Newsletter date: 23 January 2012
Contents:
Reminder of upcoming events:
* Photographic exhibition: Manuwangku Under the Nuclear Cloud
* Congress Peoples' Forum: Sovereignty and Self Determination
* 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
* Other Aboriginal rights events
Reminder of submissions due:
* Extension of key NT Intervention measures for another decade
* Role of languages in the promotion of indigenous rights
* Constitutional Recognition
* Radio National: Awaye!: Aboriginal Tent Embassy
REMINDER OF UPCOMING EVENTS:
Click on the links for details of the events ...
* PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION: MANUWANGKU UNDER THE NUCLEAR CLOUD
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."
Photos from the exhibition opening: http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2012/01/20/photos-from-manuwangkuunde...
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/27463/
* CONGRESS PEOPLE'S FORUM: SOVEREIGNTY AND SELF DETERMINATION
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
"On the 40th anniversary of the establishment
of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy we pay tribute
to the Embassy and its founders, not as historical
symbols but as ongoing reminders that we are
still defining our political status within this country."
Event details: [scroll down page] http://nationalcongress.com.au/welcome/
* 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY
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:
(incl. Contacts, Agenda, Background, Map,
Camping info, Donations info, Audio and Video): 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: (incl. Camping info): http://treatyrepublic.net/content/camping-aboriginal-tent-embassys-40th-...
Event details: (incl. Poster, Agenda and Camping info): http://wgar.wordpress.com/
Event details: (incl. Invitation): 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.pozible.com/index.php/archive/index/2456/description/0/0
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/
Background by ABC Radio National Awaye!:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/fire-in-the-belly/372...
Background by Gerry Georgatos:
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/31/aboriginal-tent-embassy-%E2%80%93-can...
Interview with Dr Janet Hunt: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/dr-janet-hunt-and-jacqui-phil...
Aboriginal Embassy symposium (20-22 Jun 11): http://acih.anu.edu.au/events/aboriginal-embassy-symposium
Tent embassy leaders demand end to NT Intervention (21 Jun 11): http://www.indymedia.org.au/2011/06/22/tent-embassy-leaders-demand-an-en...
* OTHER ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS
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: 24 to 29 January 2012: Sydney, NSW
Theatre: FOLEY
Presented By: Sydney Festival
in association with Melbourne Festival
Ilbijerri Theatre Company (Australia)
Sydney Opera House
"Political agitator Gary Foley presents a swag of stories
from a life lived in the spirit of resistance. From the
frontlines of black activism to the halls of mainstream
culture, he presents a colourful personal history and a
dissident narrative of an Australian half-century."
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/foley_2012.aspx
Event details: http://ilbijerri.com.au/productions/project/foley1/
Article: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/theatre/fighting-the-powers-that-be-...
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: 26 January 2012: Adelaide, SA
134rd Justice and Peace Candlelight Walk
ANTaR SA: A Treaty with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Australians for land and justice
"Join us on the Candle Light Walk to call for
a Treaty and Bill of Rights, and to support the
Ngarrindjeri and all other Aboriginal people
and the Stolen Generations, their families
and communities left behind, in their
call for Peace and Justice."
Event details: http://antarsa.auspics.org.au/category/news/2011/12/candlelight-walk-2/
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: 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: Fri 17 February 2012: Brunswick East, Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
CERES Summer Film 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: Mon 27 February 2012: Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Our Generation Film Screening
Hosted by Australian Lawyers Alliance
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: Thu 27 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
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: Sun 6 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Part of Sydney Greek Festival 2012
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
- '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
REMINDER OF SUBMISSIONS DUE:
* EXTENSION OF KEY NT INTERVENTION MEASURES FOR ANOTHER DECADE
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"
* ROLE OF LANGUAGES IN THE PROMOTION OF INDIGENOUS RIGHTS
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"
* CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION:
- Media Releases
ANTaR: An historic step towards recognition and equality
http://www.antar.org.au/an_historic_step_towards_recognition_and_equality
19 Jan 12: "ANTaR congratulates the Expert Panel on its extensive community consultation and detailed report and endorses its recommendations for recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia’s Constitution.
"The Expert Panel’s historic report presents a sound and practical proposal for bringing our Constitution into the 21st Century," said Jacqueline Phillips, National Director of ANTaR.
"Despite their political differences, all Panel members have united behind the report’s recommendations to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remove racial discrimination from our Constitution."
"The Expert Panel has recognised that existing powers to make laws that exclude people from voting and discriminate on the basis of race are offensive and unnecessary. They have no place in a contemporary Constitution.""
Michael Anderson condemns proposed constitutional reforms as treasonous and fraudulent
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2012/01/20/michael-anderson-condemns-propose...
20 Jan 12: "A northwest NSW Aboriginal leader, Michael Ghillar Anderson, has condemned proposals for writing Indigenous people into the constitution as a treasonous act and serious fraud against Aboriginal peoples, because it does not represent their interests across the nation.
The proposals, handed to the Gillard government by a panel, fail to deal with the central and substantive issue of sovereignty and true land rights, the leader of the Euahlayi nation writes in a media release.
Anderson, of Euahlayi and Gumilaroi parentage, is the last survivor of the four young Aboriginal men who set up the Aboriginal embassy in Canberra in 1972 by ramming a sun umbrella into the lawn in front of what was then the parliament building, now Old Parliament House.
A large turnout from across Australia is expected for the 40th anniversary three-day corroboree of the embassy from 26 to 28 January. Aboriginal sovereignty would be discussed there "and we will take every possible step to assert our continuing sovereignty"."
The Hon Jenny Macklin MP: Towards Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians
Joint Media Release with: The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister
http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2012/pages/jm_m_con...
19 Jan 12: "The Australian Government today received the expert panel’s report on the recognition of Indigenous people in the Australian Constitution.
Over the past year, the panel of Indigenous and community leaders, constitutional law experts and parliamentary members have led wide-ranging national public consultations to develop options to recognise the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution.
The panel talked to more than 4,600 people, in more than 250 meetings in 84 locations across the country and received more than 3,500 submissions.
They also sought extensive advice from Indigenous leaders and constitutional experts and gathered data through research and surveys.
The Government will now carefully consider the panel’s recommendations before determining the best way forward."
- Analysis / Opinion
Crikey: Indigenous rights: constitutional amendments likely
http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/01/20/indigenous-rights-constitutional-ame...
20 Jan 12: "A referendum to remove discrimination of indigenous Australians from the constitution is likely before the next election, after an expert panel presented its final report to the Prime Minister yesterday. The report by the 22-person panel on constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples outlined how racist parts of the constitution should be removed and a section should be added recognising the role and importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia and calls for their "advancement"." Amber Jamieson
SMH: Leaders need to roll up sleeves on reconciliation
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/leaders-need-to-roll-up-sleeves-o...
20 Jan 12: "NOW comes the hard part. Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott have the chance to cast self-interest aside, right a historical wrong and nudge this country towards reconciliation. Will they grasp it? And if they do, will the nation respond? The big questions were left hanging yesterday after the Prime Minister was handed a road map for finally recognising the first Australians in the nation's founding document, celebrating their culture and language, and ridding the constitution of the last vestiges of racism. But the signs are promising." Michael Gordon
- News
Australian: Panels' racist card stifles debate: Mundine
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/panels-racis...
23 Jan 12: "MEMBERS of the expert panel on the constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians have been accused by Aboriginal leader Warren Mundine of suggesting those who do not support their far-reaching recommendations are racists."
Canberra Times: Belief in the Constitution for change
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/belief-in...
20 Jan 12: "A divisive debate about including Aboriginal people in the Constitution could jeopardise Australia's tentative steps toward reconciliation, leading legal and indigenous figures warned. But they remained convinced Australia was finally ready to formally recognise indigenous people in the Constitution, and to strike out racially discriminatory clauses - if the process was handled properly. ... The report was met with a rush of support from among community and social groups, with the Business Council of Australia, Oxfam, the Australian Council of Social Service, ... welcoming it."
Australian: Historic Constitution vote over indigenous recognition facing hurdles
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/historic-con...
20 Jan 12: "HISTORIC changes to the commonwealth Constitution to acknowledge indigenous Australians face almost certain defeat unless significantly amended, after a 300-page proposal presented to Julia Gillard yesterday prompted a chorus of concerns from some indigenous leaders and legal experts. Chief among their worries is the recommended insertion of a clause to prohibit racial discrimination, which Tony Abbott suggests may amount to a "one clause bill of rights"."
Australian: Lawyers backed new race power
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/lawyers-back...
4 Jan 12: "A PANEL that recommended constitutional reform to recognise and protect Aboriginal people and culture had the strong backing of the Law Council of Australia. A submission by the council recommended the key changes to the Constitution ultimately adopted by the panel in its report, which will be handed to Julia Gillard this month. The legal profession's peak body said a minimalist approach confined to recognising Aboriginal people in the preamble to the Constitution "would be of little if any practical effect"."
Australian: Indigenous property rights must be recognised in Constitution, says Kimberley leader
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/indigenous-p...
3 Jan 12: "A REFERENDUM to acknowledge Aborigines in the Constitution would be meaningless unless it enshrined indigenous property rights, says Kimberley leader Wayne Bergmann. The chief executive of the Kimberley Regional Economic Development Foundation has called for a constitutional amendment to override the onus of proof in the Native Title Act, requiring Aborigines to establish continuous association with their land to be awarded title."
* RADIO NATIONAL: AWAYE!: ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY:
- Audio
ABC Radio National: Awaye!: Fire in the belly
Presented by Daniel Browning
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/fire-in-the-belly/372...
10 Dec 11: "Since the Aboriginal Tent Embassy was first erected in front of what is now Old Parliament House in Canberra on 26 January 1972 it has been a source of inspiration and controversy. As the Tent Embassy approaches its 40th anniversary, key activists of 1972 have come together for a symposium to examine its historical significance. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy has been the catalyst for other protest 'embassies' around Australia, most recently the Tent Embassy at the site of the proposed Kimberley gas hub marking 100 days of a community blockade. But what is the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in the national capital today, who resides there and what does it stand for?"
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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/