 But while his dream was born out of Wilcannia's struggles, it will be a party advocating for Indigenous issues across the nation, he said. Only Indigenous people will be chosen as candidates but anyone can sign up to be a member. "[Indigenous] voices are not being heard right across Australia," Uncle Owen said. "I'm pretty sure that when we get a chance, once COVID eases up maybe next year [and] when we get around to other states and territories, we will get more people signed up." But even if the battle with COVID is still raging on when the federal election comes around, Uncle Owen vowed it wouldn't spell the end. "I think the Indigenous Party has been coming for a long, long, long time and it's about time that we get in and get a voice for the Indigenous peoples of Australia," Uncle Owen said. "We're here to stay, we ain't going away." Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: