WGAR News: Wrapping up 2011; New Aboriginal Tent Embassy 40th anniversary website

Newsletter date: 28 December 2011

Contents:
* New Aboriginal Tent Embassy 40th anniversary website
* Interview with activist Darren Bloomfield from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
* Michael Anderson: Govt gives ultimatums to NAIDOC not to use 40th anniversary
* SBS Radio Living Black: WA Indigenous Affairs Minister clears the way for mining mate
* Dianne Stokes speaks at Hot Politics-Radioactive waste management in Australia
* Interview with Chris Graham wrapping up the year’s events
* SBS World News Australia: 2011 in review - The NT intervention
* ANTaR Action: School attendance and Centrelink payment suspension in the NT
* Greens Rachel Siewert: Negative SEAM evaluations must trigger NT Intervention re-think
* Michael Brull: 2012 or 1912? Stigmatising and humiliating Aboriginal parents
* Interview with Jon Altman on the future of the NTER in the Northern Territory
* Jon Altman: Reforming The Native Title Act
* ANTaR: Time to modernise our Constitution
* More on Kimberley gas project
* What's Working: Income Management Report
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 11 events from 28 December 2011

* NEW ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY 40TH ANNIVERSARY WEBSITE:

- The Website

Aboriginal Tent Embassy 40th:
http://aboriginaltentembassy40th.com/

- Upcoming event

Event: Thu 26 to Sun 29 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
"Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the 'Aboriginal Tent Embassy' site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate "SOVEREIGNTY DAY" and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site."
New Aboriginal Tent Embassy 40th website: http://aboriginaltentembassy40th.com/
Event details (incl. Agenda, Poster, Audio and Video):
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/invitation-aboriginal-tent-embassy-jan...
http://treatyrepublic.net/node/906
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-tent-embassy-40th-anniversary-canberra
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra
Event summary: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49413
Aboriginal Embassy Elder Tribute song: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2079567
Interview with Darren Bloomfield: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/darren-bloomfield/
"We will not leave till justice, at long last, is done":
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/aboriginal-tent-embassy-%E2%80%93...
Interview with Dr Janet Hunt: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/dr-janet-hunt-and-jacqui-phil...

- Related Event

Event: 24 to 25 January 2012: ANU, Canberra, ACT
Congress Peoples' Forum:
Sovereignty and Self Determination: The Political Contract
Celebrating 40th anniversary Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Hosted by National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
Event details: [scroll down page] http://nationalcongress.com.au/welcome/

* INTERVIEW WITH ACTIVIST DARREN BLOOMFIELD FROM THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY:

- Audio Interview

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Darren Bloomfield
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
23 Dec 11: "Karen Dorante talks to activist, Darren Bloomfield from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy about the 40th anniversary and his Stolen Generations story."
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/darren-bloomfield/
[Darren talks about the 40th anniversary about 30 minutes into the interview.]

* MICHAEL ANDERSON: GOVT GIVES ULTIMATUMS TO NAIDOC NOT TO USE 40TH ANNIVERSARY:

- Statement

"Aborigines, you are with us or against us - make your choice"
Treaty Republic: http://treatyrepublic.net/content/aborigines-you-are-us-or-against-us-ma...
Indymedia Australia: http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/22/%E2%80%9Caborigines-you-are-with-us-o...
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...
22 Dec 11: "A number of significant, very concerning incidents have occurred since arriving back in Australia from my trip to London. The Internet site austlii.edu.au that had the Pacific Islanders Protection Act of 1872-75 up has pulled it down after I had revealed that the actual wording of the 1875 Act was altered by person (s) unknown who in effect altered the intent and law that it established here in Australia.
Then to hear through the main stream media that the federal government had given ultimatums to the NAIDOC Committee not to use the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Embassy as its theme for 2012, clearly sends signals that they are under pressure and seek to avoid a confrontation on the question of Sovereignty." Michael Anderson

- Related News

National Indigenous Times: NAIDOC Muzzled
http://www.nit.com.au/news.html
19 Dec 11: "A senior bureaucrat has vetoed the National NAIDOC Committee's unanimous decision to make the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy the theme of next year's celebrations. It is believed to be the first time the NAIDOC Committee's recommended theme has been delayed. In past years the NAIDOC Committee has met soon after the NAIDOC Week celebrations to review the year and to agree upon the theme for the... "

See more about Michael Anderson:

WGAR News: Herald Sun: Aboriginal leader takes fight to Europe (7 Dec 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/07/wgar-news-djiniyini-gondarra-message-...

Michael Anderson: Aboriginal sovereignty confirmation expected soon (11 Dec 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/wgar-news-abc-video-kimberley-gas-hub...

WGAR News: Euahlayi tribal leader Michael Anderson addresses Occupy crowd in London (15 Dec 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/15/wgar-news-euahlayi-tribal-leader-mich...

WGAR News: Michael Anderson: Who deleted the phrase 'her heirs and successors'? (21 Dec 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/21/wgar-news-sovereignty-never-ceded-a-k...

New Way Sovereignty Summit,
Canberra 22-25 April 2011 (Easter Weekend)
http://indymedia.org.au/new-way-sovereignty-summit-canberra-22-25-april-...
[Michael Anderson was Summit Convenor. Click on above Summit link to read several of Michael's previous media releases.]

* SBS RADIO LIVING BLACK: WA INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS MINISTER CLEARS THE WAY FOR MINING MATE:

- Audio Interview

SBS Audio and Language: Aboriginal: WA Indigenous Affairs MInister Clears The Way For Mining Mate
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/197051/t...
22 Dec 11: "Yindjibarndi reel as Andrew Collier rules in favour of his friend, Andrew Forrest and his company FMG. ... West Australian Indigenous Affairs Minister Peter Collier has essentially told his friend Andrew Forrest that FMG doesn not have to comply with the state's heritage laws for mining in the Pilbara. Mr Collier has removed three key conditions that deal with protection of indigenous heritage. ... Michelle Lovegrove spoke with Phil Davies, anthropologist with the Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation, which records, maintains and preserves Yindjibarndi culture." By Michelle Lovegrove

- Related Audio Interviews

SBS Audio and Language: Aboriginal: What Price Country?
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/197039/t...
22 Dec 11: "What state will FMG leave the Pilbara in if its latest mine goes ahead? ... Fortescue Metals Group has offered the Yindjibarndi people compensation of four million in royalties along with several million dollars towards the development of housing, community businesses and training for the life of its mine. It hasn't said what state the community will be in, when it moves out in 40 to 50 years. ... Thomas Jacobs, director of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation firmly believes the deal is no deal, and disputes FMG claims that no sacred sites have already been destroyed." By Michelle Lovegrove

SBS Audio and Language: Aboriginal: Yindjibarndi Elder Stanley Warrie on Protecting Country
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/197033/t...
22 Dec 11: "Stanley Warrie warns his people of permanent destruction of their country. ... Elder and Chairman of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation Stanley Warrie is a quiet man who takes his role as custodian of the land very seriously.He recently travelled to Canberra with a delegation of his people, to ask Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to invoke his emergency powers over destruction of his land, by Fortescue Metals Group (FMG). The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation is the Prescribed Body Corporate representative of the Yindjibarndi people, since their native title determination in 2005."

SBS Audio and Language: Aboriginal: The Yindjibarndi Native Title battle continues
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/197029/t...
22 Dec 11: "Native Title brawl with cashed-up FMG continues. ... Barrister George Irving gives an overview of the Native Title issues still facing the Yindjibarndi people of the Pilbara, in Western Australia. George Irving has been legal counsel for the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation for some years now, attempting to steer them through the minefield of the legal process itself, a multinational mining company with millions of dollars to spend, and the inaction of the Western Australian Government." By Michelle Lovegrove

- Related News

9 News: WA minister clams up on FMG complaint
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8393941/wa-minister-clams-up-on-fmg-...
22 Dec 11: "Western Australia's indigenous affairs minister has refused to comment on an Aboriginal group's claim he eased mine consent conditions to help his mining magnate friend Andrew Forrest. In a letter sent to minister Peter Collier on Wednesday, the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) questioned his recent decision to alter mining consents for Mr Forrest's Fortescue Metals Group (FMG). FMG and YAC have failed to reach an indigenous land use agreement for mining leases at the company's Solomon Hub project in the Pilbara."

See:

WGAR News: Interview with Michael Woodley CEO of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (21 Dec 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/21/wgar-news-sovereignty-never-ceded-a-k...

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation
http://yindjibarndi.org.au/yindjibarndi/

* DIANNE STOKES SPEAKS AT HOT POLITICS-RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA:

- Video

YouTube: Dec 3, 2011- Dianne Stokes speaks at Hot Politics-Radioactive waste management in Australia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipqc0sHrL2M
26 Dec 11: "On December 3 a photo exhibition and forum was held titled Hot Politics: Radioactive Waste Management in Australia. The event, hosted by the Beyond Nuclear Initiative, was timed to coincide with the Australian Labor Party national conference and examined the current federal government plan to build a radioactive waste dump in the Northern Territory (NT), despite ongoing opposition from Aboriginal Traditional Owners and the NT government. Muckaty Traditional Owner Dianne Stokes travelled from Tennant Creek to speak at the event and gave a powerful snapshot of community opposition to the NT dump plan. ... "

See:

YouTube: Muckaty Voices-Australia's nuclear waste dump story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo

Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/

Nuclear Territory News: Waste Dump News
http://ntne.ws/articles/article.php?section=waste

Proposed Radioactive Waste Dump at Muckaty, NT
Briefing Paper - February 2011
Jim Green B.Med.Sci.(Hons.), PhD
National nuclear campaigner - Friends of the Earth, Australia
Friends of the Earth: http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/nontdump/Dump%20briefing%20...

* INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS GRAHAM WRAPPING UP THE YEAR'S EVENTS:

- Audio Interview and talkback radio

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Chris Graham
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
22 Dec 11: "Tiga Bayles talks to editor of the Tracker magazine, Chris Graham with a wrap up of the year’s events."
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/chris-graham-61/

* SBS WORLD NEWS AUSTRALIA: 2011 IN REVIEW - THE NT INTERVENTION:

- Audio

SBS World News Australia: 2011 in review: The NT intervention
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1614157/2011-in-review:-The-NT-interv...
22 Dec 11: "Indigenous welfare measures including the controversial Northern Territory intervention polarised public opinion and politicians during 2011. There was widespread debate about whether measures such as welfare quarantining were fair or effective. Despite a push for the intervention to be scrapped, the Gillard government moved in the opposite direction, extending it for ten years."

* ANTaR ACTION: SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND CENTRELINK PAYMENT SUSPENSION IN THE NT:

- Action

ANTaR - Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation:
School attendance and Centrelink payment suspension in the NT
http://takeaction.antar.org.au/letters/campaign/13/school-attendance-and...
"The Federal Government has introduced legislation to extend a scheme which suspends key Centrelink payments to parents whose children are not regularly attending school. It has failed to explain how families affected by the policy will meet basic living costs for food, rent, clothing and medicines. ANTaR is concerned that this policy is likely to put more pressure on families doing it tough and place them at risk of serious harm. ... Tell the Government that you do not support suspending key Centrelink payments to improve school attendance."
[Click on the above link to send a letter to Jenny Macklin online via the ANTaR website.]

* GREENS RACHEL SIEWERT: NEGATIVE SEAM EVALUATIONS MUST TRIGGER NT INTERVENTION RE-THINK:

- Media Release

Negative SEAM evaluations must trigger NT Intervention re-think
http://www.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/negative-seam-evaluati...
22 Dec 11: "The Australian Greens are calling on the Government to reassess the latest version of the NT Intervention, Stronger Futures, with evaluations conducted by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations showing key aspects of the policy are ineffective.
In reply to Questions on Notice put by Australian Greens spokesperson for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues, Senator Rachel Siewert, DEEWR revealed that two completed reports into SEAM trials (School Enrolment and Attendance through Welfare Reform Measures) had been completed but had not previously been made publicly available.
"SEAM trials link a parent or guardian’s Centrelink payments to their children’s school attendance and have been criticised by a range of organisations," Senator Siewert said today.
"The report shows that SEAM has not improved attendance, I must ask why is the Government continuing with this flawed approach?"" Rachel Siewert

- Related News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Report slams Federal Government truancy policy
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6762-report-slams-federal-govern...
22 Dec 11: "A Federal Government trial of a program that withholds welfare payments from parents who don’t send their children to school has shown it did not increase school attendance rates. The review looked at the program's implementation in six communities in the Northern Territory, showing no real improvement in either school attendance rates or enrolment figues. Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert has taken a look at the report, and says it highlights some major flaws."

SMH: Welfare stick fails for NT schools
http://m.smh.com.au/national/education/welfare-stick-fails-for-nt-school...
22 Dec 11: "A FEDERAL government program that stopped welfare payments to Aboriginal parents whose children missed too much school has failed to produce sustained improvement in school attendance. An official evaluation of the trial's first year shows it did not improve the attendance rate, and had little effect on lifting enrolments. ... The program ''did not demonstrably improve the rate of attendance … overall, nor was any effect apparent at any stage of the attendance process in 2009,'' the evaluation says." Adele Horin

* MICHAEL BRULL: 2012 OR 1912? STIGMATISING AND HUMILIATING ABORIGINAL PARENTS:

- Analysis / Opinion

ABC The Drum Opinion: 2012 or 1912? Stigmatising and humiliating Aboriginal parents
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3747968.html
27 Dec 11: "As I keep writing , there is no evidence that the intervention has improved socio-economic conditions in Indigenous communities. The Drum has so far featured a few replies to my articles - yet no response has yet refuted, let alone replied to this point. This apparent concession seems to me a significant one. However, the fact that we're spending billions of taxpayer dollars on a failing policy is not the only reason we should oppose the intervention. The intervention has meant the stigmatisation and humiliation of Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. And it's getting worse." Michael Brull, writer for Independent Australian Jewish Voices and involved in Stop The Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS)

* INTERVIEW WITH JON ALTMAN ON THE FUTURE OF THE NTER IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY:

- Audio Interview

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Jon Altman
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
20 Dec 11: "Tiga Bayles speaks to Professor Jon Altman from the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at the Australian National University on a range of issues from the future of the NTER in the Northern Territory to the demise of CDEP and CHIP."
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/jon-altman-6/

* JON ALTMAN: REFORMING THE NATIVE TITLE ACT:

- Research

Reforming The Native Title Act
Jon Altman
CAEPR: http://caepr.anu.edu.au/Publications/topical/2011TI10.php
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...
November 2011: "In this Topical Issue I seek to explore the ramifications of the Native Title Act Reform Bill, a private senator’s bill introduced by Senator Rachel Siewert of the Australian Greens. The Bill seeks to amend the Native Title Act 1993 (NTA) to effect reforms that target two key areas for native title claimants: the barriers that registered native title claimants experience in making the case for determination of native title rights and interests, and procedural issues relating to the complex future act regime. These issues need to be addressed in the interests of native title claimants, but also in the wider national interest. ... "

* ANTaR: TIME TO MODERNISE OUR CONSTITUTION:

- Media Release

ANTaR - Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation:
Time to modernise our Constitution
http://www.antar.org.au/time_to_modernise_our_constitution
20 Dec 11: "Responding to media comments about proposed changes to the race power, ANTaR today urged all political parties to await the Expert Panel’s final Report in January before ruling out particular reform options.
"The Expert Panel has worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to consult broadly with the community and to ensure that its recommendations have community support and are legally sound," said Jacqueline Phillips, National Director,
"The Panel received over 3000 submissions which showed high levels of community support for changes to the Constitution to not only recognise Australia’s First Peoples, but also to protect all Australian citizens from racial discrimination.""

- Related Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 23-12-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-23-12-2011
23 Dec 11: "An alliance against changes to the Constitution that go too far in promoting Aboriginal "advancement" has brought the Opposition leader Tony Abbott and former ALP national president Warren Mundine under growing scrutiny."

- Related News

National Indigenous Radio Service: 'Tracker' editor wants recognition of history
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6764-tracker-editor-wants-recogn...
23 Dec 11: "The editor of an Indigenous news publication says it’s important for the wider Australian public to fully understand the historical reasons for recognising Indigenous Australians in the Constitution. Chris Graham, a Walkley Award and Human Rights Award winning journalist, edits ‘Tracker’ magazine, which is published by the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council. Mr Graham says more awareness of the Constitution’s historical context in its current form is needed, which he describes as 'discriminatory'."

Koori Mail: Constitutional debate brew
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
21 Dec 11: "DEBATE is brewing over plans to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution. Lobby group ANTaR has urged all political parties to await the final report of an expert panel considering the issue before ruling out particular reform options. In the past week, the Federal Opposition and ALP member Warren Mundine have expressed doubts over suggestions that a new section promoting the advancement of Indigenous people should be added to the nation’s founding document if the so-called 'race power' was removed."

* MORE ON KIMBERLEY GAS PROJECT:

- Audio

ABC AM: Major setback for WA gas project
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3394411.htm
20 Dec 11: "Back here in Australia, one of the nation's biggest-ever resources projects has had a major setback. The giant Woodside firm says the delay to its $30 billion Kimberley gas project had nothing to do with protests that have dogged the development. But environmentalists are claiming a minor victory and they say the project should be shelved for good."

- News

Koori Mail: Gas hub delays 'proves' project flaws
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
21 Dec 11: "THE Wilderness Society says an announcement by developer Woodside that it will seek an extension to make a final investment decision on the James Price Point gas hub, north of Broome, shows how 'ill-conceived' and 'destructive' the project has been. A Kimberley campaigner with the conservation group Glen Klatovsky says the Federal Government should remove or alter conditions on gas leases for the project to allow proponents to process gas at existing facilities at Karratha, to the south."

National Indigenous Times: New vote on gas hub is possible after Court win
http://www.nit.com.au/news/420-new-vote-on-gas-hub-is-possible-after-cou...
19 Dec 11: "Prominent businessman and a leading environmentalist, Geoff Cousins has claimed the ruling by the West Australian Supreme Court that the acquisition process adopted by the State Government for the $30 billion gas hub project was illegal may also require the Kimberley Land Council to conduct another vote on the project. Mr Phillip Roe, a Goolarabooloo man who with Jabbir-Jabbir man, Neil McKenzie successfully... "

See:

WGAR News: ABC Video: Kimberley gas hub opponents claim legal victory (11 Dec 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/wgar-news-abc-video-kimberley-gas-hub...

WGAR News: Interview with elder Philip Roe after the Supreme Court ruling re Kimberley (21 Dec 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/21/wgar-news-sovereignty-never-ceded-a-k...

* WHAT'S WORKING: INCOME MANAGEMENT REPORT:

What's Working: Income Management Report
http://www.whatsworking.com.au/what-now/income-management-report/
"During May and June 2011, the Equality Rights Alliance documented women’s experiences of Income Management in the Northern Territory. We want the views of women living with Income Management to be heard in public discussion of Income Management policy. The report is available for download below. ... This report does not make any policy recommendations. ERA does not have a policy position on Income Management. It is intended to document women’s experience, and was written for a general audience rather than being an academic report. ... "

* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- News

Canterbury-Bankstown Express: Greens oppose Bankstown income management
http://express.whereilive.com.au/news/story/greens-oppose-bankstown-inco...
21 Dec 11: "A Federal Government plan to impose an "income management" trial on disadvantaged Bankstown residents continues to meet stern opposition. Federal Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon joined local representatives, including Canterbury Greens councillor Linda Eisler, at a public meeting in Bankstown on Thursday to speak out against the controversial policy. Modelled on the aboriginal intervention policy in the Northern Territory the plan would see Centrelink social workers refer selected local clients to the scheme."

See:

Welcome to the campaign website of
Say No to Government’s Income Management: Not in Bankstown, Not Anywhere!
http://www.sayno2gim.info/

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 22-12-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-22-12-2011
22 Dec 11: "Aboriginal people at Galawinku in the top end of the Northern Territory have rejected a claim by the Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister that they choose to live in tents while housing refurbishments were completed in their community."

- Interview

National Indigenous Times:
Barbara Shaw, outspoken anti-NT Intervention campaigner from Alice Springs,
chats about: The history and deceit of the NT Intervention
http://www.nit.com.au/chat/405-barbara-shaw-outspoken-anti-nt-interventi...
19 Dec 11: "SH: Who's your mob?
BS: I was born in Mparntwe-Alice Springs on 29 May 1976 and my father is a Kaytetye-Arrenrnte man and my mother is a Warlpiri-Warramungu woman. I also have an association with the Yangkantjarra people on my stepmother's side who grew me up from the age of 2. I call her mother. My father Walter Shaw was born at Barrow Creek – 270 north east of Alice Springs. My dad had... "

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...

Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/

New Matilda - northern territory intervention: http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights...

IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/

CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention

STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/

Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/

'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/

Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention

ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) - NT intervention: http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention

MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective): http://maicollective.blogspot.com/

The Conversation - After the Intervention: http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention

Jobs with Justice: http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/

Amnesty International Australia: Looking back at the Northern Territory Intervention: http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/24460/

Students For Indigenous Rights - UQ: The Northern Territory Intervention: http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-fact...

Defending Indigenous Rights: http://defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com/

Intervention walk-off's Blog: http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/

Australian Human Rights Commission: Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response' intervention: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html

FAIRA; Human Rights Law Resource Centre; NACLC: Australia's compliance with CERD - Fact Sheet 2: Northern Territory Intervention: http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/Fact-Sheet-2-NT-Intervention.pdf

Green Left: Northern Territory intervention: myths and facts: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/39732

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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 22-12-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-22-12-2011
22 Dec 11: "A freelance journalist who specializes in reporting human rights issues says that the mainstream media in Australia failed to adequately report that the rates of incarceration of Aboriginal people had increased for the 11th year in a row despite an overall drop in the Australian prison population for the first time in a decade."

- News

National Indigenous Times: Congress tells Prime Minister it’s time we had a voice
http://www.nit.com.au/news/416-congress-tells-prime-minister-its-time-we...
19 Dec 11: "Aboriginal leaders have told Prime Minister Julia Gillard it is time to play catch-up after six years without an Indigenous representative body. The Co-Chairs of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples met Ms Gillard for the first time last week in Canberra. Co-Chair Les Malezer said the meeting with the Prime Minister was about laying the groundwork for an ongoing relationship... "

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 11 EVENTS FROM 28 DECEMBER 2011:

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

Event: 4 November 2011 to February 2012: Townsville, 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: Tue 17 to 28 January 2012: Chippendale, NSW
Photographic exhibition:
Manuwangku Under the Nuclear Cloud
"Manuwangku: Under a Nuclear Cloud, gives the affected
Aboriginal communities a collective voice against the
proposed radioactive waste dump. The exhibition aims
to dispel the myth that remote areas are uninhabited
and thus suitable to be dumping grounds.
Jagath Dheerasekara is a talented and respected
photographer as well as an Amnesty International
Human Rights Defender."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/27463/

Event: Fri 20 January 2012: RMIT entrance, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous freedom-fighters commemoration:
Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner
"To commemorate the execution of the indigenous
freedom fighters Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner"
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49054

Event: 24 to 25 January 2012: ANU, Canberra, ACT
Congress Peoples' Forum:
Sovereignty and Self Determination: The Political Contract
Celebrating 40th anniversary Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Hosted by National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
Event details: [scroll down page] http://nationalcongress.com.au/welcome/

Event: Thu 26 to Sun 29 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
"Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the 'Aboriginal Tent Embassy' site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate "SOVEREIGNTY DAY" and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site."
New Aboriginal Tent Embassy 40th website: http://aboriginaltentembassy40th.com/
Event details (incl. Agenda, Poster, Audio and Video):
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/invitation-aboriginal-tent-embassy-jan...
http://treatyrepublic.net/node/906
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-tent-embassy-40th-anniversary-canberra
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra
Event summary: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49413
Aboriginal Embassy Elder Tribute song: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2079567
Interview with Darren Bloomfield: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/darren-bloomfield/
"We will not leave till justice, at long last, is done":
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/aboriginal-tent-embassy-%E2%80%93...
Interview with Dr Janet Hunt: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/dr-janet-hunt-and-jacqui-phil...

Event: 26 January 2012: Belgrave, Melbourne, Vic
2012 Belgrave Survival Day
"The Hills community is gearing up to celebrate
indigenous culture on ‘Australia Day’ at the fifth
annual Belgrave Survival Day event. This event
gives primacy to the indigenous perspective of
this great southern land despite 224 years of
European occupation/colonisation.
It honours and celebrates the survival of the
oldest living culture on the globe through live
music, storytelling, traditional dance and craft."
Event details: http://belgravesurvivalday.org/?page_id=2
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/2012-belgrave-survival-day
Poster: http://indymedia.org.au/files/posterjpg.jpg

Event: Tue 31 January 2012: Petersham, Sydney, NSW
Inner West Film Forum:
January 2012 - Post Invasion Day Special
* Is There Anything to Celebrate in 1988? (1985) 60 min
* Strangers in Paradise - A Documentary Satire (1989) 54 min
Event details: http://thepbc.org.au/?page_id=9
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/inner-west-film-forum-january-2012-post-invasion...

Event: 1 February 2012: Australia wide
Have your say on the Extension of Key NT Intervention
Measures for another Decade.
Submissions now due 1 Feb 2012
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.stoptheintervention.org/
Information about making a submission:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/inf...
Information about the bills: Stronger Futures in the
Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/ind...
For the document with links to further info about the
New Policies, Aboriginal Elders voices and for Taking Action:
please click here: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Consultations/N...
[The above link includes voices of:
Dr Rev Djiniyini Gondarra, Yananymul Mununggurr,
NT Elders and Community Representatives,
Ramingining Elders and the Central Land Council.]
"Submissions should be received by 1 February 2012. ...
The Committee is seeking written submissions from
interested individuals and organisations"

Event: February 2012 to May 2012: Queensland Museum
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: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
as part of the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 17 Feb 2012: International
Submissions on role of languages and culture due 17 Feb 2012
United Nations Human Rights:
Study on languages and cultures
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/EMRIP/Pages/StudyLanguages.aspx
"Call for submissions from indigenous peoples and their
organisations
The Expert Mechanism is calling for submissions on the role
of languages and culture in the protection and promotion of
the rights and identity of indigenous peoples, its current
mandated study in accordance with Human Rights Council
resolution 18/8 ...
Submissions will need to be submitted by 17 February 2012"

- '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

- - -

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 along with other Aboriginal rights issues.

'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 2 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/