Newsletter date: 27 March 2012
Contents:
Nyoongar Tent Embassy in Perth:
* Nyoongar protesters have returned to Heirisson Island - 23 March
* Force used to suppress the Aboriginal sovereignty movement: Statement by Michael Anderson
* "Deep into the eyes of racism" - Nyoongar Tent Embassy - 22 March: Analysis by Gerry Georgatos
* Police invasion of Nyoongar Tent Embassy - 22 March: Video by Alex Bainbridge
* Nyoongars stand against land rights bribe and ongoing genocide: News by Treaty Republic
* The future of Portland Aboriginal tent embassy, Vic
* Marion Scrymgour in Crikey: Stop Playing Games With Bilingual
* Amnesty: Stronger Futures: the Intervention under another name
* Sydney protest against second Intervention & deaths in custody
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 24 events from 27 March 2012
NYOONGAR TENT EMBASSY IN PERTH:
- Background
facebook: Nyoongar Tent Embassy
http://www.facebook.com/NyoongarTentEmbassy
Welcome to our website: Nyoongar Tent Embassy
http://tentembassywa.com/
facebook: Aboriginal Tent Embassy
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboriginal-Tent-Embassy/210730945611610?sk...
WGAR News: Perth police invade Nyoongar Tent Embassy (24 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/wgar-news-call-for-delegates-to-inter...
WGAR News: Welcome to our website: Nyoongar Tent Embassy (22 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/22/wgar-news-stand-for-freedom-campaign-...
WGAR News: More on the Nyoongar Tent Embassy at Matagarup (1 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...
WGAR News: More on Nyoongar Tent Embassy in Perth (26 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/26/wgar-news-petition-stop-stronger-futu...
WGAR News: Nyoongar Tent Embassy marches to Government House in protest (23 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/23/wgar-news-nyoongar-tent-embassy-march...
WGAR News: News of the Nyoongar Tent Embassy on Heirisson Island in Perth (21 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/21/wgar-news-news-of-the-nyoongar-tent-e...
* NYOONGAR PROTESTERS HAVE RETURNED TO HEIRISSON ISLAND - 23 MARCH:
- News
Perth Now: Protesters back at Heirisson Island camp after being 'moved on'
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/activists-embark-on-se...
25 Mar 12: "A SMALLER group of Noongar has returned to Heirisson Island just a day after dozens of police dismantled their camp and arrested four people. Police patrolled the area overnight and remained there throughout the morning where about 10 protesters had returned after yesterday being moved on by a large contingent of mounted police, Dog Squad and Public Order Response group officers. Today the smaller group of protesters, far less than yesterday's group of about 30, is occupying the same area of the Island from where they were moved yesterday."
West Australian: Protesters return to island camp
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/13241538/protesters-return...
23 Mar 12: "UPDATE 9.45am: Protesters have returned to Heirisson Island, a day after police arrested four people and removed tents and camping equipment in a show of force after the Premier and Police Commissioner said the camp had to be closed. About 10 people were at the camp this morning. Chairs, a double mattress, luggage and other items were scattered around an area where protesters had erected a basic shelter from trees. Police have visited the site twice this morning. They checked the IDs of people but took no action."
- Related News
ABC: ALS calls for Indigenous treaty with Commonwealth
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-24/aboriginal-legal-servce-calls-for-...
24 Mar 12: "The Aboriginal Legal Service in Western Australia says a treaty between the Commonwealth and Indigenous people could help resolve situations like the protest on Heirisson Island in Perth. Four activists were arrested this week after police descended on the island to close the camp. The campers were protesting against a South West native title deal struck between the Noongar people and the State Government. The Chief Executive of the ALS, Dennis Eggington, says it is time for a new approach."
* FORCE USED TO SUPPRESS THE ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY MOVEMENT: STATEMENT BY MICHAEL ANDERSON
- Statement & Letter
Sovereign Union: Force used to suppress the Aboriginal sovereignty movement
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/force-used-suppress-aborigina...
"Michael Anderson's Statement:
"Our predictions that the governments in Australia will use superior force to suppress the Aboriginal sovereignty movement have come true. This is evident in the recent assault on the Nyoongar Tent Embassy in Perth where people are asserting their sovereign identity and independence through re-occupation of their own land of Heirrisson Island in the Swan River. WA Nyoongars have maintained sovereign independence despite 225 years of the invader society's occupation. This, of course, is an issue that will not go away. The erection of the Nyoongar tent Embassy was triggered by the WA offer of $1billion to settle all land claims in the SW of WA - a pittance considering the innate wealth of the lands and waters.
In anticipation of superior force and aggression by the colonial occupying governments, I wrote a letter to the UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon on 27 February 2012 putting him on notice of our sovereignty movement and the anticipated repercussions.
If the police forces continue to use riot squads, mounted police and police dogs against peaceful protesters, then we will have no choice but to take a delegation to the UN and talk with foreign governments, in an effort to get foreign security forces as peace keepers to protect us against this ongoing violent aggression and oppression.
There is no excuse for the type of aggression shown in Perth last week. ... "
See:
Sovereign Union - National Unity Government:
'Sovereign Union' - Asserting Aboriginal Sovereignty into Governance
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/
* "DEEP INTO THE EYES OF RACISM" - NYOONGAR TENT EMBASSY - 22 MARCH: ANALYSIS BY GERRY GEORGATOS
- Analysis
Indymedia Australia: "Deep into the eyes of racism" - Nyoongar Tent Embassy, Thursday March 22
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/deep-into-the-eyes-of-racism-nyoo...
24 Mar 12: "Two of Nyoongar Tent Embassy's stalwarts had not been to the Embassy for more than a week. Dumbartung Aboriginal Corporation's Robert Eggington and John Pell were in Perth city on planning duties for the March 28 Stolen Wages march and rally when Mr Eggington was urged on by a spiritual sense and looked at Mr Pell, "Johnny, lets go to the Embassy." They drove into the Heirisson Island carpark to find it full of police vehicles with only one carpark bay vacant, as if it waited patiently for them, said Mr Eggington. "We looked around and the Embassy was swarming with police but none of our people were there. It was an eerie feeling."" Gerry Georgatos
* POLICE INVASION OF NYOONGAR TENT EMBASSY - 22 MARCH: VIDEO BY ALEX BAINBRIDGE
- Video
Nyoongar Tent Embassy:
The day police invaded Nyoongar Tent Embassy - 22/3/12
http://tentembassywa.com/invasion
23 Mar 12: "This video tells the story of the police invasion of the Nyoongar Tent Embassy on Thurs March 22.
Photos and Video by Alex Bainbridge
Music from Kev Carmody"
* NYOONGARS STAND AGAINST LAND RIGHTS BRIBE AND ONGOING GENOCIDE: NEWS BY TREATY REPUBLIC
- News
Treaty Republic: Nyoongars stand against land rights bribe and ongoing genocide
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/nyoongars-stand-against-land-rights-br...
"Nyoongars in Western Australia have had enough of the genocide, dislocation, disempowerment, bribing and countless abuses by governments and their agents. They have made a determinated stance to hold a small parcel of land in protest for their rights as First Australians. The Tent Embassy was set up following the 40th Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra but was triggered by WA Government putting forward a cash and benefit bribe for the extinguishment of their Native Title rights in the south-west region. After six weeks of continued police harassment and two previous raids on the Ngoongar Tent Embassy ... "
* THE FUTURE OF PORTLAND ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY, VIC:
- News
The Spec: Aboriginal tent embassy talks today
http://www.spec.com.au/blog/2012/03/23/aboriginal-tent-embassy-talks-today/
23 Mar 12: "GLENELG Shire councillors will meet with the Aboriginal Advisory Committee today to discuss the future of the growing Portland Aboriginal tent embassy. Glenelg mayor Gilbert Wilson said the two groups would discuss recommendations made to council regarding the embassy, but the details of the meeting would not be made public until April’s council meeting. Cr Wilson reiterated that the council’s position on the tent embassy was a neutral one and any actions taken would be based on the recommendations of the committee."
See:
WGAR News: Tent Embassy set up in Portland’s Market Square, Vic (1 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...
* MARION SCRYMGOUR IN CRIKEY: STOP PLAYING GAMES WITH BILINGUAL:
- Analysis / Opinion
Crikey: Marion Scrymgour speaks: Stop Playing Games With Bilingual
http://blogs.crikey.com.au/northern/2012/03/25/marion-scrymgour-speaks-s...
25 Mar 12: "A guest post by Northern Territory MLA Marion Scrymgour.
In a fairly spiteful and inaccurate article published in New Matilda last week Greg Dickson has attacked what he says was my abandonment, when I was the NT Minister for Education, of what he calls bilingual education. Bilingual education can take different forms, but the underlying principle is the development and ongoing maintenance of knowledge and capacity in both languages. I have always supported and fought for that principle in the context of those Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory ... "
See:
- Analysis / Opinion
New Matilda: Scrymgour's Bad Language
http://newmatilda.com/2012/03/22/scrymgours-bad-language
22 Mar 12: "As Marion Scrymgour is farewelled from NT politics, many remain angry about the effect of her policies on Indigenous language and bilingual education, writes Greg Dickson. In 1972 Kim Beazley Senior, then the Federal Minister for Education, played a key role in introducing bilingual education to the Northern Territory - an innovative educational strategy using Indigenous
languages alongside English to teach the school curriculum. In 2008, after 34 years, bilingual education was abandoned by the NT’s Minister for Education, Marion Scrymgour." Greg Dickson
* AMNESTY: STRONGER FUTURES: THE INTERVENTION UNDER ANOTHER NAME:
- Analysis / Opinion
Amnesty International Australia: Stronger Futures: the Intervention under another name
http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/28207/
21 Mar 12: "Stronger Futures’ is a package of legislation that will set the parameters for Government programs for Aboriginal People in the Northern Territory for the next decade. Essentially it's a continuation of the Northern Territory Intervention, but with the pretence of being non-discriminatory. The Government claims that its new measures are designed for the benefit of Aboriginal people, with the aim to get more kids in school, manage alcohol and promote economic development. But looking closely at this seemingly benign idea of "benefit" is where it turns ugly."
* SYDNEY PROTEST AGAINST SECOND INTERVENTION & DEATHS IN CUSTODY:
- Past Event
Event: Wed 21 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Protest second intervention and deaths in custody on
UN day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Speakers include:
* Nicole Watson
* Ray Jackson
* Patricia Morton-Thomas
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/#21March
Event details: http://www.indymedia.org.au/rally-for-aboriginal-rights-and-self-determi...
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/N...
- Media Release
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney:
Aunty of deaths in custody victim speaks out against 'Stronger Futures'
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/aunty-of-deaths-in-c...
21 Mar 12: "Patricia Morton-Thomas said:
"My nephew is a victim of the Intervention. He's not the first and he won't be the last. Its just disgusting the way Aboriginal people are treated here. Not only is our culture being treated as worthless but our people's lives are treated as worthless. Alice Springs has always been a racist little town but I've never seen anything like this in my life. And there is constant harassment from the police every night."
"If Stronger Futures goes through, we will have more and more people going to jail. Our culture is under attack. My people are under attack on our own soil. We're the oldest living culture in the world and they are going all out to destroy us. I see so much despair with my people at the moment, there's no hope. I'm hearing constantly about suicides. My people are just dying.""
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 26/03/2012
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-26032012
26 Mar 12: "* The aunt of a man who died in police custody in Central Australia has slammed Governments Stronger Futures legislation saying there is no hope for any Aboriginal person living in the Northern Territory and that she feels Aboriginal people are considered as worthless and their culture under attack."
- News
Green Left: Rally denounces Australia's apartheid-style laws
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50476
24 Mar 12: "Gibson [Paddy Gibson from the Stop The Intervention Collective Sydney] said that March 21 was a important anniversary for the South African anti-apartheid struggle and is a United Nations day for action to eliminate racial discrimination. He said: "Yet we have apartheid here. If you’re Black the police can enter your house without a warrant. If you’re Black the police can jail you for six months for having a single can of beer. Stronger Futures is Australia’s apartheid. They want to implement the intervention for another 10 years, we will fight them as long as it takes."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Deaths in custody linked to Intervention at protest
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7064-deaths-in-custody-linked-to...
23 Mar 12: "The aunt of an Anmatjere man who died in police custody has addressed an anti-Northern Territory Intervention protest in Sydney. Patricia Morton-Thomas is calling for an independent investigation into 28-year-old Mr. Briscoe's death in custody on January 5 in Alice Springs. The protest coincided with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, while the circumstances surrounding his death still remain unclear."
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Human Rights Petition: Australian Government: Stop Stronger Futures and support Aboriginal self-determination in the NT
https://www.change.org/petitions/australian-government-stop-stronger-fut...
Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice:
http://standforfreedom.org.au/
Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures: New compilation weblink -Petition -NITV Forum
http://www.stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info/...
Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation
Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Media Coverage
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation/#Media-SF
WGAR News: STICS: Aunty of deaths in custody victim speaks out against 'Stronger Futures' (24 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/wgar-news-call-for-delegates-to-inter...
WGAR News: Photograph your feet and 'Stand For Freedom' (24 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/wgar-news-call-for-delegates-to-inter...
WGAR News: Stand For Freedom campaign delivers a petition to the Senate signed by 33,000 people (22 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/22/wgar-news-stand-for-freedom-campaign-...
WGAR News: Responses to Senate Committee report on 'Stronger Futures' New NT Intervention laws (18 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/18/wgar-news-responses-to-senate-committ...
WGAR News: Greens Senator Rachel Siewert provides an overview: "Ending the NT Intervention" (15 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...
WGAR News: Senate Inquiry into Stronger Futures releases it's report (15 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...
WGAR News: 28 Leading Australians call on Government to abandon the Stronger Futures legislation (14 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/14/wgar-news-28-leading-australians-call...
WGAR News: "Hear the Voice of the People!": Video of Senate Hearing at Maningrida 22 February 2012 (13 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/13/wgar-news-hear-the-voice-of-the-peopl...
WGAR News: New report into 'Stronger Futures' consultations by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS (9 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...
[New university report entitled 'Listening but not Hearing']
WGAR News: Former PM Malcolm Fraser launches new report into consultations (9 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...
WGAR News: Our Generation and ANTaR have launched a new video and campaign (8 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/08/wgar-news-our-generation-and-antar-ha...
WGAR News: NITV Current Affairs present the Stronger Futures Forum shot on location in Maningrida (3 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/03/wgar-news-nitv-current-affairs-presen...
WGAR News: Press Conference on Stronger Futures legislation by Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC (1 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...
WGAR News: "NT Aboriginal leaders reject Stronger Futures" Tracker (23 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/23/wgar-news-nyoongar-tent-embassy-march...
WGAR News: New Website for Stronger Futures info and submissions (21 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/21/wgar-news-news-of-the-nyoongar-tent-e...
WGAR News: Book report launched: "NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations" (19 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/19/wgar-news-book-report-launched-nt-con...
[Includes link to transcripts of consultations and book of quotations: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ ]
WGAR News: More on the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (9 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/09/wgar-news-tent-embassy-protest-interv...
WGAR News: Submissions received on Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (8 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/08/wgar-news-four-actions-to-help-stop-t...
Main Government page for Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
Direct Government link to view all uploaded submissions
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
Direct Government link to view all uploaded hearing info
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:
- News
ABC: Sewage problems continue in remote community
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-26/sewage-problems-strike-remote-comm...
26 Mar 12: "People at a remote Aboriginal community northeast of Alice Springs are pushing for an urgent fix to what they say is a broken sewerage system. People at Ampilatwatja say the system has been broken for several years. Until recently, sewage was spilling out of one house's kitchen sink and pooling on the floor for months. Local resident Annessa Ross says it's making children sick. ... Last year, a $7 million federal grant application to fix the system was rejected."
See:
Intervention walkoff's Blog: http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Ending the NT Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/ntintervention
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/portfolios/aboriginal-torres-stra...
Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice: http://standforfreedom.org.au/
Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/
Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/
Our Generation: http://ourgeneration.org.au/
'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
New Matilda - northern territory intervention: http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention
Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/
Equality Rights Alliance: Women's Experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory: http://www.equalityrightsalliance.org.au/projects/womens-experience-inco...
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
Australian Human Rights Commission: Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response' intervention: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html
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/
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
Adelaide Stop the Intervention: http://www.stoptheintervention.com.au/
Central Land Council: The Australian Government Intervention 2007: http://www.clc.org.au/Media/issues/intervention/intervention_intro.html
WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights): http://wgar.wordpress.com/
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Muckaty Station resident slams lack of consultation with elders
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7066-muckaty-station-resident-sl...
26 Mar 12: "Penelope Phillips says she's a traditional owner of the area but wasn't consulted on the Government's decision to use the land as a dump. Ms. Phillips says no-one has spoken to Muckaty Station elders about the significance of the land to them. "They didn't come and sit down and talk to none of them old people - the old men and the old ladies - about it. "They just sort of went ahead and decided. ... "
Tennant & District Times: Muckaty rally in Darwin
http://tennantcreek.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/muckaty-ral...
23 Mar 12: "A PROMINENT environmentalist has accused the Federal Government and Opposition of "radioactive racism" for pushing through parliament laws which will see a nuclear waste dump built at Muckaty. Dr Stuart Blanch, CEO of the Environment Centre NT, told a crowd on the steps of the Territory Parliament that the Commonwealth was out of line. "Remember the strong Muckaty men and women from Tennant Creek, who are there today, still trying to look after their country, and stop radioactive racism being inflicted on their land, against their will, and without their consent, by Canberra," he said."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Tent Embassy set up in Brisbane
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7061-tent-embassy-set-up-in-bris...
23 Mar 12: "The founder of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Brisbane says Indigenous people need to be heard on the issue of sovereignty. Musgrave Park in South Brisbane is the site of the third Aboriginal embassy to be set up across the country, with others already operating in Canberra and Perth [and Portland, Victoria and Sandon Point, NSW]. Adrian Burragubba says if more Aboriginal embassies were established across Australia, it would start a national conversation on the subject of sovereignty."
* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 24 EVENTS FROM 27 MARCH 2012:
Click on the links for details of the events ...
Event: 11 February 2012 to 26 May 2012: South Bank, Brisbane, Qld
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...
Event: Intermittent 1 March - 3 May 2012: Various Locations
House of Representatives Committees
Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities
Public hearings:
Canberra, ACT: 1 March 2012
Canberra, ACT: 15 March 2012
Canberra, ACT: 22 March 2012
Adelaide, SA: 2 April 2012
Utopia Homelands, NT: 3 April 2012
Alice Springs, NT: 4 April 2012
Broome, WA: 30 April 2012
Halls Creek, WA: 1 May 2012
Darwin, NT: 2 May 2012
Nhulunbuy, NT: 3 May 2012
Event details: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Represe...
Event: Thu 22 March 2012: various locations across Australia
(various dates throughout March 2012)
National Close the Gap Day
"National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD) is a way
for all Australians to join together and remind our
political leaders of their commitments to close
the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
Our focus for 2012 is on the need for genuine,
meaningful partnership with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health peoples at all
stages of health planning and delivery."
Event details: http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/national-close-the-gap-day/
Attend a Close the Gap event
(various dates and locations throughout March 2012): http://webfw.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day/attend
About Close the Gap: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/health/index.html
NIRS news: http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6996-smaller-communities-want-ac...
AHRC news: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/news/2012/29_12.html
Greens: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/senate-rea...
Event: Tue 27 March 2012: Gladesville, NSW
Muckaty Waste Dump Update
Special talk by Nat Wasley, Beyond Nuclear Initiative
Hosted by Bennelong & Surrounds Residents for Reconciliation
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/muckaty-waste-dump-update-talk-in-gladesville-27...
Event: Wed 28 March 2012: Parramatta Park, Qld
Black Deaths in Custody Watch Group meeting
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49933
Event: 28 March 2012: March to Parliament House
Aboriginal protest rally
At Parliament House the speakers will address issues such as:
* Stolen Wages - Recent ex gratia announcement
* Land Deal - SWALSC & Government
* Human Rights - Aboriginal issues and concerns
Speakers include:
* Robert Eggington,
* Iva Hayward-Jackson,
* Leonard Ogilvie &
* Bella Bropho.
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/12/from-dumbartung-aboriginal-corporatio...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50382
Event: Wed 28 March 2012: ANU, Canberra, ACT
"Reclaiming indigenous languages:
The Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program
for the endangered languages of Australia and North America"
Public lecture at ANU by Leanne Hinton
Presented by:
Australian National Dictionary Centre
AIATSIS Centre for Australian Languages
Big Ideas on Language
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/reclaiming-indigenous-languages-the-master-appre...
Event details: http://reclaimingindigenouslanguages.eventbrite.com/
Event: Thu 29 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Discussion with Damien Curtis, Jeff McMullen,
Alec Doomadgee, Rosealee Pearson and John Pilger
Event details: http://ideas.sydneyoperahouse.com/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50368
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Fri 30 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Tent Embassy & Identity
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Film: Ningla A-Na
Discussion with Gary Foley and Larissa Behrendt
Event details: http://ideas.sydneyoperahouse.com/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50368
Event: Sat 31 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
What's the Fuss in the Kimberley?
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Film: Old Country New Country
Q&A with George Negus Stephen Pigram,
Mitch Torres and Albert Wiggan
Event details: http://ideas.sydneyoperahouse.com/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
Event: 3 April 2012: Wollongong, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Hosted by University of Wollongong Enviro Collective
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Fri 6 April 2012: University of Melbourne, Vic
Gary Foley will be speaking on his amazing life and times
"The legendary Aboriginal activist has been at the
centre of major political activity for over 40 years.
In the 1970’s he joined the growing circle of Aboriginal
resistance in Australia, and formed the Aboriginal
Legal Service in Sydney. ... "
Part of Marxism 2012 Conference, Easter weekend
Presented by Socialist Alternative & ISO of NZ
Supported by Community Radio 3CR 855 AM
Event details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic...
Marxism 2012 details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=front...
Event: Sat 7 April 2012: Darwin, NT
Rock Against Racism
Organised by DASSAN and Darwin Aboriginal Rights Collective
Event summary: http://dassan.weebly.com/rock-against-racism.html
Event: 7 April 2012: Adelaide, SA
136th Justice and Peace Candlelight Walk
"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: Wed 18 April 2012: Parramatta, Sydney, NSW
Free Public Screening of Our Generation
Introduction and Q&A by Jeff McMullen AM
Hosted by Reconciliation for Western Sydney
"Jeff will be talking about the Stronger
Futures legislation, its clash with our
human rights obligations and the
calls by NT Elders for opposition to
the Government's approach."
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/#OurGen
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/26/our-generation-screening-in-parramatta
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info-Our-...
Flyer: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info-Our-...
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Thu 19 April to Mon 14 May 2012: Campsie, NSW
Homelands Photography Exhibition
"to explore the Aboriginal community of Utopia,
located in the Northern Territory"
Opening night: Thu 19 April
Demand Dignity - Amnesty International
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28174/
Event: Mon 23 April 2012: Sippy Downs, Qld
Our Generation Film Screening
"The University of the Sunshine Coast's
Amnesty International Uni group will be
hosting this screening as a part of
Amnesty International's Homelands campaign."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld/event/28240/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Sat 28 April 2012: Janalli, NSW
Briefing on Constitutional change proposals
St George & Sutherland Community College
" ... what the Expert Panel has proposed, to help people
understand what that is about and what are the
next steps. The briefing will include an interactive
session and briefing material."
Presenters: Representatives of Reconciliation Australia
Event details: http://www.sydneykin.org.au/pipermail/womenforwik/2012-March/000724.html
Event: Sun 6 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Followed by Q&A with Dr Jeff McMullen
and Dr Thalia Anthony
Part of Sydney Greek Festival 2012
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: 12 May 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Autumn Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event: Wed 23 and Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, south of Sydney
Interim Aboriginal National Unity Government Assembly
of the Sovereign Union
Held at two locations:
Day 1 – Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Day 2 – Sandon Point Aboriginal Embassy
"All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two
delegates to the inaugural assembly of the interim
National Unity Government in Wollongong
Wednesday 23 May & Thursday 24 May.
"This gathering to form the Interim Sovereign Union
National Unity Government is so important, as the federal
government and their Uncle Tom collaborators are working
overtime to indoctrinate our children and youth into their
way of thinking by falsely promoting that recognition in
the Constitution will give our people something,"
the spokesman of the movement, Michael Anderson, writes in
a media release."
"On the first day, 23rd of May, two universities, South Cross
and Wollongong law faculties will host a law symposium to
discuss the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal people as
an introduction to this history-making event."
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
See next two entries for Day 1 and Day 2 event details
Event: DAY 1 Wed 23 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
Litigating the Boundaries of Sovereignty
- Symposium Day 1
Location: Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Jointly organised by:
* Legal Intersections Research Centre, University of Wollongong
* School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross University
"On 26 January 2012, on the day of the 40th anniversary of
the establishment Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra,
a number of prominent Aboriginal activists advanced an
articulated claim to the continuity of Aboriginal
sovereignty in Australia. ... [This is] a one-day workshop to
explore the legal and political implications of those claims."
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/85
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/
Event: DAY 2 - Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
"8am till late – REGISTRATION at 8am
Venue: Sandon Point Embassy, Wollongong, NSW
All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two delegates
- one man and one woman (if appropriate)
to the inaugural assembly of the Sovereign Union
interim National Unity Government
If possible bring a young person(s) between 15 & 25.
Each nation will have a limit of two official delegates
to the interim National Unity Government.
+++ Draft Agenda +++:
* The formal establishment of the interim
National Unity Government of the Sovereign Union
* Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Aboriginal nations
* Focusing on the proposed new Constitution
* Program of stages towards independence and timeline
* Allocation of interim portfolios
* Development of diplomatic and international relations
* Strategies for representations in United Nations"
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/108
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/
Event: Sat 14 to Fri 20 July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA
The Lizard's Revenge:
Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
"Sleeping underneath the ground there is an old lizard,
Kalta the sleepy lizard. The lizard ain’t so sleepy anymore.
BHP is mining right into that Lizards body. The government
has just approved an expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium
mine, making it the biggest uranium mine in the world.
Kalta is angry and wants revenge.
Arabana elder Kevin Buzzacot is calling the people of the
world to help the lizard shut down the mine. He is calling
for people to come and heal the land in the name of peace
and justice for the next 10,000 generations to come."
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-lizards-revenge-olympic-dam-expansion-musica...
Background: http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/australia-approves-20-30bn-bhp-bi...
Event: 11 August 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Winter Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event: 10 November 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Spring Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
- '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
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