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

Indications blessings of same-sex unions will remain under Pope Leo XIV

In a brief interview Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the head of the Vatican's doctrine office indicated that the practice would remain.

Tasmanian political parties urged to focus on mental health and law reforms

The call comes ahead of an election forum being held later this week.

Alan Jones lawyers raise concerns over search of his phone

The broadcaster is facing 34 charges over historical offences.

STYLEAID is back and ready to raise funds for WAAC

After a seven-year hiatus, STYLEAID returns in 2025 to celebrate WAAC’s 40th anniversary.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Indications blessings of same-sex unions will remain under Pope Leo XIV

In a brief interview Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the head of the Vatican's doctrine office indicated that the practice would remain.

Tasmanian political parties urged to focus on mental health and law reforms

The call comes ahead of an election forum being held later this week.

Alan Jones lawyers raise concerns over search of his phone

The broadcaster is facing 34 charges over historical offences.

STYLEAID is back and ready to raise funds for WAAC

After a seven-year hiatus, STYLEAID returns in 2025 to celebrate WAAC’s 40th anniversary.

On This Gay Day | Sexuality researcher Havelock Ellis died in 1939

Henry Havelock Ellis co-wrote the first medical text book in English that explored homosexuality.

Indications blessings of same-sex unions will remain under Pope Leo XIV

In a brief interview Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the head of the Vatican's doctrine office indicated that the practice would remain.

Tasmanian political parties urged to focus on mental health and law reforms

The call comes ahead of an election forum being held later this week.

Alan Jones lawyers raise concerns over search of his phone

The broadcaster is facing 34 charges over historical offences.