Blonde on Blonde
Council Bluffs is the newest single by Work Drugs off their LP - Absolute Bearing. Borrowing on themes of social injustice, westernization, and the frustration that often accompanies songs of social protest. Specifically, Council Bluffs is a reflective examination of The Barunga Statement, and the subsequent song “Treaty” by Australian indigenous music band Yothu Yindi.
As a frame of reference:
In June 1988, many aboriginal tribes gathered and a statement of national Aboriginal political objectives was issued to the federal government in June 1988. This became known as the ‘Barunga Statement’. It was written on bark and presented to Prime Minister Bob Hawke at that year’s Barunga festival. It called for Aboriginal self-management, a national system of land rights, compensation for loss of lands, respect for Aboriginal identity, an end to discrimination, and the granting of full civil, economic, social and cultural rights. Prime Minister Hawke responded by saying that he wished to conclude a treaty between Aboriginal and other Australians by 1990, but his wish was not fulfilled.
