Newsletter date: 9 July 2015; last updated 9 July 2015 6:50pm AEST
Contents:
* Videos:
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: United 'VOTE NO' - Protest begins at Circular Quay - video features Alice Haines and Ghillar Michael Anderson: https://vimeo.com/132983875
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Protest outside Abbott's 'secret meeting' on Constitutional inclusion at Kirribilli
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: No Consent to inclusion in colonial Constitution - media interview - Ghillar Michael Anderson
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: NO VOTE protester - Deb Williams
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Albert Hartnet explains his support for the Vote No to Constitutional inclusion of Aboriginal people
Eleanor Gilbert's Videos on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user1605040/videos
* News Analysis: Kerry Blackman, First Nations Telegraph: 40 'leaders' were Captain's pick, not our pick
* Homepage of First Nations Telegraph: Your Free Online Daily News - 100% Owned & Operated by Our Mob: http://www.firstnationstelegraph.com/
* News Analysis: Diane Fieldes, Red Flag: Tony Abbott and the 40 thieves
* Media Release: Michael Mansell (Pakana), Secretary, APG - Aboriginal Provisional Government: Mansell urges outright rejection of Prime Minister's preference for Constitutional recognition: http://www.apg.org.au/reject-abbotts-constitutional-recognition.php
* Analysis / Opinion: Mike Head, WSWS - World Socialist Web Site: Australia: The political fraud of constitutional "recognition" for Aborigines
* On Air Discussion: Kelly Fuller, ABC: NAIDOC: In seach of recognition: [Panel: Bob Faulkner, Len Waters, Steve Widders, Callum Clayton-Dixon & Amy Creighton]
* Media Release: Callum Clayton-Dixon (Nyaywana), Chairperson, APG - Aboriginal Provisional Government: Support for Noel Pearson's proposal for Aboriginal representation on Aboriginal issues: http://www.apg.org.au/support-for-noel-pearson-proposal.php
* About the Aboriginal Provisional Government: http://www.apg.org.au/about.php
* Background:
facebook: Vote 'NO' To Constitutional Change: https://www.facebook.com/VotenoToConstitutionalChange
Sovereign Union: Constitutional History and Independent Constitutional Reform links: http://www.sovereignunion.mobi/content/constitutional-reform-fact-sheet
WGAR Background to Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples
WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
WGAR Background to Treaties with Aboriginal Sovereign Nations of Australia
WGAR News Public Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
WGAR News - Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
- Videos
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: United 'VOTE NO' - Protest begins at Circular Quay - video features Alice Haines and Ghillar Michael Anderson
https://vimeo.com/132983875
"On 6 July2015 The united 'Vote No' protest began at Circular Quay, where the first Australian colony began in 1788. Alice Haines and Ghillar Michael Anderson expose the double meaning of 'R' and 'Recognise' used by the advocates for the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the colonial Australian Constitution, which is still an Act of the British Parliament dated 1900."
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Protest outside Abbott's 'secret meeting' on Constitutional inclusion at Kirribilli
https://vimeo.com/132924359
"Extract from media release of Ghillar Michael Anderson (7 July 2015): For mainstream media to refer to PM Tony Abbott's suggestion that he would deal 'with love' any right wing opposition to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution – a 'Mandella type moment' is taking media spin to a ridiculous extreme. [ABC News 24 7 July 2015]. In reality PM Tony Abbott's Summit on Constitutional recognition with 40 Indigenous 'leaders' is more like a Pinochet or Hitler type moment for Aboriginal Peoples, so much so that the mainstream media refuses to deal with any oppositional point of view for Aboriginal Nations and Peoples. ... "
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: No Consent to inclusion in colonial Constitution - media interview - Ghillar Michael Anderson
https://vimeo.com/132901984
"Extract from Sovereign Union media release 7 July 2015: The government knows that they are committing a major crime against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples when they put us all in the one basket, falsely promoting a single homogenous community. They know that is wrong but the Australian public does not. This is our last stand as independent Nations and Peoples holding ancient Law and cultures. We are on a precipice. Let's not have these false pretenders make decisions for the rest of us. ... "
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: NO VOTE protester - Deb Williams
https://vimeo.com/132901981
"NO VOTE protester, Deb Williams, articulates a grassroots perspective on the bipartisan attempt of the Commonwealth Government to coerce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples into consenting to be governed by the occupying colonial power.
6 July 2015
Circular Quay
Sydney"
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Albert Hartnet explains his support for the Vote No to Constitutional inclusion of Aboriginal people
https://vimeo.com/132901983
"... on the ferry over Sydney Harbour to Kirribilli where the 'secret meeting' was taking place between PM Tony Abbott, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and 40 government selected 'Indigenous leaders'.
Extract from Sovereign Union media release on 2 July 2015: We now have a very clear understanding of the faulty Recognise campaign that now exists. If their program is to veil this in secrecy and somehow expect to get support then they are failing miserably. The Commonwealth government has now shown their true colours and in fact by acting in a secretive manner and being nit willing to publically announce their chosen Aboriginal 'leaders' promotes the 'No' campaign without anyone having to get on the streets at this point in time. ... "
Eleanor Gilbert’s Videos on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/user1605040/videos
- News Analysis
Kerry Blackman, First Nations Telegraph: 40 'leaders' were Captain's pick, not our pick
http://www.firstnationstelegraph.com/#!opinions/c15po
http://issuu.com/first_nations_telegraph/docs/40____leaders____were_capt...
8 Jul 15: "The list of the chosen 40 people to have a "Talk Fest" with Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten in Sydney on Monday has now been revealed."
- Homepage
First Nations Telegraph:
Your Free Online Daily News - 100% Owned & Operated by Our Mob:
Keeping Our Mob Connected
http://www.firstnationstelegraph.com/
- News Analysis
Red Flag: Tony Abbott and the 40 thieves
https://redflag.org.au/article/tony-abbott-and-40-thieves
7 Jul 15: " ... It’s the "Recognise" campaign, which claims that an amendment to the racist Australian constitution is the next big step in dealing with racism and ongoing genocide. It’s a whitewash. The meeting took place behind metal gates and a gang of police, who failed to stop a loud and very articulate protest from making our way up to those gates. Aboriginal elders from many struggles and many parts of the country got on the microphone. Among them were Ken Canning, Patricia Corowa, Jenny Munro, Albert Hartnett, Les Coe, with more impromptu speeches and chants coming from the rest of the rally. ... " Diane Fieldes
- Media Release
Michael Mansell (Pakana), Secretary, APG - Aboriginal Provisional Government: Mansell urges outright rejection of Prime Minister’s preference for Constitutional recognition
http://www.apg.org.au/reject-abbotts-constitutional-recognition.php
6 Jul 15: " ... The purpose of recognizing Aboriginal people in the Australian constitution, the most powerful source of political power in the country, is to honestly respond to the history of Australia’s treatment of Aboriginal people. The Federal Parliament already passed the token Act of Recognition. The Australian people should not have to endure a multi-million dollar campaign leading up to a referendum for more of the same.
If the constitution is the vehicle for recognition then some real sense of importance must be given to the form of recognition. It must confer real benefits on Aboriginal people. Words in a preamble have no legal effect, confer no benefits and impose no obligations.
Even worse is the choice of words believed to be the PM’s preference, namely acknowledging ‘indigenous heritage, British foundation and multicultural character’. To equate ownership of a continent since time immemorial with multiculturalism is a slight on Aboriginal history. To call the British invasion of Aboriginal lands as the foundation for a country ignores the slaughter, rape and persecution by the British. It is one thing to acknowledge the facts: it is entirely another to celebrate them in the constitution by glossing over the real history. ... "
- Analysis / Opinion
WSWS - World Socialist Web Site: Australia: The political fraud of constitutional "recognition" for Aborigines
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2015/07/08/reco-j08.html
8 Jul 15: " ... The very conception of "recognising" indigenous people in the constitution is a reactionary fraud. The Australian Constitution itself is a British colonial-era instrument that upholds capitalist property rights but contains no bill of rights or any other protection of basic social or democratic rights, not even the right to vote. It was adopted in 1901 to legitimise and enforce the establishment of Australian capitalism, at the expense of the emergent working class and its most vulnerable members, the dispossessed and decimated Aboriginal population. ... " By Mike Head
- On Air Discussion
ABC: NAIDOC: In seach of recognition: [Panel: Bob Faulkner, Len Waters, Steve Widders, Callum Clayton-Dixon & Amy Creighton]
http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2015/07/08/4269679.htm
8 Jul 15: "An on air discussion highlighted support, but also many questions regarding the recognise campaign. ... Earlier this week, a summit of black and white leaders decided the community needs to be consulted more deeply before any referendum can be held. There has also been a disappointed reaction to the meeting, with some calling it a stage managed media event that excluded a lot of voices. ... we are exploring the value and progress of the Recognise campaign with some local elders and young members of the New England North West community. ... On our panel today, Bob Faulkner, Len Waters, Steve Widders, Callum Clayton-Dixon and Amy Creighton." By Kelly Fuller
- Media Release
Callum Clayton-Dixon (Nyaywana), Chairperson, APG - Aboriginal Provisional Government: Support for Noel Pearson’s proposal for Aboriginal representation on Aboriginal issues
http://www.apg.org.au/support-for-noel-pearson-proposal.php
8 Jul 15: "The Aboriginal Provisional Government (APG) supports Noel Pearson’s proposal for a parliamentary body elected by Aboriginal people. APG Chairperson Callum Clayton-Dixon agrees that it is important for Aboriginal people to have our voice heard in the process of making laws that directly affect us. "But it is crucial for this voice to go beyond an advisory role," said Mr Clayton-Dixon.
"Models for change need to be measured on their ability to deliver practical change for Aboriginal people. If an Aboriginal elected body is to provide practical change, such a body should have the power to veto laws that could be detrimental to Aboriginal people. It should also have the power to make laws rather than merely commenting on laws in the making. But Noel Pearson is on the right track, and the principle of Aboriginal representation on Aboriginal issues behind his suggestion has merit. ... "
- About
About the Aboriginal Provisional Government
http://www.apg.org.au/about.php
"History of the APG: The Aboriginal Provisional Government (APG) was formed on the 16th of July 1990. Established on the principle that Aborigines are a sovereign people, the APG campaigns for Aboriginal self-determination and self-government. Rejecting assimilation into the Australian state, the APG maintains that we as Aboriginal people have the right to decide the future of our lands and lives to the exclusion of colonial interference. We ran this country once, and our sovereignty as Aboriginal people is the authority we hold to run our country again. ... Reflecting the traditions and beliefs of Aboriginal groups nationwide, the APG was initially established with a governing Council of Elders."
- Background
Vote 'NO' To Constitutional Change, facebook:
[includes videos & photos of protest in Sydney on 6 July 2015]
https://www.facebook.com/VotenoToConstitutionalChange
"All Australians! We ask that you vote "No" for the coming referendum: Constitutional reform to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in it
http://sovereignty.webnode.com/ "
Sovereign Union: Constitutional History and Independent Constitutional Reform links
http://www.sovereignunion.mobi/content/constitutional-reform-fact-sheet
"Please note: This article was published by Sovereign Union volunteers in June 2012, there has been hundreds of articles explaining the Constitutional Recognition deceit since then, but none of them have 'ever' been published by mainstream media. Yet thousands of the articles in mainstream media have been written by non-indigenous people or from people who are controlled by or have allegiance with governments - BEWARE
Links for access to independent articles:
* Recent 'Constitutional Recognition' Articles: with Teasers http://nationalunitygovernment.org/tags/constitutional-reform
* SU Over 50 related 'Constitutional Recognition' Articles - SU http://sovereignunion.mobi/search/node/Constitutional%20Reform
* Red Flag - Constitutional Recognition articles https://redflag.org.au/search/node/constitutional%20recognition
* New Matilda - Constitutional Reform https://newmatilda.com/search/node/constitutional%20reform
* Facebook: Vote 'NO' To Constitutional Change https://www.facebook.com/VotenoToConstitutionalChange "
WGAR Background to Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples
https://indymedia.org.au/2013/08/11/background-to-constitutional-recogni...
(Last updated: 30 April 2014)
WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/24/wgar-background-to-the-aboriginal-so...
(last updated: 7 July 2015)
WGAR Background to Treaties with Aboriginal Sovereign Nations of Australia
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/26/wgar-background-to-treaties-with-abo...
(last updated: 7 July 2015)
- - -
WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
About WGAR News:
https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
Subscription to 'WGAR News' is free.
'WGAR News' monitors the media, including alternative media, focusing on:
* The Freedom Summit's National Freedom Movement;
* the Australian Federal government intervention into Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal communities;
* Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA), [and Northern Territory (NT)?];
* Treaties with Aboriginal Sovereign Nations of Australia;
* the Aboriginal sovereignty movement and the Aboriginal tent embassies;
* Justice Reinvestment, Aboriginal imprisonment and Aboriginal Deaths in Custody;
* Aboriginal land rights and mining;
* Suicide and self-harm in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities;
* Removal of Aboriginal children and the continuing Stolen Generation;
* Aboriginal peoples and the impact of the Australian Federal Budget;
* Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing;
* other Aboriginal rights issues; and
* upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia.
'WGAR News' gives priority to grassroots Aboriginal voices and grassroots voices in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples' rights.
The role of 'WGAR News' is to facilitate the voices of others, and as such, 'WGAR News' rarely writes its own articles.
'WGAR News' publishes information and opinions from a wide range of sources.
These opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of WGAR.
The e-newsletters include media releases, opinion pieces, news items, audio, videos and events.
Subscribers can expect to receive about 5-6 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.