WGAR News: 25th, 26th & 27th January 2015: National Freedom Summit - National Convergence on Canberra events

Newsletter date: 17 January 2015

Last updated: 29 January 2015

Contents:

* 25/26/27 January 2015 Freedom Summit Canberra events:

-- Sun 25th January - Last Day of Freedom
--- Workshops on the Urgent Issues: Aboriginal Tent Embassy

-- Mon 26th January - National Day of Mourning
--- Community Walk 26th Jan 10:30am: Assembly at Garema Place Civic to walk to Aboriginal Tent Embassy
--- Early Afternoon - The 2015 Isabell Coe Memorial Sovereignty Lecture
--- Workshops on the Urgent Issues: Aboriginal Tent Embassy

-- Tue 27th January - First Day of Resistance
--- National Convergence on Canberra Sit-In Protest: Assembly at Aboriginal Tent Embassy to walk to Capital Hill Parliament House
--- Workshops on the Urgent Issues: Aboriginal Tent Embassy

* National Freedom Movement - lead-in forums to the January 27 Sit-In, Canberra:

-- Thu 15th January 2015: Adelaide Community Forum
-- Sun 18th January 2015: Redfern Community Forum
-- Tue 20th January 2015: Brisbane Community Forum

* Background to Aboriginal Sovereignty Day, Invasion Day, Survival Day and Day of Mourning
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement
* WGAR Background to 'The Freedom Summit'

 

- 25/26/27 January 2015 Freedom Summit Canberra events:

 

-- Sun 25th January - Last Day of Freedom

--- Workshops on the Urgent Issues: Aboriginal Tent Embassy

http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement#!events/co3d

Side Events - 3 days of workshops complementing the Freedom Summit
Canberra 25-26-27 January 2015 @ Aboriginal Tent Embassy
A Convergence on Canberra to fight back & make positive change happen.

http://sovereignunion.mobi/content/gatherings-events
http://sovereignunion.mobi/images/2015/features/flyers/pdf/flyer-invasio...
"Sunday 25th January:
Community Forum - Raising issues
Ethnic Cleansing of Homeland Communities
Treaty(ies) v Constitutional Recognition
Monday 26th January - Afternoon:
Healing Trauma, Grief & Loss
Asserting Sovereignty
Tuesday 27th January:
Sovereignty - Unilateral Declarations of Independence (UDIs)
Self-determination & other options
Land Rights v Native Title
Media Communications - Dealing with media blackout"

-- Mon 26th January - National Day of Mourning

--- Community Walk 26th Jan 10:30am: Assembly at Garema Place Civic to walk to Aboriginal Tent Embassy

--- Early Afternoon - The 2015 Isabell Coe Memorial Sovereignty Lecture

--- Workshops on the Urgent Issues: Aboriginal Tent Embassy

http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement#!events/co3d

https://www.facebook.com/340478969357448/photos/ms.c.eJw1zLkRwDAMA7CNcpJ...

-- Tue 27th January - First Day of Resistance

--- National Convergence on Canberra Sit-In Protest: Assembly at Aboriginal Tent Embassy to walk to Capital Hill Parliament House

--- Workshops on the Urgent Issues: Aboriginal Tent Embassy

http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement#!events/co3d

https://www.facebook.com/340478969357448/photos/ms.c.eJw1zLkRwDAMA7CNcpJ...

National Freedom Movement What's it about?
http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement#!about_us/c14e3
"We came from the north, south east and west to form a new body of legitimately nominated representatives of our communities. Together, united we stand strong in the face of the adversity that has been thrust upon us from every consequence of colonisation. United we stand strong and will build the freedom movement at the grass roots levels of our communities. ... "

Freedom Summit - The Delegates
http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement#!delegates/csh4
"In a bid to build a new national, non-government body to accurately represent the voices, concerns and needs of the First Peoples of Australia, ... an initial 20 delegates were nominated at the Summit For Freedom in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). ... Next step is Canberra on January 27 2015 where the delegates, communities and supporters will sit-in at Parliament house until the voices of the Original People's are heard."

- National Freedom Movement - lead-in forums to the January 27 Sit-In, Canberra"

- Media Release

National Freedom Movement - lead-in forums to the January 27 Sit-In, Canberra
http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
14 Jan 15: " ... Convoys are leaving from around the country and heading to Canberra for the Freedom Movement’s Sit-In outside Federal Parliament. They will first gather at ​the ​Old Tent Embassy. In the context of the last 50 years it has never been worse for far too many of our People - our children ​are ​removed from their families at the most horrific rates yet known, our people imprisoned at the highest rates known, more of our people ​are ​homeless than ever before, more of our people​ are​ living in extreme poverty than ever before, land rights have become land grabs by non-Aboriginal ​corporate ​Australia, hundreds of our homeland communities have been threatened with closure and our people ​are relentlessly threatened with assimilation. Our people are dying of suicide at the highest rates ever known. Professor Sam Watson said that the Aboriginal rights struggle began to collapse in the "mid-1970s when we went from the streets to the suits… we have to go back to the streets."
Starting tomorrow there are 3 major lead-in forums - in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane - to inform our people of why as many of us as possible must journey to Canberra to support the Sit-In by our Elders. ... "

-- Thu 15th January 2015: Adelaide Community Forum

Event: Thu 15 January 2015: Adelaide, SA
Adelaide Community Forum
Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute
6:00pm-8:30pm
"Come, Listen and speak with the delegates for South
Australia. Listen to the outcomes at the Summit For Freedom
in Alice Springs and ask questions. Be ready to get revved
up for the Canberra Sit-In on the 27th January,
First Day of Resistance, to reclaim the First Peoples freedom
rights struggle."
Event details: http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement

Read about how the Adelaide forum went:

Mobilising for Canberra 2015-our chance at history, to reclaim the Aboriginal rights struggle and the justice
http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement#!events/co3d
16 Jan 15: "Last night, a powerful array of speakers delivered their say to a packed auditorium at Tandanya Centre in Adelaide. The Freedom Movement organiser, Tauto Sansbury spoke of the urgency to not for First People to not miss the opportunity to make history in Canberra.
Freedom Movement delegate Christine Abdulla delivered an eloquent speech on racism. Christine urged that people journey to Canberra for the Sit-In.
Freedom Movement delegate John Singer delivered beautifully articulated all the issues that blight the rights of First Peoples. John urged that people journey to Canberra for the Sit-In.
Freedom Movement delegate Roxley Foley spoke of the opportunity to truly heal the nation and to unite all the people of this continent. Roxley urged that people journey to Canberra for the Sit-In.
Guest speaker Gerry Georgatos, a relentless social justice campaigner, a suicide prevention researcher, and correspondent with Indigenous media, delivered a speech for the ages. Gerry urged that people journey to Canberra for the Sit-In. ... "

-- Sun 18th January 2015: Redfern Community Forum

Event: Sun 18 January 2015: Redfern, Sydney, NSW
Redfern Community Forum
The Block, Redfern Aboriginal tent Embassy
3:00pm-5:00pm
"Come and speak with the delegates for NSW and listen to
the outcomes of the Summit for Freedom in Alice Springs and
get revved up for the January 27 Canberra Sit-in to reclaim
the Aboriginal freedom rights struggle."
Event details: http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement

Read about how the Sydney forum went:

'The Opportunity for real change'
http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement#!events/co3d
19 Jan 15: "The opportunity for real change, for the reclaiming of our voices, for the reclaiming of the Aboriginal rights struggle is at hand. We have the choice of reclaiming or giving the game away. If we do not make the move now to reclaim it in Canberra there will be much damage done, irreparable damage. This is what was said yesterday at Redfern at the second of three lead-in forums to the Canberra Sit-In, on the 27th.
Following on from the Adelaide forum which galvanised another convoy to head to Canberra, similarly so the Redfern forum. A bus will be leaving from The Block for Canberra. ...
The Brisbane lead-in Summit is tomorrow (Tuesday), 3pm at Musgrave Park (Brisbane Tent Embassy). ...
Convoys are now leaving Western Australia for the journey across the continent to Canberra for the Sit-In. There are few excuses that we cannot drop everything, and many reasons why we should, to be in Canberra." National Freedom Movement​

Videos on how the Sydney forum went:

Respect and Listen: National Freedom Movement [Includes excerpt from the Communique from The Freedom Summit]
http://www.respectandlisten.org/freedom-movement.html

National Freedom Movement - Sydney Forum: Respect and Listen vimeo
http://vimeo.com/117165236
"Summit for Freedom - National Freedom Movement ... Support the Sit-In in Canberra, all peoples need to stand solid with the cause, support the Sit-In and be part of the Sit-In. We are converging on Canberra from all over the continent."

Aunty Jenny: http://vimeo.com/117175484

Jeff McMullen: http://vimeo.com/117247034

Gerry Georgatos: http://vimeo.com/117250765

-- Tue 20th January 2015: Brisbane Community Forum

Event: Tue 20 January 2015: Brisbane, Qld
Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy Community Forum
Musgrave Park, Brisbane Aboriginal Embassy
3:00pm-7:00pm
"National Freedom Movement & WAR (The Warriors of the
Aboriginal Resistance) will be hosting a forum for the
community to come, listen and speak with the delegates for
Queensland. Listen to the outcomes of the Summit For Freedom
in Alice Springs and ask questions. Be ready to get revved
up for the Canberra Sit-In on the 27th January,
First Day of Resistance, to reclaim the First Peoples freedom
rights struggle. Late dinner will be provided."
Event details: http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement

- Background to Aboriginal Sovereignty Day, Invasion Day, Survival Day and Day of Mourning

Event: Mon 26 January 2015: various locations in Australia
Sovereignty Day / Invasion Day / Survival Day / Day of Mourning
"The meaning of Australia Day for Aboriginal people:
To many Aboriginal Australians there is little to celebrate
and it is a commemoration of a deep loss.
Loss of their sovereign rights to their land,
loss of family, loss of the right to practice their culture. ...
Aboriginal people call it 'Invasion Day',
'Day of Mourning', 'Survival Day' or,
since 2006, 'Aboriginal Sovereignty Day'.
The latter name reflects that all Aboriginal
nations are sovereign and should be united
in the continuous fight for their rights."
Jens Korff, Creative Spirits
"Australia Day - No time to celebrate:
Australia Day is traditionally the most racist
day of the year for Aboriginal people.
When people celebrate on January 26,
there is no escaping the fact they are celebrating
the day that one race of people invaded another
race of people’s country and took control of
Aboriginal lands and tried to dominate Aboriginal
people. Invasion Day, as it should be called,
celebrates the dispossession of land, culture,
and way of life of Aborigines." Jay McDonald,
an activist with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre

Event details: http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/history/australia-day-...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/46475

 

- Background

WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/26/wgar-background-to-the-national-free...
(last updated: 10 January 2015)

- Background

WGAR Background to 'The Freedom Summit'
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/11/29/background-to-the-freedom-summit-ali...
(last updated: 26 December 2014)

- - -

WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

Comments

WGAR News: Call out for people to attend the 'National Convergence on Canberra Sit-In Protest' on the 27th of January 2015

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/01/21/wgar-news-call-out-for-people-to-att...

Contents:

Urgent plea to the Nation to come to Canberra for the Sit-In: http://vimeo.com/117165236
Homepage of the National Freedom Movement: http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
Events for 25th, 26th and 27th of January 2015 National Convergence on Canberra

National Freedom Movement What's it about?
Freedom Summit - The Delegates
NITV News: WA Protestors get on board for Survival Day's "Sit In for Freedom" in Canberra

National Freedom Movement - Reportbacks on the lead-in forums to the January 27 Sit-In, Canberra:

Read about how the Adelaide forum went:
- Mobilising for Canberra 2015-our chance at history, to reclaim the Aboriginal rights struggle and the justice

Read about how the Sydney forum went:
- 'The Opportunity for real change'
- People urged to attend Canberra First Peoples sit-in

Videos about how the Sydney forum went:
- Respect and Listen: National Freedom Movement: http://www.respectandlisten.org/freedom-movement.html
- National Freedom Movement - Sydney Forum: Respect and Listen vimeo
-- Aunty Jenny
-- Jeff McMullen
-- Gerry Georgatos
-- Felon and Uncle Ben to come

WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement
WGAR Background to 'The Freedom Summit'

WGAR News: Delegates speak about the National Freedom Movement's Parliament House Sit-In in Canberra

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/01/23/wgar-news-delegates-speak-about-the-...

[Ed. note: Some sources have said the Sit-In is on Monday the 26th of January 2015 and some say Tuesday the 27th of January 2015. It could be either day.]

Contents:

* Audio Interview: National Indigenous Radio's 'Weekly News-in-Review'
"The Freedom Movement's Tauto Sansbury and Gracelyn Smallwood discuss a national protest in Canberra on January 26"
* Audio: Warren Barnsley, NIRS: Northern Territorian of the Year to attend Freedom Movement protest [Featuring Rosalie Kunoth-Monks]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Jenny Munro urges mob to attend Parliament House protest
* Audio Interview: CAAMA: Roxley Foley….Momentum Grows for Canberra
* Audio Interview: Radio Adelaide: Christine Abdulla (Ngarrindjeri) S.A. Delegate for the Original Peoples Freedom Movement
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos with Warren Barnsley, NIRS: Noongar delegation heads to Canberra freedom protest
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement
* WGAR Background to 'The Freedom Summit'

WGAR News: Breaking News: Insiders confirm Sit-In last straw for Prime Minister - leadership change: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer

Freedom Movement Sit-In for Aboriginal rights at Parliament House, Canberra, on 9 February 2015

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/02/wgar-news-breaking-news-insiders-con...

Contents:

* Breaking News: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Insiders confirm Sit-In last straw for Prime Minister - leadership change
* News: Green Left: In Brief: Parliament sit-in for Aboriginal rights
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: In Australia, there is the Aboriginal rights struggle
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Date with destiny - February 9 - First Peoples will Sit-In
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Freedom Movement to confront Federal politicians [Featuring Christine Abdulla]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Freedom Movement to confront politicians in Canberra [Featuring Vanessa Culbong]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Freedom Movement to return on resumption of parliament [Featuring Michael Anderson]
* News: National Indigenous Times: Freedom Movement to confront politicians on February 9
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 10 Minute Video Footage of Tue 27th of January 2015 National Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House Canberra
* Homepage of the 'National Freedom Movement': http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement

WGAR News: Footage of Tue 27th of January 2015 'National Freedom Movement' Sit-In at Parliament House Canberra: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/02/wgar-news-footage-of-tue-27th-of-jan...

Contents:

* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 10 Minute Video Footage of Tue 27th of January 2015 National Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House Canberra
* Video: NITV News: Freedom Movement’s Canberra Sit-In on 'First Day of Resistance'
* Video: NITV News: Heavy Handed Policing During Invasion Day Marches: Video
* Video: NITV News: Always was, Always will be Aboriginal Land: Rallies Across Australia on Survival Day 2015
* Video: More Invasion Day Videos from Eleanor Gilbert & Respect and Listen
* Audio: Invasion Day Radio
* Homepage of the 'National Freedom Movement': http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement

WGAR News: Flyer: First Nations Freedom Movement - Parliament House Sit-In - From 9th of February 2015 - Every day 10am till 4pm - Until Our Voice Is Heard

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/04/wgar-news-flyer-first-nations-freedo...

Contents:

* Appeal: National Freedom Movement: Save the National Indigenous Times
* Analysis / Opinion: Dr Woolombi Waters, Indymedia Australia: Litigation now the new censorship in reporting the news in the 21st century - National Indigenous Times
* WGAR News: Gerry Georgatos on the future of the National Indigenous Times: NITV News

* Flyer: First Nations Freedom Movement - Parliament House Sit-In - From 9th of February 2015 - Every day 10am till 4pm - Until Our Voice Is Heard
* Flyer: National Freedom Movement - Sit in protest 9th of February outside Parliament house Canberra 10am til 4pm every day
* Event: Indymedia Australia: Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House, Canberra, on 9 February 2015
* News: National Indigenous Times: First Peoples to confront politicians on February 9 in Canberra
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos and Warren Barnsley, NIRS: Protesters set to descend on Canberra [Featuring Freedom Movement supporter Josh Collard]

* Homepage of the 'National Freedom Movement': http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement

WGAR News: Aboriginal Sovereign Manifesto of Demands - National Aboriginal Freedom Movement

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/10/wgar-news-aboriginal-sovereign-manif...

Contents:

* Manifesto: Aboriginal Sovereign Manifesto of Demands - National Aboriginal Freedom Movement Aboriginal Embassy, Canberra, Australia
* Audio: Adam Evans, NIRS: Protesters come face-to-face with politicians during 'sit-in' [Featuring Tauto Sansbury and Gerry Georgatos]
* Audio Interview: Living Black Radio: 090215 ACT Freedom Sit In [Featuring Tauto Sansbury]
* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: They Came For The Abbott Spill, And Missed The Only Real Story In Town
* Audio: Ninah Kopel, The Wire: Protesting worlds worst child removal rate [Featuring Sue-Ellen Tighe, Michael Anderson and Tauto Sansbury]
* Video: NITV News - 9 February 2015: "GMAR groups from across the country rallied with Freedom Movement campaigners on the grounds of Parliament house to deliver a set of demands ... "
* News & Photos: CAAMA Radio at First Nations Freedom Movement Canberra 2015
* News & Photos: 9 News: Protesters attempt to derail TODAY Show's Canberra broadcast to bring attention to indigenous deaths in custody
* Photos from the Sit-In: Sovereign Union & Stop Stolen Generations Facebook
* Current Event: Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House, Canberra, from 9 February 2015
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement

WGAR News: Aboriginal Protestors Deliver List of Demands To Parliament: CAAMA Video

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/11/wgar-news-aboriginal-protestors-deli...

Contents:

* Video: CAAMA: Aboriginal Protestors Deliver List of Demands To Parliament
[Featuring Clive Palmer, Tauto Sansbury, Michael Anderson, GMAR, Jenni Munro, Les Coe & Roxley Foley]
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Freedom Movement delegates report back on the meeting with Nigel Scullion
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Freedom Movement Sit-In protesters present Manifesto to Bill Shorten
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Clive Palmer responds to National Freedom Movement presence
* News & Photos: CAAMA: Nigel Scullion Visits Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra
* News: CAAMA News: "Aboriginal Rights advocates say they could soon send a delegation to England to present the Queen with a list of issues ... " [Featuring Tauto Sansbury]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Freedom Movement meets with Indigenous affairs minister [Featuring Tauto Sansbury & Nigel Scullion]
* Audio Interview: Let's Talk's Tiga Bayles interviews Michael Anderson on the Sit-In
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio: Young Voices... [Featuring Timothy Wilkey & Bud Spearim]
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Vanessa Culbong, Perth, speaks out at the Sit-In
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Sisters speak out at the Sit-In: Deaths in Custody
* Audio Interview: The Stringer Audio/Radio News: Gerry Georgatos interviews Bill Shorten on Aboriginal issues
* Audio Interview: The Stringer Audio/Radio News: Gerry Georgatos interviews Clive Palmer on Aboriginal issues
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Leadership squabbling, not Aboriginal rights struggle, consumed by mainstream media
* News: National Indigenous Times: Scullion commits to consult with Freedom Movement and grandmothers
* Media Roundup: Diet Simon, Linksunten Indymedia: Aboriginal protesters come face-to-face with politicians during Canberra 'sit-in'
* Photos: Sovereign Union: Canberra Sit-in Gallery - 9 February 2015
* Event: Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House, Canberra, on 9 February 2015
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement