WGAR News: Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 32 events from 21 May 2012

Newsletter date: 21 May 2012

Click on the links for details of the events ...

Event: Wed 23 and Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, south of Sydney
Interim National Unity Government Assembly
of the Sovereign Union
Held at two locations:
Day 1 – Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Day 2 – Sandon Point Aboriginal Embassy
"All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two
delegates - one man and one woman (if appropriate) to the
inaugural assembly of the Sovereign Union interim National
Unity Government in Wollongong Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24
May. ... "
""This gathering to form the Interim Sovereign Union National
Unity Government is so important, as the federal government
and their Uncle Tom collaborators are working overtime to
indoctrinate our children and youth into their way of
thinking by falsely promoting that recognition in the
Constitution will give our people something,"
the spokesman of the movement, Michael Anderson, writes in
a media release. ... "
"On the first day two universities, Southern Cross and
Wollongong law faculties will host a law symposium to
discuss the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal Peoples as
an introduction to this history-making event."
"On Day 2, at Sandon Point Embassy REGISTRATION is at 8am
for the inaugural assembly of the Sovereign Union interim
National Unity Government."
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
See next two entries for Day 1 and Day 2 event details

Event: DAY 1 Wed 23 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
Litigating the Boundaries of Sovereignty
- Symposium Day 1
Location: Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Jointly organised by:
* Legal Intersections Research Centre, University of Wollongong
* School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross University
"On 26 January 2012, on the day of the 40th anniversary of
the establishment Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, a
number of prominent Aboriginal activists advanced an
articulated claim to the continuity of Aboriginal
sovereignty in Australia. ... [This is] a one-day workshop to
explore the legal and political implications of those claims."
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/85
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/

Event: DAY 2 - Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
Formal establishment of interim
National Unity Government of the Sovereign Union
"8am till late – REGISTRATION at 8am
Venue: Sandon Point Embassy, Wollongong, NSW"
"All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two delegates
- one man and one woman (if appropriate)
to the inaugural assembly of the Sovereign Union
interim National Unity Government
If possible bring a young person(s) between 15 & 25.
Each nation will have a limit of two official delegates
to the interim National Unity Government."
"+++ Draft Agenda +++:
* The formal establishment of the interim
National Unity Government of the Sovereign Union
* Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Aboriginal nations
* Focusing on the proposed new Constitution
* Program of stages towards independence and timeline
* Allocation of interim portfolios
* Development of diplomatic and international relations
* Strategies for representations in United Nations"
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/108
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/

Event: Thu 24 May 2012: Rozelle, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening & Photography Exhibition
Hosted by Amnesty Intl NSW Demand Dignity AG
& Tali Gallery
With special guest speaker Graeme Mundine
Part of the Head on Festival
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28567/
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/#OurGen
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/free-rozelle-our-generation-screening-thursd-24-...
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/24-may-2012-rozelle-nsw
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info-Our-...
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 25 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
Supporting rally for our Brothers and Sisters
evicted by force out of their
Sovereign Embassies in Perth and in Brisbane
Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/supporting-rally-for-our-brothers-and-sisters-ev...
Background: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-aboriginal-sovereig...

Event: Fri 25 May 2012: Canberra, ACT
National Sorry Day Bridge Walk
Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Canberra
* 10.30am - Gather at Regatta Point
* 10.40 - Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony
* 11.00am - Start Bridge Walk
* 11.30am - Wiradjuri Echoes and Lunch
RSVP (required if staying for lunch)
National Sorry Day Committee in collaboration with
ACT Government Health,
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service,
and Reconciliation Australia
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html#may
NSDC: http://www.nsdc.org.au/

Event: Fri 25 May 2012: Hyde Park South, Sydney, NSW
Indigenous Veterans Memorial:
Commemoration Service Honouring Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Servicemen and Servicewomen
Event details: http://www.nswreconciliation.org.au/events-1/indigenous-veterans-memorial

Event: Fri 4 - Sat 26 May 2012: Rozelle, Sydney, NSW
Art Creation in Remote Aboriginal Communities
Official Opening: Fri 4 May 2012
Tali Gallery
"This is a group show consisting of photographs from
Aboriginal art communities throughout Australia. It
showcases the Inspiration, Dedication, Humour, Happiness,
Esteem and Pride associated with art creation in the
Australian desert and bush where this is often the only
source of employment for Aboriginal people."
Art curators, Artists and Yolngu Media Graduates
from Remote Aboriginal Communities
Event details: http://headon.com.au/event/tali-gallery-work-art
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28566/
Article: [scroll down page] http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/picture-a-world-of-ob...

Event: 4 May - 8 July 2012: Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW
Manuwangku, Under the Nuclear Cloud
Photographs by Jagath Dheerasekara
Curated by Sandy Edwards
Head On Photo Festival
""The photographs are excellent. They are a moving
portrayal of Aboriginal Australia that all Australians
aught to know about on an issue that wont go away."
- John Pilger, Writer and Filmmaker, January 2012"
Event details: http://jagathdeerasekera.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/manuwangku-under-nuclea...
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28595/
Event details: [scroll down page] http://sydneyartgalleriesandartcommunity.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/openin...
Article: [scroll down page] http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/picture-a-world-of-ob...

Event: Sat 26 May 2012: Bankstown, Sydney, NSW
Seminar for unionists and community members:
Stop Government Income Management
in Bankstown & everywhere
" ... aimed at workers who will be caught up
implementing Income Management in
Bankstown, as well as other unionists."
Event details: http://www.stoptheintervention.org/#May2012
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50999
Union campaign letter of 16 Apr 12: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/C...
Background: http://www.solidarity.net.au/44/bankstown-basicscard-campaign-reaches-ou...
Background: http://www.sayno2gim.info/
Background: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/income-management

Event: 11 February 2012 to 26 May 2012: South Bank, Brisbane, Qld
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...

Event: Sun 27 May - Sun 3 June 2012: various locations
National Reconciliation Week 2012
- Let’s talk recognition
"Each year National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrates
the rich culture and history of the First Australians.
It is the ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation
conversation and to think about how we can help turn
around the disadvantage experienced by many
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
Event details: http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/get-involved/national-reconciliati...
Event details: http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/get-involved/events/events-calendar
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html#may

Event: Sun 27 May 2012: Narrabeen, NSW
ASG Sorry Day 2012
Remembrance Walk
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater
Event details: http://www.asgmwp.net/SorryDay2012.pdf
Event details: http://www.asgmwp.net/Calendar.htm
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm

Event: 29 May 2012: Sydney Uni, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
National Reconciliation Week
Followed by a guest speaker on ‘Reconciliation’
Open to all students at Sydney Uni & wider public
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/#OurGen
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/29-may-2012-sydney-nsw
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info-Our-...
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 9.30pm, 30 May 2012: Various locations
'Our Generation' to broadcast on NITV
"National Indigenous Television (NITV)
is available on the following channels,
depending on your location and setup: ... "
Event details: http://ourgeneration.org.au/news/our-generation-broadcast-nitv
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 30 May 2012: Fitzroy, Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
"There will also be a short video of
voices from Maningrida and time
afterwards for discussion."
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/30-may-2012-fitzroy-vic
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Thu 31 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
I'm Not Racist, But
"To further stimulate conversations about racism in
Australia, the NSW Reconciliation Council has
pulled together a panel of diverse Australians
who all have something to say.
You can have your say too, ... "
Hosted by ABC's Steve Cannane
Join:
* Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr. Helen Szoke,
* Fear of a Brown Planet's Nazeem Hussain,
* UN Youth Ambassador, Benson Saulo and
* comedian Jennifer Wong
Event details: http://www.nswreconciliation.org.au/events-1/im-not-racist-but-1
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html#may

Event: Fri 1 June 2012: Marrickville, Sydney, NSW
Lizard Rising Sydney Fundraiser
"Another wild night in preparation for the
Lizards Revenge global emergency
$10 entry toward the Rollen Blockade of
BHP Billitons Olympic Dam expansion"
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/lizard-rising-sydney-fundraiser
[See Event: 14 to 20 July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA below:
Lizards Revenge Music/Art Festival protest]

Event: Fri 1 to Sun 3 June 2012: Upwey, Melbourne, Vic
"Memories - contact with white people"
Exhibition, talks, films and workshops at Burrinja
Burrinja community cultural centre
Coinciding with National Reconciliation Week
* Exhibition of artworks from the Burrinja Collection:
4 May - 24 June 2012
* Indigenous Film Night:
Fri 1 June 2012
* In Words: Eileen Harrison and Carolyn Landon:
Sat 2nd June 2012
* In Conversation: Bruce Pascoe and Bill Gammage:
Sun 3rd June 2012
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/memories-contact-with-white-people-exhibition-ta...
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.burrinja.org.au/index.php/burrinja-whats-on/whatson

Event: 2 to 3 June 2012: Townsville, Qld
Townsville Reconciliation Festival
Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Mabo high Court Decision
Event details: http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/get-involved/events/events-calenda...

Event: 3 June 2012: Sydney, NSW
20th Anniversary of Mabo
Service for National Reconciliation Week
" ... to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of
the Mabo High Court Decision recognising
Native Title by Koiki Mabo in 1992"
Event details: http://www.nswreconciliation.org.au/events-1/20th-anniversary-of-mabo

Event: 10 June 2012: Myall Creek, west of Inverell, northern NSW
Myall Creek Memorial 2012
"The annual memorial commemoration ceremony is
for those who died in the Myall Creek massacre, ... "
Event details: http://www.nswreconciliation.org.au/events-1/myall-creek-memorial-2012

Event: 14 June 2012: Victoria Uni, Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
Welcome to Country & film Introduction by Matt Bell
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/14-june-2012-melbourne-vic
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 15 June 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Annual Human Rights Dinner
* Keynote speaker: Les Malezer,
Co-Chair, National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and
Chairperson, Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research
Action
* Invitation from:
Human Rights Law Centre and the
Public Interest Law Clearing House
"Les is from the Butchulla/Gubbi Gubbi peoples in southeast
Queensland. He is recognised internationally for his
leading role in the development of the UN Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples. ... "
Event details: http://www.hrlc.org.au/content/events/upcoming-events/annual-human-right...

Wed 27 June 2012: West Perth, WA
The Indigenous culture and heritage of WA’s
SouthWest forests - how do we protect it?
"Hear from Aboriginal spokespeople and Traditional
Owners about the cultural heritage values of forests,
including the plant and animal species that depend
on them."
"Hear from the Department of Environment and Conservation
about how they are planning to protect cultural values."
"Have your say about how cultural values should be
protected in our SouthWest forests."
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-indigenous-culture-and-heritage-of-wa%E2%80%...

Event: Tue 3 - Fri 20 July 2012: Bendigo & Roxby Downs
Road Trip for Change
- Step Out(back) and Learn from Country
"In July the South Australian Student Environment Network
will be running a series of epic road trips that will take you
on a journey of learning from Adelaide to Australia’s
biggest grass roots Environment Conference:
Students of Sustainability (SoS), then via the great
SA outback to Roxby Downs for the
Lizards Revenge Music/Art festival."
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/road-trip-for-change-step-outback-and-learn-from...
[See Event: 14 to 20 July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA below:
Lizards Revenge Music/Art Festival protest]

Event: Mon 9 July 2012: Mona Vale, NSW
A Panel Discussion:
Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians
Will We Get it Right?
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.asgmwp.net/SorryDay2012.pdf

Event: 14 to 18 July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA
The Lizard's Revenge:
Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
"Sleeping underneath the ground there is an old lizard,
Kalta the sleepy lizard. The lizard ain’t so sleepy anymore.
BHP is mining right into that Lizards body. The government
has just approved an expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium
mine, making it the biggest uranium mine in the world.
Kalta is angry and wants revenge.
Arabana elder Kevin Buzzacot is calling the people of the
world to help the lizard shut down the mine. He is calling
for people to come and heal the land in the name of peace
and justice for the next 10,000 generations to come."
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-lizards-revenge-olympic-dam-expansion-musica...
Background: http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/australia-approves-20-30bn-bhp-bi...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/224524544273924
Website: http://lizardsrevenge.net/
Perth Event: Fri 18 May 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/lizards-revenge-a-dinner-and-talk
Sydney Event: Fri 1 June 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/lizard-rising-sydney-fundraiser
Road Trip for Change Tue 3 - Fri 20 July 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/road-trip-for-change-step-outback-and-learn-from...

Event: 14 July 2012: Manly, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation film screening
As part of Guringai Festival
Q&A with co-director/producer Damien Curtis
More details to come
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/14-july-2012-manly-sydney-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Sat 11 August 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Winter Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stop-aboriginal-deaths-in-custody-2012-winter-ac...

Event: 20 August to 14 September 2012: Yeelirrie-Leonora, WA
Walkatjurra Walkabout – Walking for Country
A one month walk from Yeelirrie to Leonora
" ... is a celebration of Wangkatja country, a testament to
the strength of the community who have fought to stop
uranium mining at Yeelirrie for over forty years, and a
chance to come together to continue share our commitment to
a sustainable future without nuclear. It is a chance to
reconnect with the land, and to revive the tradition of
walking for country."
"This walk will be lead by the Walkatjurra Rangers,
in partnership with Footprints for Peace,
Western Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (WANFA),
the Anti Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia (ANAWA)
and the Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA)."
Event details: http://walkingforcountry.com/
Event details: http://www.nuclearfreefuture.com/
Event details: http://nffcampaign2011.footprintsforpeace.net/?p=69

Event: 10 November 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Spring Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm

Event: 5-7 December 2012: Gold Coast, Qld
2012 National Indigenous Health Conference
Many Pathways, One Outcome
" ... is designed to bring together both government
and non-government agencies who are working
in the field of Indigenous health with the belief
that working together can close the gap between
the state of Indigenous Health as compared to
the health of mainstream Australians."
Event details: http://www.indigenoushealth.net/

- 'Our Generation' Film Reviews

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
Our Generation - Showing in London - page 8
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaWinter2011.pdf
Winter 2011: "The Intervention is yet another example of the appalling treatment the Aboriginal People of Australia have been subjected to in such a short period of time compared to thousands of years of survival. Sinem Saban and Rev. Dr Gondarra supported by the Yolngu people and cinematographer, Damien Curtis, have created a sensitive and realistic view of the plight of those who wish to live a more traditional life in their homelands and of those who appear to be dispossessed." Christine Waterer

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
ASG Information Night: Our Generation - page 6
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaSummer2010.pdf
Summer 2010: "Local resident and journalist, Jeff McMullen introduced "Our Generation", the film by Sinem Saban and Damien Curtis which we were there to see. The film explored in depth the Federal Government Intervention into Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory. Jeff had told us that the film’s producers were not having any success in having the film shown on government or commercial media outlets and they were having to screen it in local community halls to show the community at large just what was involved in the Intervention. It is basically a war on Aboriginal culture. The dispossession of the Aboriginal people is simply continuing in a new guise." Carol Gerrard

See:

Our Generation: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/

Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater: http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm

- - -

About WGAR News:

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/30/about-wgar-news-working-group-for-abo...

Subscription to 'WGAR News' is free.

'WGAR News' monitors the media, including alternative media, focusing on:

* the Australian Federal government intervention into Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal communities;
* the Aboriginal sovereignty movement and tent embassies;
* other Aboriginal rights issues; and
* upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia.

'WGAR News' publishes information and opinions from a wide range of sources. These opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of WGAR.

The e-newsletters include media releases, opinion pieces, news items and events. Subscribers can expect to receive about 3 e-newsletters each week.

To subscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "subscribe WGAR News" in the message header.

To unsubscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "unsubscribe WGAR News" in the message header.

- - -

You can also subscribe to our second list 'Contact WGAR' which focuses on activities and events and provides a point of contact.

To subscribe, email contactwgar@gmail.com and include the words "subscribe WGAR Contact" in the message header.

- - -

WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/