This is something that has been discussed before, and it is part of a wider issue that generates a lot of emotion and strong opinion. However, just because a topic is difficult doesn’t mean it should be avoided.
I’d like to propose we add a standing Acknowledgement of Country to our General Meetings. I’ve modified the wording based on advice from indigenous.org
“HSBNE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, the Yuggera and Turrbal people, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.”
I think something short and to the point works best, and this could easily be added to the meeting template on the wiki, and the agenda posts on the Forum.
This seems 100% reasonable to me, we already acknowledge this on the website as the following text but it can be a bit much to remember to say.
Hackerspace Brisbane acknowledges the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which we meet, and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We honour and respect their continued cultural and spiritual relationship to their Traditional Lands and Waters and recognise their contribution to society.
This bis a difficult conversation to discuss. Particuraly with out loaded word being used such as stolen, and phrases such as it’s the least we can do and I didn’t do it…
Regardless of that, I’m sure we can have this conversation in a calm and respectful manner to all.
I feel adding this to our meetings is the most respectful and socially healthy way to move forward.
From memory pommygirl has penned the minimum acceptabe statement. Such statements are common in public settings.
HSBNE is a private club.
Should this change to standing procedure be a matter for member vote?