*Content Warning: This episode of Doin' Time contains audio images and descriptions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have died, and of deaths in custody.
This episode of Doin Time is a yearly dedication and tribute to the much-loved honourable Uncle Ray Jackson (27 March 1941 – 23 April 2015). Uncle Ray was a Wiradjuri warrior who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and human rights for aboriginal people and much more.
First up on the program, we hear from Julie Tongs, proud Wiradjuri woman, campaigner, and CEO of Winnunga, an organisation which provides culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT and surrounding regions to access a broad scope of health and community services. She discusses culturally safe practises for Aboriginal people in prisons, in an follow-up interview of Doin' Time's broadcast of a recent VALS' Prison Healthcare Webinar, on which Julie featured. She discusses her 30+ years of experience fiercely advocating for the expansion of holistic community-controlled Aboriginal primary health services and organisations.
Next up on the program, Marisa interviews Uncle Ray's daughter, Carolyn Jackson, remembering her father and his legacy, work and the ongoing fight for justice. Doin' Time apologises for the technical difficulties encountered during this interview.
Lastly, Marisa speaks with Joseph Pugliese, Uncle Ray's friend and longtime activist, also co-editor of Mapping Deathscapes: Digital Geographies of Racial and Border Violence. Discussion ranges from from his work on the waterfront in the trade union sector, to battles in Indigenous Deaths in Custody, legislating family attendance for autopsies to ensure ceremony and respect. Joseph provides the historical context to Uncle Ray's life and work, and his warmth, vision and determination in battling for all victims of violence and injustice, and the strength of his legacy which lives on today.
Marisa