Indigenous communities in Australia and Aotearoa continue to face significant setbacks, grappling with historical injustices, systemic discrimination, and the enduring impacts of colonialism. These challenges are exacerbated by the rise of right-wing extremism (RWE) globally, influencing policies and attitudes. Despite progress in Canada, anti-Indigenous sentiments persist, fueled by media outlets and “Conservative” groups aiming to undermine Indigenous rights.
“The world needs the wisdom of Indigenous people more than ever to learn how to live in harmony with all that is.” – Eric Law, Cherbourg resident.
The rejection of the Voice to Parliament referendum in Australia highlights the regressive obstacles facing Indigenous communities. Indigenous leaders, including Julie Appo, express deep disappointment, with Appo stating, “It was so racist and so angry and so horrible. Reconciliation is dead.” This defeat significantly hampers the struggle for Indigenous rights, impacting self-governance and truth-telling processes.
Daniela Gavshon, Australia director of Human Rights Watch, highlights the devastation: “The loss of the Voice is a monumental blow to a hard-fought struggle for Indigenous rights.” The setback further perpetuates existing disparities, with Indigenous people in Australia facing disproportionately high rates of incarceration, infant mortality, and lower life expectancies. The term “majoritarianism” is often used to describe the use of populist motives to override minority rights, particularly Indigenous rights. This concept emphasizes the preferences and interests of the so-called majority, often at the expense of minority perspectives.
While facing setbacks in Australia, an article in the Peterborough Examiner by Katharine Lake Berz, Special to the Toronto Star, shows Indigenous Peoples are looking to Canada for inspiration and guidance. “We are looking at Canada (for learning) more than any other jurisdiction in my world,” remarks Shane Webster, Torres Strait Islander and CEO of Jawun. This underscores the interconnectedness of Indigenous struggles globally, with a hopeful outlook toward potential solutions and progress. “The Canadians reminded them that ‘the world needs the wisdom of Indigenous people more than ever to learn how to live in harmony with all that is,'” shares Eric Law, a Cherbourg resident.
While Canada has made strides in recognizing Indigenous rights, the persistence of anti-Indigenous sentiments remains evident. Furthermore, the presence of 325 active right-wing extremist groups in Canada is fueled, in part, by certain Canadian media outlets such as the National Post and by “Conservative” forces worldwide. Indigenous rights are under constant threat as these groups seek to undo progress. Indigenous Peoples persist in fighting for fundamental human rights, such as access to clean water and protecting ancestral territories crucial for survival.
“Sometimes you need this revolting, backwards politicking to remind people why we participate.” – Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
For example, In reaction to the defeat of the Voice referendum, Eric Hughes, representing the National Post, unabashedly embraced majoritarianism, further normalizing right-wing extremism (RWE). Alongside Hughes, there is Conrad Black who takes it further, in his article, Lessons from Australia’s the ‘voice’ referendum, he states Canada “should be invited to vote on a number of policy options. This would give public policy the legitimacy of specific popular approval and blunt the influence of the charlatans in the native victimhood industry and their collaborators in government,” not only advocating against similar Indigenous representation proposals in Canada but also exhibiting a gloating antagonism as he championed the suppression of Indigenous rights globally. Hughes frames his article, on the other hand, as “common sense.” “The population questioned, listened and decided that all these people were wrong. That is something to celebrate,” Hughes states in his article. Their narratives suggest unwavering support for a majoritarian right-wing ideology, echoing a sentiment that starkly contrasts the principles of inclusivity and representation advocated by initiatives like the Voice in Australia. Hughes’ and Black’s articles reflect divisive stances, signalling a disregard for the complexities of Indigenous issues and the importance of fostering a more inclusive political environment. The majoritarian gloating exhibited by Conrad Black and Erich Hughes, which prompted our Response, underscores this antagonism, emphasizing the ongoing imperative to advocate for Indigenous rights.
Globally, understanding the historical context of anti-Indigenous views is crucial. Extremist ideologies have perpetuated and exploited these attitudes, a reality the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) underscored. The pervasiveness and normalization of right-wing extremism (RWE) by media, politicians, and civil society highlight the interconnectedness of these outlooks with the global rise of RWE. This surge has not only propelled extremist groups into positions of power but also poses a significant threat to democracy on a worldwide scale, warranting a comprehensive and urgent response.
In Aotearoa, the new far-right government, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has alarmed the world with its rapid dismantling of policies favouring the Indigenous Māori people. The proposed dissolution of the Māori Health Authority, rollback of the Māori language, and removal of limits on tobacco sales, as reported by Angus Watson at CNN, are seen as direct attacks on Māori rights. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of the Te Pati Māori Party, voices opposition, stating, “Your attacks on our culture have motivated our standing in solidarity.” The new government’s “English first” approach raises concerns about erasing Indigenous identities, contradicting principles of cultural sensitivity and respect embedded in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Indigenous identity transcends traditional partisan boundaries, representing a profound connection to the Earth, Ancestors, and cultural heritage. It is inherently non-partisan, not a fleeting trend nor a left-leaning concept, but a deeply rooted relationship with the environment. Indigenous rights go beyond mere symbolism; they are fundamental human rights ingrained in millennia-old traditions. Historically marginalized, Indigenous concerns have gained attention in recent years, primarily from left-leaning circles, yet the understanding of Indigenous issues should not be confined to partisan narratives. Far-right ideologies have attempted to misappropriate Indigenous issues, weaving them into a divisive “us against them” narrative, oversimplifying and distorting the nuanced perspectives of Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Peoples hold diverse views that defy easy categorization within left or right frameworks. The complexity of Indigenous political engagement is evident in policies from both sides that either align with or challenge Indigenous values. Globally, Indigenous Peoples assert the right to self-determination, advocating for autonomy in decision-making processes. Regardless of political affiliation, paternalistic sentiments are counterproductive to this fundamental right. As Prime Minister Christopher Luxon exemplifies, alongside his regressive Indigenous policies, he continues with statements like “We are determined that Māori are going to do better under our government than they have in the last six years,” (emphasis added) perpetuating a form of far-right paternalism, risking undermining Indigenous self-determination. But as Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of the Te Pati Māori party, states, “Sometimes you need this revolting, backwards politicking to remind people why we participate.”
In addressing the challenges confronting Indigenous communities globally, it is crucial to emphasize that human rights, including those of Indigenous Peoples, surpass political affiliations. Universal concerns such as self-determination, access to clean water, and protection against discrimination should unite individuals across the political spectrum. Human rights, rooted in the intrinsic dignity of every individual, are inherently non-partisan. Recognizing our shared commitment to justice and equality, we advocate for collective support transcending political lines. These rights extend beyond specific ideologies, representing fundamental values binding us together and urging collaborative efforts for the comprehensive recognition and protection of Indigenous rights globally.
Indigenous Peoples around the world continue to fight for fundamental human rights despite facing setbacks, displaying profound resilience and determination. Amid the challenges posed by right-wing extremism, Indigenous communities persistently advocate for justice, equality, and the safeguarding of cultural heritage and lands. The unwavering strength of Indigenous Peoples against injustices is evident in the fight for clean water, self-governance, and the preservation of ancestral territories, both in historical contexts and contemporary struggles.