WGAR News: International exposure: Rallies throughout Australia protesting closure of Aboriginal homelands / remote communities

Support for WA Remote Communities is Going Global

Newsletter date: 28 March 2015

Contents:

* Video: NITV News: Support for WA Remote Communities is Going Global
* Open Letter: Sovereign Union Letter to United Nations - SOS Forced closure of Aboriginal homeland communities in WA
* Photo: Sovereign Union facebook: "Here is Sovereign Union founder and convenor Ghillar Michael Anderson speaking on a Russian TV program on Thursday night by Skype."
* News Analysis: Charlotte Chabas, Le Monde: En Australie, la colère des Aborigènes face au « mépris » de leur culture: "The World: In Australia Aboriginal People's anger faces the 'contempt' of their culture"
* News Analysis: teleSUR: Australians Rally against Closure of Aboriginal Communities

* Media Release: Sisters of Saint Joseph: Josephites express profound concern at proposed Government plans to withdraw basic services to Aboriginal communities
* Media Statement: Bishops Commission for Relations with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders: What Choice? Aboriginal peoples have the right to decent services where they live

* Joint Urgent Appeal: Franciscans International & Edmund Rice International: Forced Displacement of Aborigines in West Australia
* Background: Franciscans International - a voice at the United Nations: Indigenous Peoples
* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: NZ MP's support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Royce Kurmelovs, Al Jazeera: Shutting down Australia's Aboriginal areas
* News Analysis: Alan Austin in France, Independent Australia: Abbott trashes Australia's reputation abroad - again
* Analysis / Opinion: Marie McInerney, BBC News: Australia's remote indigenous communities fear closure

* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* Background: Diet Simon, sourced from WGAR, Linksunten Indymedia: Aboriginal Australian communities send a powerful message to government
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News Public Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
WGAR News - Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

- Video

NITV News: Support for WA Remote Communities is Going Global
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2pjnUD7uqs
23 Mar 15: "What started as a simple tweet ten days ago has evolved into an online campaign opposing the removal of Aboriginal people from their homelands. Thousands of supporters are still using the campaigns official hash tag 'SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA' to help those remote communities under threat in WA. NITV News journalist Tara Callinan has more."

- Open Letter

Sovereign Union Letter to United Nations - SOS Forced closure of Aboriginal homeland communities in WA
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/sovereign-union-letter-united...
20 Mar 15: "H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of UN General Assembly, New York
Your Excellency,
Re: SOS - Forced closure of Aboriginal homeland communities in Western Australia
I write this letter as a matter of urgency. Despite a national day of protest across the whole of the Australian continent on 19 March 2015 against the forced closures of Aboriginal homeland communities in Western Australia and South Australia, the governments have arrogantly ignored our protests and continue unabated. The mainstream media in Australia are blacking out any attention as if the forced closures are not happening.
We draw your attention to our website www.sovereignunion.mobi and in particular our Facebook page which records the Global Day of Action against the forced closure of homeland communities in Western and South Australia:
[ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sovereign-Union/340478969357448?ref=hl ]
This is a cry for help as our communities do not have the resources to stave off the Australian assault on Aboriginal Peoples and their lands. We humbly make this plea to you as the Secretary-General of the United Nations to make a formal diplomatic approach to the Australian government to remind them of their international obligations in respect to the Human Rights covenants Australia has ratified. ...
We understand the international protocols associated with international diplomacy, however, the current extenuating circumstances that have now arisen in Australia, with respect to government assaults against Aboriginal Peoples and their communities, can no longer be overlooked by the international community as an internal domestic matter. ...
Sincerely, Ghillar Michael Anderson, Convenor and Joint Spokesperson of Sovereign Union of First Nations and Peoples in Australia and Head of State of the Euahlayi Peoples Republic"

- Photo

Sovereign Union facebook
https://www.facebook.com/340478969357448/photos/a.389414821130529.88692....
19 Mar 15: "The 'G' word is spreading around the globe - Many people want to support the First Nations and Peoples on this continent and others what to know more about the treacherous actions of Australian governments. Here is Sovereign Union founder and convenor Ghillar Michael Anderson speaking on a Russian TV program on Thursday night by Skype."

- News Analysis

Le Monde: En Australie, la colère des Aborigènes face au « mépris » de leur culture: "The World: In Australia Aboriginal People's anger faces the 'contempt' of their culture"
Le Monde: http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2015/03/19/en-australie-la-...
SU: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=839692826102724&id=340...
19 Mar 15: "FRENCH MEDIA - Some of the content of this article never or rarely makes the mainstream media in Australia.
Headline translates: "In Australia Aboriginal People's anger faces the 'contempt' of their culture" - the quotation marks on contempt implies annihilation/devastation of culture. (SU will have this properly translated and placed on the website) but in the meantime you may be interested in the GOOGLE TRANSLATION here ...
By Charlotte Chabas 19/03/2015
"First, they stole our children, now it is our homes. "The banner that opened the procession of the city of Perth, Thursday, March 19, 2015 in Australia, summed up decades of mistrust of the Aboriginal community vis-à-vis the authorities of the country at the" Close the Gap Day " ("The day to close the gap"), an annual event initiated by associations fighting for equal rights. Mobilizing all the more bitter it comes just days after a speech by the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, who said he was in favor of closing, in the west of the country, aboriginal villages because of their cost to the Australian society.? ... "

- News Analysis

teleSUR: Australians Rally against Closure of Aboriginal Communities
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Australians-Rally-against-Closure-...
19 Mar 15: "People have protested in state capitals and towns around Australia against plans to close 150 remote Aboriginal communities. Thousands rallied Western Australia Wednesday, following similar actions last week in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide, to protest against plans to close 150 of Western Australia’s 274 remote Indigenous communities. ... In Melbourne, protest organier Meriki Onus, a member of Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, told Green Left Weekly that Abbott’s comments saying living in remote communities was a "lifestyle choice" were "blatantly racist." ... "

- Media Release

Sisters of Saint Joseph: Josephites express profound concern at proposed Government plans to withdraw basic services to Aboriginal communities
http://www.sosj.org.au/_uploads/_cknw/files/Josephites%20Express%20Conce...
http://www.sosj.org.au/news-events/view_article.cfm?id=2340&loadref=7
17 Mar 15: "At their bi-annual meeting this week, Josephite leaders from around Australia expressed their dismay at the Commonwealth Government’s plan to cease funding Municipal and Essential Services (MUNS) to remote Aboriginal communities.
From July 2015, the Commonwealth will hand over these major areas of responsibility - power, water, sewerage and municipal services - to the States.
‘This is a decision that we fear will cause significant hardship to some of Australia’s most disadvantaged communities’, said Josephite leader, Sr Monica Cavanagh. ‘We believe that it will exacerbate further the health, educational, and social privation being suffered by Aboriginal Australians, and further undermine the progress being made to close the gap.’
Every Australian citizen has the right to the delivery of essential services, including the supply of power and water. This determination by the Commonwealth Government could mean that remote areas, already severely deficient in these services, will be forced to close down as amenities are cut. ... "

- Media Statement

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference: Bishops Commission for Relations with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders:
What Choice? Aboriginal peoples have the right to decent services where they live

Sisters of Saint Joseph: http://www.sosj.org.au/_uploads/_cknw/files/150311%20ACBC%20Aboriginal%2...
11 Mar 15: "Chairman of the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Bishop Christopher Saunders, has posed the question ‘what choice?’ to Prime Minister Tony Abbott after his comment that Aboriginal peoples are living in  remote communities as a ‘lifestyle choice’.
"Where is the lifestyle choice?" Bishop Saunders asked. "Communities are under serviced and patently there is insufficient listening to the voices of people in Aboriginal communities. We are forcing Aboriginal people out of their ancestral lands to live in regional towns. The reality is that when a community is closed down people and their families have nowhere to go, so they end up on the streets, separated from their land, heritage, family, culture and spirituality. ... "

- Joint Urgent Appeal

Franciscans International & Edmund Rice International: Forced Displacement of Aborigines in West Australia
http://franciscansinternational.org/fileadmin/images/Advocacy_statements...
12 Dec 14: "This request for an urgent appeal is submitted by Franciscans International and Edmund Rice International, relating to the current situation in Australia, especially the policy of the West Australian Government to strip public services and necessities for living from Aboriginal families and groups, and to forcibly displace them. ...
The implementation of the Government of West Australia’s plans to close between 100 and 150 Aboriginal communities in West Australia will violate the human rights of the indigenous peoples. The rights enshrined in article 8.2 of the UNDRIP [UN
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples], which stipulates that "States shall provide effective mechanisms for prevention of, and redress for (...) any action which has the aim or effect of dispossessing them of their lands, territories or resources." ...
as stipulated by the UNDRIP, the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) should be respected in any government policy affecting indigenous aboriginal communities in Australia. ... "

- Background

Franciscans International - a voice at the United Nations: Indigenous Peoples
http://franciscansinternational.org/Indigenous-Peoples.67.0.html
"An important focus for Franciscans International is defending the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), particularly the right to their ancestral lands. This issue is closely linked to issues on extreme poverty and the environment. ...
What are the issues?: Despite their diversity, IPs are facing the same problems. ... Indigenous communities are threatened by destruction of the subtle fabric of their culture. ... Many IPs experience forced assimilation by being forced to give up their mother tongue, religion and cultural ways. ... "

- News Analysis & Video

Maori Television: NZ MP's support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities
https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/nz-mps-support-aboriginal-...
12 Mar 15: " ... Here in New Zealand, Tamaki Makaurau MP says he's not surprised with the Australian government's motives. Peeni Henare says, "If aboriginal communities are ripped from their communities, and look at us Maori, we're the example of people being ripped from their communities, they'll be lost. That's what'll happen to those in Australia if the Prime Minister there goes through with it." Here in New Zealand, the Maori Party says Maori politicians need to stand together on this issue and support the Aboriginal communities affected. ... " Heeni Brown, a graduate of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rangi Aniwaniwa and spent her first tertiary years at Auckland and Waikato universities studying Bachelors in Science and Maori. She also loves covering treaty settlements as she is fascinated by the details and stories in historical accounts.

- Analysis / Opinion

Al Jazeera: Shutting down Australia's Aboriginal areas
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/12/shutting-down-australi...
7 Dec 14: "New funding laws threaten the existence of remote indigenous communities already facing profound social issues. ... Perth, Australia - The West Australian state government may bulldoze 150 remote indigenous communities that it says are too expensive to keep open under a new funding arrangement between federal and state authorities. Canberra has offered each state a one-time, lump-sum payment to take over the responsibility of financing remote Aboriginal communities indefinitely. ... " Royce Kurmelovs

- News Analysis

Independent Australia: Abbott trashes Australia’s reputation abroad - again
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/abbott-trashe...
14 Mar 15: "There is no place on the globe to escape the opprobrium and embarrassment generated by Australia's uniquely hamfisted prime minister, writes IA's French correspondent Alan Austin. Mon dieu! SHAMELESS, insensitive, outrageous, incredibly racist, intransigent, shameful, disrespectful, lacking humanity and completely disconnected from reality. These are just some of the loathsome labels attached to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, as the world’s media again shakes its head in collective disbelief and mild abhorrence. ... " Alan Austin, Freelance journo in France

- Analysis / Opinion

BBC News: Australia's remote indigenous communities fear closure
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-31846031
12 Mar 15: "Derby Aboriginal elder Lorna Hudson was a child when government authorities in the 1960s moved her people from tiny Sunday Island off the remote north-west coast of Western Australia to the mainland. ... Comments earlier this week by Prime Minister Tony Abbott that people had made a "lifestyle choice" to live in these communities have intensified local fears people will be forced out of their homes, many of which are on ancestral land. ... Indigenous leaders say there has been no formal evaluation by the government of the costs and no consultation with the people who live there about what they need or expect. ... " By Marie McInerney, Melbourne, Victoria

- Facebook

Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia

- Background

Linksunten Indymedia: Aboriginal Australian communities send a powerful message to government
https://linksunten.indymedia.org/en/node/138649
24 Mar 15: "Red Flag - Thousands of people in more than 30 locations rallied on 19 March to protest against the forced closures of remote communities by the Western Australian government. More than 2,000 people gathered in Perth, including some who travelled from affected communities. They heard from Aboriginal activist Marianne Headland Mackay, event organiser Karla Hart, Tammy Solonec of Amnesty International and others. The crowd marched to Parliament House, chanting, "Abbott, Barnett, you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide!"" Created by: Diet Simon, sourced from Working Group for Aboriginal Rights

- Background

WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/08/background-plans-to-close-aboriginal...
(last updated: 24 March 2015)

- - -

WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

About WGAR News:

https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news

Subscription to 'WGAR News' is free.

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

* The Freedom Summit's National Freedom Movement;
* the Australian Federal government intervention into Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal communities;
* Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA);
* the Aboriginal sovereignty movement and the Aboriginal tent embassies;
* Justice Reinvestment, Aboriginal imprisonment and Aboriginal Deaths in Custody;
* Aboriginal land rights and mining;
* Suicide and self-harm in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities;
* Removal of Aboriginal children and the continuing Stolen Generation;
* Aboriginal peoples and the impact of the Australian Federal Budget;
* Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing;
* other Aboriginal rights issues; and
* upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia.

'WGAR News' gives priority to grassroots Aboriginal voices and grassroots voices in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples' rights.

The role of 'WGAR News' is to facilitate the voices of others, and as such, 'WGAR News' rarely writes its own articles.

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

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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

Comments

WGAR News: Breaking News: Homeless camp raided - City of Perth in disgrace, once again: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/26/wgar-news-breaking-news-homeless-cam...

Contents:

* Breaking News & News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Homeless camp raided - City of Perth in disgrace, once again
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Help the First Nations Homelessness Project - help Matargarup refugee camp - help the homeless
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Refugee camp thanks its founders with corroborree
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: In the heart of Perth, Aboriginal Tent Embassy and a refugee camp
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Jennifer Kaeshagen sets up The First Nations Homelessness Project

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement

WGAR News: Desire Mallet's Photographs of Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp: Flickr

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/29/wgar-news-desire-mallets-photographs...

Contents:

* Video: Lynda Nutter - My Movie, facebook: "Martagarup Dangerous Ladies Standing Strong, after the raid on 26th March 2015. They knew it would rain tonight and took all the tents, but People Power kept them dry! - at Martagarup."
* Photos: Flickr: Desire Mallet's Photostream of Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Police again step in to raid Matargarup embassy [Featuring Matargarup elder Bella Bropho]
* News: Kaitlyn Offer, Perth Now: Nyoongar campers return to Heirisson Island after being cleared off a second time
* Background: WGAR News: Breaking News: Homeless camp raided - City of Perth in disgrace, once again: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer
* Background: The Stringer facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews

* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Remote communities - Homelands - 'leaked' reports corrupt the real story
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Here is part of the list of the threatened Homelands - remote communities

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement

WGAR News: 'Systemic Racism' Of WA Remote Community Closures Savaged At United Nations: Amy McQuire, New Matilda

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/23/wgar-news-systemic-racism-of-wa-remo...

Contents:

* News Analysis: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: 'Systemic Racism' Of WA Remote Community Closures Savaged At United Nations
* News Analysis: Kimberley Land Council: KLC condemns community closures at United Nations
* News Analysis: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: UN forum backs fight against closure of remote Aboriginal communities in WA

* Audio Interview: RN Drive, ABC: Australian lawyer to chair top UN indigenous body [Featuring Megan Davis]
* Background: UN News Centre: As Forum opens, deputy UN chief says 2015 a 'critical year' for world's indigenous peoples
* Background: United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: Fourteenth Session of the Permanent Forum

* Analysis / Opinion: John Pilger.com, The secret country again wages war on its own people

* News: Online News Team, Maori Television: Events planned worldwide to support Aboriginal communities on May 1st
* News: Maiki Sherman, Maori Television: Labour outlines concerns on Aborigine communities in letter to Australian Labor Party
* Latest News & Videos: Indigenous - Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/indigenous

* News & Video: Phil Hickey, Perth Now: Heirisson Island camp Indigenous leaders protest at State Parliament
* News: Brendan Foster, WA Today: Parliament House protest: ugly scenes as police make arrests
* Facebook: The Stringer: "Official statement from Elder Bella Bropho, of the Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp"

* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Protests against closure of Aboriginal communities gain momentum: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/29/wgar-news-protests-against-closure-o...

Contents:

* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Protests against closure of Aboriginal communities gain momentum [Maori Solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth]
* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: Maori concern grows for remote Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis & Video: Taroi Black, Maori Television: Maori students join online protest against the closure of Aboriginal communities
* Action: Eru Rerekura, Radio New Zealand News: Call for support for Australian indigenous rights

* Video: Digital Dreaming Project, facebook: Coroboree Causes Conjestion: Brisbane Unites for the WA Mob.
* Video: Lia Yorkston, facebook‎: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: "Brisbane knows how to protest"

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."

* Background: The Stringer facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: May Day marches:

Forcibly removing our Peoples from their lands unacceptable as a remedy for governments trading insolvent:

Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/30/wgar-news-may-day-marches-forcibly-r...

Contents:

* Media Release: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: May Day marches: Forcibly removing our Peoples from their lands unacceptable as a remedy for governments trading insolvent
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* Video: NITV News: Remote Closures - SA Communities Call Emergency Summit to Fight 'Cultural Genocide'

* News: Online News Team, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Maori supporters entertain indigenous protesters
* Background: Diet Simon, sourcing from WGAR, Linksunten Indymedia: Maori solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth

* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM

Featuring Haydyn Bromley, SA Aboriginal Lands Trust & Tammy Franks, SA Greens MLC

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/31/wgar-news-sa-indigenous-leaders-seek...

Contents:

* Audio: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns [Featuring Haydyn Bromley, SA Aboriginal Lands Trust & Tammy Franks, SA Greens MLC]
* News: ABC News: Indigenous elders meet at Port Augusta as federal funding cuts threaten to close remote communities [Featuring Elder Mima Smart]
* Video: NITV News - 30 March 2015: Threats to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in SA
* Video: NITV News: Remote Closures - SA Communities Call Emergency Summit to Fight 'Cultural Genocide'

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News Public Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
WGAR News - Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

WGAR News: Bella Bropho interviewed by Rewa Harriman - Aboriginal Community Closures: Native Affairs, Maori Television

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/05/wgar-news-bella-bropho-interviewed-b...

Contents:

* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia - Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/australia
* Video Interview: Native Affairs, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Native Affairs - Aboriginal Community Closures [Rewa Harriman interviews Bella Bropho]
* News Analysis & Video: Native Affairs, Online News Team, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Aboriginal people call on John Key to support their communities
* News Analysis & Video: Maiki Sherman, Maori Television: Support grows for Australian Aboriginal communities from Maori MPs
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Marama Fox denied leave for vote on Australian Aboriginal communities
* Video: Te Karere TVNZ, YouTube: Fox denied leave to vote on forced closure of Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Wangkatja elder concerned about mineral wealth of ancestral land
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Nyungah tribe embroiled in familiar battle with Australian Government

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Abuse in remote communities is the oldest excuse for catastrophic evictions: Tammy Solonec, The Guardian

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/07/wgar-news-abuse-in-remote-communitie...

Contents:

* Analysis / Opinion: Tammy Solonec, The Guardian: Abuse in remote communities is the oldest excuse for catastrophic evictions
* Analysis / Opinion: Tammy Solonec, Indigenous Rights Manager, Amnesty International Australia: Update: forced closure of homelands communities

* Audio Interviews: Cassandra Tim & Warren Barnsley, NIRS Weekly News-in-Review [Featuring Dennis Eggington & Margaret Culbong: remote community closures]

* Analysis / Opinion: Revive Magazine: Concern for WA's remote Indigenous communities

* Analysis / Opinion: Ruth DeSouza: The closure of remote Aboriginal communities: What is the role of nurses in Indigenous disadvantage?

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Breaking News 10 April 2015: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne: CAAMA

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/11/wgar-news-breaking-news-10-april-201...

* Photos, Videos & Media: 10 April 2015 Marches in Melbourne & Sydney: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook

* Audio Interview: Van Nguyen & Sacha Payne, SBS News: Protests over plans to close remote communities [Van Nguyen spoke to Sacha Payne from the Melbourne rally]
* Video: David Hurley, Herald Sun: Flinders Street protest causing traffic, commuter chaos
* Breaking News & Photos: CAAMA: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne
* Breaking News: ABC News: Thousands rally in Melbourne in support of remote Aboriginal communities
* Breaking News: Aisha Dow, The Age: Protests bring city roads to standstill
* Breaking News: Skye News: Aboriginal protest disrupts Melb CBD
* Breaking News: SBS News: Hundreds protest against WA closures in Melbourne, Sydney

* Video: NITV News: We Want the World to Know: Rallies Continue Against Forced Closures of Aboriginal Communities
* Breaking News: Brittany Ruppert, SMH: 800 people march in Sydney protest against forced closure of remote Indigenous communities

* News Analysis: Green Left: Good news: Victorian council opposes closures of Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Thom Mitchell, New Matilda: Marches Today In Sydney, Melbourne Against Forced Closures Of Aboriginal Communities
* Photos: Citizenside France: Noosa: Protesters condemn community closures outside Abbott's lunch

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/10/wgar-news-kimberley-land-council-to-...

Contents:

* Video: Rachael Thornton, The Feed, SBS: Indigenous communities facing closure [Featuring Aboriginal people from WA homelands]
* Personal Story: Samantha Martin, Sunday Style, news.com.au: It’s more than just a 'lifestyle choice', it’s my home
* Analysis / Opinion: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures
* Analysis / Opinion: Michelle Lovegrove & Andrea Booth, NITV: Indigenous MP Linda Burney condems WA remote community closures

* Analysis / Opinion: Bridie Jabour, The Guardian: SA Indigenous figures fear funding dispute could lead to 'cultural genocide'
* Analysis / Opinion: Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese: Funding Cuts to Remote WA and SA Communities Will Destroy Aboriginal Life
* News Analysis: Natalie Whiting, ABC News: Remote SA Aboriginal communities reassured they will stay open in face of national funding cuts
* Audio: Natalie Whiting, The World Today: SA Aboriginal groups assured communities won't close

* WGAR News: Breaking News - 10 April 2015: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne: CAAMA

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: KALACC Directors: Threatened Closure of Remote Aboriginal Communities: Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/12/wgar-news-kalacc-directors-threatene...

Contents:

* Statement: Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre: KALACC Directors Statement on the Threatened Closure of Remote Aboriginal Communities - April 2015
* Background: KALACC is the Kimberley Region's Peak Indigenous Law and Culture Centre

* Background: WGAR News: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian
* Background: Kimberley Land Council - About Us

* Analysis / Opinion: Michele Madigan, Eureka Street: Funding cut signals the destruction of Aboriginal life in Australia

* Audio: Dom Vukovic, 2SER - Real Radio: "removal of aboriginal communities from their lands in Western Australia"
[Featuring Paddy Gibson, Brenda Croft & Rosalie Kunoth-Monks]

* News: Thom Mitchell, New Matilda: 'We'll Be Back': Thousands Protest Forced Closure Of Remote Communities
* News: NZ Herald: Melbourne rocked by protests
* News: Reme Sakr, Press TV: Australians slam govt. over plans against aboriginals
* Video: Seven Local News - Sunshine Coast, facebook: "A group of protesters tried to interrupt the Prime Minister while he lunched in Noosa"

* Event Poster: TangataWhenua.com: Maori solidarity with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Australia
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* Background: Press TV: Australia discontinues water, electricity services for Aboriginals
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Interview with Haydyn Bromley on funding for the 60 SA Aboriginal Communities: Uncle Stephen Goldsmith, Nunga Wangga - Radio Adelaide

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/14/wgar-news-interview-with-haydyn-brom...

Contents:

* Audio Interview: Uncle Stephen Goldsmith, Nunga Wangga - Radio Adelaide: Haydyn Bromley on funding for the 60 SA Aboriginal Communities
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley, Stephen Goldsmith, Minungka McInerney]

* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio's Strong Voices: South Australia's Remote Communities Safe for Now!
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley, Aboriginal Lands Trust South Australia]

* Audio: Natalie Whiting, The World Today: SA Indigenous communities safe: state and federal governments strike a deal
[Featuring Nigel Scullion, Haydyn Bromley & Kyam Maher]

* Media Release: Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens: Federal funding for SA remote aboriginal communities secured, WA must receive funding rethink

* Analysis / Opinion: Michele Madigan, Eureka Street: Funding cut signals the destruction of Aboriginal life in Australia

* Breaking News: Natalie Whiting, Nicola Gage & staff, ABC News: Future of remote Aboriginal communities secured by deal between SA and federal governments
* Breaking News: Lauren Novak, The Advertiser: State and Federal Governments sign $15 million funding agreement for services for Aboriginal communities.
* Breaking News: Stephanie Anderson, SBS News: Deal secures future of SA remote Indigenous communities
* Breaking News: Bridie Jabour, The Guardian: SA remote Indigenous communities thrown lifeline by funding deal

* Background: WGAR News: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM [Featuring Haydyn Bromley & Tammy Franks]
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Aboriginal protest continues as Australian PM plans visit to New Zealand: Online News Team, Maori Television

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/14/wgar-news-aboriginal-protest-continu...

Contents:

* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia - Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/australia
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Aboriginal protest continues as Australian PM plans visit to New Zealand
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Maori perform haka in Sydney opposing closure of remote Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Taiha Molyneux, Maori Television: Maori and Australian artists collaborate to create artwork opposing remote community closure

* Call Out: Melissa Sweet, Croakey - the Crikey health blog: Calling health professionals to stand up on May 1, and join the "Selfish Rabble"
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."

* News Analysis: Steph Price, Red Flag: The fight for remote communities strengthens
* News Analysis: Rachel Evans & Jemma Nott, Green Left: Huge rallies against WA community closures
* Video: Yupster2501, YouTube: Stop The Forced Closure Of Aboriginal Communities - Sydney 10th April 2015
* Interview: The Guardian: #SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA: stop the forced closure of Aboriginal communities - IndigenousX [Featuring Sam Cook]
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Maori Party issues scathing letter to Tony Abbott regarding treatment of Aboriginal people: Claire Trevett, New Zealand Herald

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/21/wgar-news-maori-party-issues-scathin...

Contents:

* Analysis / Opinion: Belinda Grant Geary, Daily Mail Australia: 'The first thing that strikes me about Australia is how racist this place is': Writer claims our treatment of Aborigines is WORSE than apartheid South Africa
* Analysis / Opinion: Sisonke Msimang, Africa is a Country: Is There a Place Where White People Are More Committed to Faux Race Blindness than South Africa?

* News Analysis: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Maori Leader Brands Tony Abbott A 'Racist B*stard' Over Remote Closure Plans
* News Analysis: Eru Rerekura, Radio New Zealand News: Harawira has message for Australian PM

* Media Release: Maori Party letter to the Australian Prime Minister
* Video: Te Karere TVNZ, YouTube: Maori Party calls out Australian PM on treatment of Aboriginal people
* News Analysis: Claire Trevett, New Zealand Herald: Maori Party issues scathing letter to Tony Abbott regarding treatment of Aboriginal people
* News: Dan Conifer, ABC News: New Zealand Maori Party condemns potential closure of Aboriginal communities in open letter to Tony Abbott

* News Analysis & Video: Numia Ponika-Rangi, Maori Television: Opposition groups enraged ahead of Abbotts arrival to NZ
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Native Affairs - End Of The Dreamtime
* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia - Maori Television

* Statement: Green Left: New NT group says fund and support self-determination for Aboriginal communities
* Audio: Warren Barnsley, NIRS: Community closures threaten spiritual identity: KALACC

* Upcoming Event: 1 May 2015, Rally at Belmore Park, Sydney - National Day of Action: Speakers: Aunty Jenny Munro, John Pilger, Gwenda Stanley & reps from WA communities
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background: Aboriginal Peoples and the impact of the Federal Budget