Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe’s recent heckling of King Charles during his address to the country’s Parliament has reignited discussions about the British monarchy’s role in the ongoing struggles faced by indigenous Australians. Ms Thorpe, a senator of Gunnai, Gunditjmara, and Djab Wurrung heritage, has long been a fierce advocate for indigenous rights and a vocal critic of colonial legacies. Her actions, while controversial, underline a broader sentiment within many indigenous communities that demands acknowledgment and reparative measures for historical injustices.
At the core of Ms Thorpe’s protest is a fundamental rejection of the colonial narrative that the monarchy represents. By asserting that King Charles is “not my king,” she articulates a powerful statement about sovereignty and identity. This sentiment resonates with many indigenous Australians who feel the scars of colonisation are still fresh and profound. The British settlement led to widespread dispossession, cultural........