original owners, so we were happy. Long ago Anangu were afraid because they were pushed out of their lands. And because of that, Anangu left. But now a lot of people want to come back. That’s good. It’s our place, our land.” - Traditional Owner Reggie Uluru, 2015.

Both the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Handback poster will be on display until March 2021.

We encourage you to come visit the Northern Territory Library to see and learn more about them.

Image credits:

Left: “Commemorative limited edition endorsed by a group of Traditional Owners of Uluru”, Printed by Jalak Graphics (Chips Mackinolty) / Redback Graphix, 1985, screen printed; 97.0 x 114.0 cms; limited edition no.2/44, Library & Archives NT.

Chips Mackinolty, Nyuntu anangu maruku ngurangka ngaranyi {Your are on Aboriginal land], 1985, screen print, printed by Jalak Graphics/Redback Graphix, ed. 2/44, 97.0 x 114.0cm. Library & Archives NT.

Right: Uluru Statement from the Heart 2017, reproduced with Thomas Mayor's permission.