Uncle Jack Charles has been honoured with the NAIDOC Male Elder of the year award just days after revealing he was 'retraumatised' after being asked to prove he was Aboriginal by the Victorian government's Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme.
Mr Charles said the award was a"surprise" on stage at the ceremony, and later spoke with host Narelda Jacobs, who asked him how he felt following the revelations during the week.Uncle Jack Charles asked to prove Aboriginality for Stolen Generations reparations The Wiradjuri, Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woi Wurrung and Yorta Yorta actor also said there's some great roles ahead of him and he is far from done, cheekily joking about the sitcom Neighbours.Mr Charles was announced just before Aunty Lois Peeler was given the Female Elder of the year award.Looking back: The NAIDOC awards, the themes and how they started
From 'Advance Australia Where?' to 'Because of her, we can!' NAIDOC themes have regularly been built on the power of the past.
ItsBouquet NITV Jack Charles is one of this country's living national treasures.
NITV He wouldn't be traumatised if he weren't stolen, because he'd be dead from neglect. At least he's alive.
NITV 'retraumatised' -- harden-up mate. If you didn't have to prove anything, the compensation scheme would run out of money in 24hrs, with most of it going to scammers.
NITV He is much loved outside his community too.