Premium Content:

Uncle Jack Charles was allegedly asked to prove he is Indigenous

Uncle Jack Charles is an award wining actor, musician and activist, and one of the most recognisable Indigenous Australians.

- Advertisement -

The living legend has shared that he was shocked when he allegedly received a call from a staffer at the Stolen Generations Advisory Committee asking him if he would be able to prove his Aboriginality.

The organisation is responsible for managing compensation payments to people under the Stolen Generations Reparation scheme. They’ve already paid the actor the first installment of his payment, but apparently then asked for more proof that the was Aboriginal before progressing to the second installment.

Charles, who is a Wiradjuri, Boon Warrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta man, previously appeared on the popular television series Who Do You Think You Are?

Speaking to ABC Drive on Melbourne radio Charles said the staff member told him more evidence was needed because some people were trying to make false claims. The actor said he found it surprising that despite being a high profile member of society, he could still be accused of faking his identity.

A spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety said the program was designed to be culturally sensitive.

“We fully understand that the process of seeking reparations and redress may be confronting and re-traumatising for members of the Stolen Generation. That’s why we worked closely with community to design Victoria’s program to be culturally sensitive and for the onus to be placed on government rather than applicants to do the work in ascertaining if someone is a member of the Stolen Generation.” the spokesperson said.

For Uncle Jack Charles he was left wondering why people would question his ancestry.

“It’s too difficult to be an Aboriginal. Have a look at what I’m struggling through right now, hitting 79 in September and I’m still being bedevilled and perplexed,” Uncle Jack said. “I have been re-traumatised with this very questioning of who I am.”

OIP Staff


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

 

 

Latest

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation founder Ben Bjarnesen to step down

Bjarnesen founded the organisation in 2019.

Neo-soul star D’Angelo dies aged 51

The singer has lost a long battle with cancer.

RMIT to lead groundbreaking research into LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria

The research will be led by Dr Jeremie Bracka and seeks to address the need for acknowledgement of policing failures and renewed attention to unsolved cases.

Greens voice support for surrogacy reform ahead of debate in Upper House

The support from The Greens drastically improves the chances of the bill becoming law.

Newsletter

Don't miss

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation founder Ben Bjarnesen to step down

Bjarnesen founded the organisation in 2019.

Neo-soul star D’Angelo dies aged 51

The singer has lost a long battle with cancer.

RMIT to lead groundbreaking research into LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria

The research will be led by Dr Jeremie Bracka and seeks to address the need for acknowledgement of policing failures and renewed attention to unsolved cases.

Greens voice support for surrogacy reform ahead of debate in Upper House

The support from The Greens drastically improves the chances of the bill becoming law.

On This Gay Day | In 1976 Lex Watson fronted an angry audience in Mt Isa

The gay rights activist faced many homophobic comments on an ABC TV program.

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation founder Ben Bjarnesen to step down

Bjarnesen founded the organisation in 2019.

Neo-soul star D’Angelo dies aged 51

The singer has lost a long battle with cancer.

RMIT to lead groundbreaking research into LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria

The research will be led by Dr Jeremie Bracka and seeks to address the need for acknowledgement of policing failures and renewed attention to unsolved cases.