Introduction
The words we use matter! This report gathers research and recommendations about the messages that work to promote First Nations justice. Here is an excerpt from the Passing the Message Stick report and a recording of the briefing session. Please note the Commons Librarians recommend downloading the full guide and visiting the Passing the Message Stick site to access all the insights in an interactive and accessible format. Update: This research took place in 2021 and has been expanded in 2023. If you would like to see the latest guides and research see – Passing the Message Stick: Messages that Build Support for Change on First Nations Justice.About the Project
We are strong, capable, and know what’s best for our families and communities — but the mainstream narrative paints a different picture of our people.
This project will help us to change the story. It’s for us, and by us, and lays out the messages needed to build public support for self-determination and justice, paving the way for long term change.
While the two-year research project draws on global best practice, the knowledge is ours. These findings are for all First Nations advocates, organisations, spokespeople, journalists and grassroots changemakers – and also include lessons for allies and ally organisations.
As First Nations people, we’re the first storytellers and we need to share our truth.
The anger we feel about the experiences of injustice that our families and communities face is real. This guide shows us how to express this fundamental truth, and at the same time shift those who are persuadable on our issues to support us.
Here’s the good news: this research shows us that what our communities have done in the past works. But in recent years, our message has changed.
We’ve stepped away from messages shared by past movements and campaigns our communities led and won. Instead of speaking to a broad audience, we’ve stepped into a frame of deficit and charity to appeal to Government. The problem is – we’re telling a story that isn’t ours.
The words we use matter. When we share our vision and truth, we can build powerful movements and win public policy changes our communities are calling for.
To do this, and create the space for massive gains, we need to sing from the same songbook – communities, allies and organisations alike.
It’s all about repetition – we tell our stories and show others how to repeat. When all we use the same effective messages we can shift public support and win a transformative policy agenda.
Who’s involved?
Passing The Message Stick has been led by a Steering Committee of pre-eminent First Nations advocates, and supported by GetUp, Original Power and Australian Progress: