5th ANU Reconciliation Lecture 2008: Respect is the New Black: Building on our national apology

Abstract

Mr Mark Bin Bakar has dedicated much of his adult life to increasing cultural understanding and working tirelessly to present an insight into Indigenous culture. Mark has created many opportunities for Indigenous musicians, including establishing the very successful music school Abmusic 20 years ago. His character, Mary G, Black Queen of the Kimberley, has become a national cult figure while enabling Mark to raise awareness of important social issues facing Indigenous people. Mark travels extensively throughout remote areas talking to people about alcohol and drug abuse, health care, emotional wellbeing, respect for elders and domestic violence. In 2007, he was recognised as NAIDOC Person of the Year and West Australian of the Year, which made him a finalist for Australian of the Year in 2008.

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians see reconciliation as a way to make whitefellas feel better about themselves. For Mark Bin Bakar (a member of the Kimberley Stolen Generation Community) reconciliation is a chance for Australia to demonstrate respect and empower Indigenous people. In his lecture, Mark Bin Bakar drew on his many talents to deliver a thought-provoking and entertaining ANU Reconciliation Lecture.