“Sing for the Black – From the Act to Treaty” with Uncle Joe Geia
Ticket sales are now live for the 2024 Meanjin Oration, showcasing the creative and intellectual work of renowned singer/songwriter, influential figure and QUT PhD candidate Uncle Joe Geia through both concert and conversation.
All ticket sale proceeds will be donated to the Orator to advance his research.
When and where
Date and time
Location
About the event
Hosted by the Carumba Institute, the Meanjin Oration is the QUT key address to profile Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, and this year will feature 8 songs performed by Uncle Joe Geia.
Following Uncle Joe Geia’s performance, Professor Chelsea Watego will moderate a panel discussion which will explore core elements of the songs to canvass the relationship between Indigenous people and the state with a particular emphasis on the Queensland experience.
The Meanjin Oration of 2024, convened on the eve of the UNDRIP anniversary will represent a critical intervention in advancing the Queensland Treaty process, which at present remains contested in the aftermath of the Referendum.
Panel discussion
The panel discussion will consider the current crossroads in which the current Queensland Treaty process sits, placing it in its historical and political context, from the Protection Act and the Director of Native Affairs Office, to the Voice referendum in which Queensland recorded the highest no vote. In exploring a past of oppressive colonial control alongside an enduring Indigenous resistance in Queensland, the panel will explore the possibilities for race-relations across the nation into the future.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Professor Chelsea Watego.
Panel members
Uncle Graham Brady
Uncle Graham Brady is an Elder of the Kawanji clan group of Western Gu Gu Yalanji Cape York. He is the son of Pastor Don Brady, who was critical in fostering critical Black consciousness in the formation of the Brisbane Blacks. Uncle Graham is a master artifact maker, song man, dancer, choreographer, actor, storyteller, and visual artist, with over 50 years of experience in maintaining, teaching, and revitalising his traditional culture and heritage. He has collaborated with national arts organisations and continues to uphold the stature of Indigenous peoples in Australia. Uncle Graham Brady is currently applying to undertake his PhD at QUT.
Aunty Cheryl Buchanan
Aunty Cheryl Buchanan is a proud Guwamu woman and lifelong advocate for Aboriginal rights, social and environmental justice. She has held various leadership roles, including as the first Aboriginal Commissioner with Queensland Corrective Services. Aunty Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma of Education from the University of Queensland, and a Graduate Diploma of Natural and Cultural Resource Management from Deakin University. She has been awarded the Centenary Medal for Distinguished Services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. Aunty Cheryl is known for her activism and is currently on the Board of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body, progressing the historic Path to Treaty journey in Queensland.
Associate Professor Uncle Phillip Mills
Uncle Phillip Mills's family inheritance is Gulaig and Ibpoedhay Cultural Title. As a Professor and a Lagau Kuike in our Danalaig Sovereignty, he is focused on self-determination and autonomy. Uncle Phil designed and led the Torres Model of Care, which is now being consolidated with UMe, a Unity TEXT representing the Zenadth Kes Nation, in collaboration with Carumba Institute QUT and CATSiNaM. Uncle Phil is a Kulkalgal Elder with a lifelong career in public service and Indigenous affairs. Currently, a PhD student at QUT, and a council member of the First Nations Treaty Institute, a statutory body operating independently from the Queensland Government.