The themes of injustice, racism, genocide, dispossession, violence and colonization (themes)
contained in Aboriginal Charter of Rights by Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) (title and author) are
brought together in this one verse poetic declaration of demands (structure and style), narrated
through the voice of the poet (voice). She becomes the spokesperson (purpose) for those who have
suffered and for those who wish to move forward in a more positive way. The poem is an assertive list
of demands (style) that juxtaposes the contrasting ideas of how things have been historically and how
they should be for reconciliation and a more harmonious coexistence. By employing the technique of
juxtaposing (technique) opposing ideas, such as ‘equals’/’dependents’, ‘help/exploitation’, (evidence)
the poet also emphasizes the oppositional perspectives of black and white Australians, further
emphasised to the reader through the use of pronouns ‘you’ or ‘us’ and ‘we’ (language technique).
There is a degree of irony presented in this poem, as the title ‘Aboriginal Charter of Rights’ suggests
something that its subject matter clearly outlines the Indigenous Australians have been denied since
the colonisation of the country (metalanguage) . From the very first line, the poet establishes the
agenda and focus for this declaration by using the words ‘hope’ and ‘racialism’ (themes). Walker uses
a combination of capitalization, enjambment and rhyming couplets (language techniques) to unify her
ideas as interrelated components of the one main issue, presented in one large stanza (structure).
Repetition of words like ‘Make us’ and ‘Give’ emphasize the views that the poet and voice of the
poem holds in relation to what needs to happen for a better future.
Walker uses allusion (technique) to reference the many racist Government policies that marginalized
and dispossessed her people (context). Terms like ‘bureaucrat Protection’, ‘prohibitions’, ‘missions’,
‘overlordship’ and ‘wardship’, (evidence) all combine to paint an overview of how oppressed these
people were. Walker also emphasizes the abuse of power in Australian history by comparing
Indigenous Australians to ‘serfs’, ‘aliens’, ‘fringe-dwellers’ and ‘poor relations’; (evidence) creating a
strong contrast to her accusatory judgment of the white law makers, referenced as ‘Roman Pontius’,
the man who was responsible for the trial and crucifixion of Christ – revealing the poet’s view of the
hypocrisy in religion and the laws stemming from this hypocrisy (views and values). There are
numerous alliterated (technique) religious references, further casting blame on those ‘Salvation
sellers’ who ‘baptized and blessed and Bibled’ her people, only to betray and subject them to
‘crucifixion’ (evidence). Those who persecuted under the name of religion.
The tone of this poem, in spite of its negative reflection of history is hopeful (tone). The last alliterated
line ‘Banish bans and conquer caste, Then we'll win our own at last’ (language technique and
evidence) indicates that the poet sees resolution in the future (message), that it is achievable. The
rhyming couplet (technique) confirms for the reader that this poem was written with the intention of
voicing what Indigenous people want – equality, freedom from oppression and recognition of what
was forced onto their people (views and values).
Aboriginal Charter of Rights
by Oodgeroo Noonuccal
From book: The Dawn Is At Hand
We want hope, not racialism,
Brotherhood, not ostracism,
Black advance, not white ascendance:
Make us equals, not dependants.
We need help, not exploitation,
We want freedom, not frustration;
Not control, but self-reliance,
Independence, not compliance,
Not rebuff, but education,
Self-respect, not resignation.
Free us from a mean subjection,
From a bureaucrat Protection.
Let's forget the old-time slavers:
Give us fellowship, not favours;
Encouragement, not prohibitions,
Homes, not settlements and missions.
We need love, not overlordship,
Grip of hand, not whip-hand wardship;
Opportunity that places
White and black on equal basis.
You dishearten, not defend us,
Circumscribe, who should befriend us.
Give us welcome, not aversion,
Give us choice, not cold coercion,
Status, not discrimination,
Human rights, not segregation.
You the law, like Roman Pontius,
Make us proud, not colour-conscious;
Give the deal you still deny us,
Give goodwill, not bigot bias;
Give ambition, not prevention,
Confidence, not condescension;
Give incentive, not restriction,
Give us Christ, not crucifixion.
Though baptized and blessed and Bibled
We are still tabooed and libelled.
You devout Salvation-sellers,
Make us neighbours, not fringe-dwellers;
Make us mates, not poor relations,
Citizens, not serfs on stations.
Must we native Old Australians
In our own land rank as aliens?
Banish bans and conquer caste,
Then we'll win our own at last.