Maggie Blanden, a Palawa lawyer, rejected her Young Australian of the Year nomination, stating the event is 'not inclusive' for First Nations people, especially on January 26.
Blanden emphasized the significance of January 26 for Aboriginal communities, stating, 'For us here in Lutruwita, it's a day of mourning,' illustrating the historical impact on their culture.
While acknowledging the recognition that comes with the award, Blanden made it clear, 'It's just not the right time. I will not celebrate a nation that persecutes our people'.
Blanden expressed a desire for change, saying she would celebrate 'when we have a treaty in Lutruwita, [and] when we have land returned in Lutruwita'.
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