The philanthropic efforts of those who helped campaigns for greater indigenous rights in Australia say they remain committed and strengthened by the cause, despite Australia voting overwhelmingly against First Nations people greater political rights in a referendum held over the weekend.

All six states voted No to a proposal to amend the constitution to recognise First Nations people and create a political body for them.

The Paul Ramsey Foundation, one of the original philanthropic funders of the Yes campaign, and a funder of numerous First Nations-led initiatives and organisations, says it will strengthen its commitment to the First Nations people.

“Philanthropy’s support did not begin with the Referendum, nor will it end with it. Like so many of our First Nations friends, colleagues, and partners, we are extremely disappointed with the Referendum result, but this only strengthens our resolve,” said Paul Ramsey Foundation CEO Kirsty Muir.

“Decades of social policy research overwhelmingly shows that when you give people a say in decisions that affect them, the outcomes are better. We will strengthen our work alongside First Nations partners and support their efforts to achieve better outcomes for families and communities and continue to advocate for evidence-based systemic change,” she added.

The referendum, known as the ‘Voice to Parliament’, was proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a 2017 document made by Indigenous leaders providing a roadmap of reconciliation that would have finally given the indigenous people more rights.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – who make up 3.8 per cent of Australia’s 26 million population – have inhabited the land for at least 65,000 years, yet there is no mention of them in the modern constitution. They are the most disadvantaged people in the country, falling at the bottom of most socio-economic measures.

Michelle Steele, chief First Nations officer at the foundation and from the Kamilaroi – among the indigenous First Nations – said: “Heartbreak and devastation don’t begin to capture the feeling that I and many of us are experiencing. For a moment in time, we could envision a better future for ourselves, our children, and future generations – a vision that now seems a little further from reach. But we will keep that vision, we will take the time to heal and from all the sadness and hurt we will rise strong again.” 

 Shafi Musaddique is a news editor at Alliance magazine.