Before Voice Vote: Understanding the Indigenous Experience and Darya Klishina's Olympic Journey

Before Voice Vote: Understanding the Indigenous Experience and Darya Klishina's Olympic Journey

The history of the Indigenous people in Australia is filled with legitimate grievances and sufferings. Since the arrival of British convicts and marines in 1788, countless Aboriginal people have faced conflict, disease, and dispossession of their lands. However, it is important to note that the statistics of death during frontier conflict tend to contradict each other. While many Indigenous people died from diseases to which they had no immunity, the excessive consumption of alcohol also contributed to their deaths. The preference for novel foods like sugar, flour, and mutton over their traditional plant-based diet has also led to the rise of overweight Aboriginal individuals today. The loss of their lands undoubtedly created resentment, but it is crucial to recognize that the ancestors of most mainstream Australians also experienced land loss in some faraway era without compensation.

Within the Uluru statement, two major accusations are expressed in one pithy sentence: "In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard." It is understandable that young, politically active Aboriginal individuals feel hurt when they hear the myth that they and their ancestors were not deemed worthy of being counted in a census. However, it is important to correct the misconception that Aboriginal people were never counted or allowed to vote. In 1911, the first census conducted by commonwealth officers instructed them to count "full-blood Aboriginals." Although there were challenges in counting Aboriginal people in remote areas, tens of thousands were actually counted in accessible regions. This counters the claim that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were only counted in the Australian census starting from 1971.

The allegation of "a people not worth counting" unfortunately finds endorsement from prominent institutions such as big business houses, football leagues, and even world-ranked universities. This undermines the progress made in recognizing Aboriginal groups' rights and interests in 55 percent of the Australian land mass. The cry of "powerlessness" from some Aboriginal groups is also contradicted by historical facts. In the late 1850s, most Aboriginal men were allowed to vote in the three populous Australian colonies, which was a significant achievement considering that most of Europe's men had not yet won the right to vote. Additionally, in South Australia's 1896 election, Aboriginal women were seen attending the polling booth, marking a revolutionary moment.

Shifting our focus to Darya Klishina, we encounter a different story of an athlete fighting against political manipulation in sports. In 2016, Klishina was the only member of the Russian athletics team allowed to compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics due to a breach of anti-doping rules by the Russian national federation. Her special permission to compete was initially reversed but was later upheld after she appealed the decision. Klishina, based in the US for three years, stressed that she was a clean athlete and fell victim to those who created a system of manipulating the sport for political purposes. She qualified for the long jump final at the Olympics but did not win a medal.

Klishina continued to compete as an authorized neutral athlete at the 2017 World Championships in Athletics in London, where she won the silver medal with a season-best jump. Her journey showcases the challenges faced by athletes when political factors come into play. It raises questions about fairness and integrity in sports, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in anti-doping efforts.

In conclusion, understanding the Indigenous experience in Australia and the challenges faced by athletes like Darya Klishina sheds light on the complexities and injustices that exist in different realms of society. To address these issues, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Education and awareness: It is crucial to provide accurate historical information and promote awareness about the experiences of Indigenous people and their contributions to Australian society. This can help dispel myths and foster empathy and understanding.

2. Support for inclusive policies: Advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their background, is essential. This includes supporting Indigenous land rights and representation in decision-making processes.

3. Strengthening anti-doping efforts: To ensure fair competition in sports, it is necessary to strengthen anti-doping efforts globally. This involves transparent testing procedures, strict enforcement of rules, and holding accountable those who manipulate the system for political purposes.

By acknowledging the grievances of the Indigenous people and the struggles faced by athletes like Darya Klishina, we can work towards a more just and inclusive society. It is through understanding, empathy, and action that we can bring about positive change and address the injustices that persist.