The themes of injustice, racism, genocide, dispossession, violence and colonization (themes) contained in Aboriginal Charter of Rights by Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) (title and author) are brought together in this one verse poetic declaration of demands (structure and style), narrated through the voice of the poet (voice). She becomes the spokesperson (purpose) for those who have suffered and for those who wish to move forward in a more positive way. The poem is an assertive list of demands (style) that juxtaposes the contrasting ideas of how things have been historically and how they should be for reconciliation and a more harmonious coexistence. By employing the technique of juxtaposing (technique) opposing ideas, such as ‘equals’/’dependents’, ‘help/exploitation’, (evidence) the poet also emphasizes the oppositional perspectives of black and white Australians, further emphasised to the reader through the use of pronouns ‘you’ or ‘us’ and ‘we’ (language technique).
There is a degree of irony presented in this poem, as the title ‘Aboriginal Charter of Rights’ suggestssomething that its subject matter clearly outlines the Indigenous Australians have been denied since the colonisation of the country (metalanguage) . From the very first line, the poet establishes the agenda and focus for this declaration by using the words ‘hope’ and ‘racialism’(themes). Walker uses a combination of capitalization, enjambment and rhyming couplets (language techniques) to unify her ideas as interrelated components of the one main issue, presented in one large stanza (structure). Repetition of words like ‘Make us’ and ‘Give’ emphasize the views that the poet and voice of the poem holds in relation to what needs to happen for a better future.
Walker uses allusion (technique) to reference the many racist Government policies that marginalized and dispossessed her people(context). Terms like ‘bureaucrat Protection’, ‘prohibitions’, ‘missions’, ‘overlordship’ and ‘wardship’,(evidence) all combine to paint an overview of how oppressed these people were. Walker also emphasizes the abuse of power in Australian history by comparing Indigenous Australians to ‘serfs’, ‘aliens’, ‘fringe-dwellers’ and ‘poor relations’; (evidence)creating a strong contrastto her accusatory judgment of the white law makers, referenced as ‘Roman Pontius’, the man who was responsible for the trial and crucifixion of Christ – revealing the poet’s view of the hypocrisy in religion and the laws stemming from this hypocrisy (views and values). There are numerous alliterated (technique) religious references, further casting blame on those ‘Salvation sellers’ who ‘baptized and blessed and Bibled’ her people, only to betray and subject them to ‘crucifixion’ (evidence). Those who persecuted under the name of religion.
The tone of this poem, in spite of its negative reflection of history is hopeful(tone). The last alliterated line ‘Banish bans and conquer caste,Then we'll win our own at last’ (language technique and evidence) indicates that the poet sees resolution in the future(message), that it is achievable. The rhyming couplet (technique) confirms for the reader that this poem was written with the intention of voicing what Indigenous people want – equality, freedom from oppression and recognition of what was forced onto their people (views and values).