43 years to the day since Tent Embassy; sit-in by true leaders

By Gerry Georgatos - courtesy of The Stringer - On January 26, the nation’s attention will turn to Canberra but not for the usual fanfare. The Freedom Movement will reach the front lawns of our national parliament, with the leaders and Elders of the descendants of the original peoples of this continent commencing a sit-in. Nearly 43 years ago, four young men jagged themselves under an umbrella on the lawns of Canberra’s parliament and all of a sudden changed the course of the Aboriginal body politic.

“We are heading to Canberra to reclaim the Aboriginal rights struggle, and the right for our voices to at long last be heard once again,” said Mr Sansbury.

“Our people will gather in numbers around the leaders. We as Blacks will do the leading however the struggle for what is right must be owned by everyone – White and Black. We need everyone to drop whatever they intended doing January 26 and onwards and rock up to Canberra and stand, or sit, solid, alongside the Black lead.”

“We will not move, we will go nowhere, we will stay. Not till we are heard, not till the domestic and international media have a fair look at what is going on with the downtrodden Black in this wealthy White-run nation but we will stay till our people are free from the shackles of oppression, free from murderous assimilation, because the hurry of assimilation is indeed of a murderous nature.”

On November 27 and 28, First Peoples leaders converged on Mparntwe, Alice Springs, for a Freedom Summit. The idea had been only five weeks old when the Summit took place but leaders came from all over the continent. The Summit was achieved without any significant funding. It came together off an oily rag. The Summit gave birth to the Freedom Movement and interim delegation assembled.

The potential significance of the Summit was observed with politicians sending their staffers to the Summit for the two days, with Land Councils sending their executives, with the worried Congress of the First Peoples sending its CEO, with the Federal Government making contact with its organisers. But more importantly conservative media sent its reporters. The Australian,The Guardian and The ABC ran a suite of stories. But they all asked where to from here?

“Canberra,” said Mr Sansbury.

“43 years ago, four young men changed much for our people when they set up their umbrella on one of the lawns of parliament and sat under it for the nation to wake up to.”

“On January 26, the nation’s attention will be strewn to hundreds if not thousands of our people moving in for a sit-in just outside of parliament. We are mobilising as we speak.”

“With 2015 fast approaching, 43 years after Aboriginal Tent Embassy, far too many of our people are worse off than then. I do not have to do the statistics, we know them. They are the narrative that proves the ongoing racism of this nation.”

“Our homelands are under one attack after another and there are more land grabs. The threat to close down hundreds of communities has horrified and terrified people. This is ethnic cleansing. Ethnic cleansing is a racialised thing, the forced removal of peoples from where they live.”

“Our people continue to suffer genocidal impacts. Genocide is not just the presumption of bodies strewn all over the streets and fields. Genocide by definition is the systematic destruction of a people, often over generations. We are systematically under attack, land grabs, forced closures of our communities, and the horrifyingly cruel assimilation practices. The Stolen Generations was an act of genocide completely in accordance with the very definition of genocide. Genocide is not about bodies in the streets. Where bodies are strewn all over the streets such as tragically occurred in Rwanda in ’94, that is in effect mass murder. Genocide is generationally systematic and often intended as covert.”

“Genocide is what occurs to First Peoples all over the world, as Governments and multinational robber barons rape and pillage our lands, as Governments  legislate this and that to favour the robber baron, while our people are systematically turned into the walking dead, with nowhere to go but into assimilation or into a dark tumult of a haunting lone stand.”

“There is a push in this country for a social order that serves the interests of the few and which has no place for our peoples. Our peoples are many, we are not just Aboriginal, Indigenous, First People, Original people, we are peoples who nurtured and were nurtured by this continent for up to a hundred thousand years and maybe longer. The constitutional bullshit about recognising us is not about our peoples but about Australia’s racism.”

“The constitutional minimalism that much is being made of is a crafted agenda, a deplorable agenda to further assimilate more of our peoples. We are not some remnants of a people, we are instead Narrunga, Arrernte, Noongar, Gadigal, Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, we are many and we are different, but we will stand as one against the oppression and racism against our peoples.”

“Australians should hang their heads in shame for the racism that pollutes the constitution which actually prescribes a capacity for racism against our peoples. Some lame preamble in the constitution will not free our people from the thievery in the agendas of those who are telling us who we should be and how we should act.”

“We have the disaster in this country of individuals such as Andrew Forrest telling our people how to live. He recommends a work-for-the-dole for our homeland communities. This is exploitative labour. Where are the unions to challenge this, to outcry? How is it always the same people again and again selling Mr Forrest’s message. He is a throwback to the 1920s. How is it that Warren Mundine, one of his former GenerationOne honchos is the Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council, selling all things Forrest, how is it that Tim Gartrell is the head of Recognise? He too was a head honcho of Mr Forrest’s GenerationOne. The Aboriginal rights struggle must reclaim its voices; that is the voices of the peoples.”

“We must act now, as we did in 1972, because in waiting we will be robbed of every last vestige of whatever it is we are clinging on to.”

Freedom Movement stalwart, Kamilaroi language speaker, Dr Marcus Woolombi Waters said, “This is not a war we are going to win with steering committees and elected board members replicating the very systems that are working against us.”

“From the Freedom Summit there have been a number of what I like to call ‘Cultural Ambassadors’ nominated as delegates to spread the word to both the world and to our communities alike in that we have had enough and that we, by consensus, reject wholeheartedly these projects such as Empowered Communities as designed by Noel Pearson; the Northern Territory Intervention with both Noel and Marcia Langton as its architects, no matter how much they try and distance themselves now; and the Forrest Report.”

“The most significant point that came from the Freedom Summit was we will determine our own pathways to self-determination. We will establish and identify policy from within our own communities and our Peoples,” said Dr Waters.

Delegate Roxley Foley said, “The Summit was the beginning.”

“Canberra is the next step. We have an interim delegation that is now going to as many communities as possible to inform the people of what is going on. We will mobilise for Canberra. We’re not going to take any more of Canberra’s shit. Let them be on notice that we are coming.”

“The only way we have got change was by getting on the streets in huge numbers, by doing it again and again, by staying power. This is what we will do again. Whatever good that our people have gained it has been secured by us, not by the grace of governments, but by us.”

 

Originally published on The Stringer http://thestringer.com.au/43-years-to-the-day-since-tent-embassy-sit-in-...

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Comments

Background to 'The Freedom Summit': Alice Springs 27-28 November 2014

https://indymedia.org.au/2014/11/29/background-to-the-freedom-summit-ali...

WGAR News: 43 years to the day since Tent Embassy; sit-in by true leaders [Featuring Mr Sansbury]: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer

https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/20/wgar-news-43-years-to-the-day-since-...

20 Dec 14: "Contents:
* Video: NITV News featuring Tauto Sansbury, a convenor of the Freedom Summit [Tauto is interviewed 3min 50sec into the program; nitv video expires 25 Dec 14]
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: 43 years to the day since Tent Embassy; sit-in by true leaders [Featuring Mr Sansbury]
* Analysis / Opinion: The Stringer: Redfern deaths in custody forum talks about ways forward
* Background to 'The Freedom Summit': Alice Springs 27-28 November 2014
"

WGAR News: Call out for people to attend the 'National Convergence on Canberra Sit-In Protest' on the 27th of January 2015

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/01/21/wgar-news-call-out-for-people-to-att...

Contents:

Urgent plea to the Nation to come to Canberra for the Sit-In: http://vimeo.com/117165236
Homepage of the National Freedom Movement: http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
Events for 25th, 26th and 27th of January 2015 National Convergence on Canberra

National Freedom Movement What's it about?
Freedom Summit - The Delegates
NITV News: WA Protestors get on board for Survival Day's "Sit In for Freedom" in Canberra

National Freedom Movement - Reportbacks on the lead-in forums to the January 27 Sit-In, Canberra:

Read about how the Adelaide forum went:
- Mobilising for Canberra 2015-our chance at history, to reclaim the Aboriginal rights struggle and the justice

Read about how the Sydney forum went:
- 'The Opportunity for real change'
- People urged to attend Canberra First Peoples sit-in

Videos about how the Sydney forum went:
- Respect and Listen: National Freedom Movement: http://www.respectandlisten.org/freedom-movement.html
- National Freedom Movement - Sydney Forum: Respect and Listen vimeo
-- Aunty Jenny
-- Jeff McMullen
-- Gerry Georgatos
-- Felon and Uncle Ben to come

WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement
WGAR Background to 'The Freedom Summit'

WGAR News: Delegates speak about the National Freedom Movement's Parliament House Sit-In in Canberra

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/01/23/wgar-news-delegates-speak-about-the-...

[Ed. note: Some sources have said the Sit-In is on Monday the 26th of January 2015 and some say Tuesday the 27th of January 2015. It could be either day.]

Contents:

* Audio Interview: National Indigenous Radio's 'Weekly News-in-Review'
"The Freedom Movement's Tauto Sansbury and Gracelyn Smallwood discuss a national protest in Canberra on January 26"
* Audio: Warren Barnsley, NIRS: Northern Territorian of the Year to attend Freedom Movement protest [Featuring Rosalie Kunoth-Monks]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Jenny Munro urges mob to attend Parliament House protest
* Audio Interview: CAAMA: Roxley Foley….Momentum Grows for Canberra
* Audio Interview: Radio Adelaide: Christine Abdullah (Ngarrindjeri) S.A. Delegate for the Original Peoples Freedom Movement
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos with Warren Barnsley, NIRS: Noongar delegation heads to Canberra freedom protest
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement
* WGAR Background to 'The Freedom Summit'

WGAR News: Angry Protesters Sit-In: The 'National Freedom Movement' marches on Canberra's Parliament House on the 'Day of Resistance'

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/01/28/wgar-news-angry-protesters-sit-in-th...

Contents:

* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Date with destiny - February 9 - First Peoples will Sit-In
* Analysis / Opinion: Shalailah Medhora, The Guardian: 'We have no friends in parliament,' Indigenous protesters tell Canberra
* Video: NITV News - 27 January 2015: Angry Protesters - The 'National Freedom Movement' marches on Parliament House on the day after Invasion Day [Featuring Michael Anderson, Ken Canning, Jenny Munro & Marianne Headland Mackay]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Freedom Movement to return on resumption of parliament [Featuring Michael Anderson]
* News: National Indigenous Times: Freedom Movement to confront politicians on February 9

* Homepage of the 'National Freedom Movement': http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement

* Audio & Photos: CAAMA: Nyoongar Mob cross Nullarbor to share their struggle! [Featuring Marianne Mackay]
* Audio: Let's Talk: Canberra Tent Embassy Invasion Day [Featuring Tauto Sansbury]
* News: CAAMA News: National unity protest action on Survival Day in Canberra [Featuring Marianne Mackay]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Stolen Generations representative among attendees at Canberra rally [Featuring Eileen Cummings]
* News: Henry Belot & Emma Kelly, The Canberra Times: Day of mourning and hope at Canberra's Aboriginal Tent Embassy
* Photos: Sovereign Union: Freedom Summit Side Events: Canberra 2015

* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement
* WGAR News: Invasion Day / Survival Day Rallies and Marches Across Australia: NITV News; SBS News; Occupy Sydney
* WGAR News: The day I don't feel Australian? That would be Australia Day: Chelsea Bond, The Conversation
* WGAR News: Updated 26 January 2015 Events: Aboriginal Sovereignty Day, Invasion Day, Survival Day & Day of Mourning

WGAR News: Breaking News: Insiders confirm Sit-In last straw for Prime Minister - leadership change: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer

Freedom Movement Sit-In for Aboriginal rights at Parliament House, Canberra, on 9 February 2015

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/02/wgar-news-breaking-news-insiders-con...

Contents:

* Breaking News: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Insiders confirm Sit-In last straw for Prime Minister - leadership change
* News: Green Left: In Brief: Parliament sit-in for Aboriginal rights
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: In Australia, there is the Aboriginal rights struggle
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Date with destiny - February 9 - First Peoples will Sit-In
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Freedom Movement to confront Federal politicians [Featuring Christine Abdulla]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Freedom Movement to confront politicians in Canberra [Featuring Vanessa Culbong]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Freedom Movement to return on resumption of parliament [Featuring Michael Anderson]
* News: National Indigenous Times: Freedom Movement to confront politicians on February 9
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 10 Minute Video Footage of Tue 27th of January 2015 National Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House Canberra
* Homepage of the 'National Freedom Movement': http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement

WGAR News: Footage of Tue 27th of January 2015 'National Freedom Movement' Sit-In at Parliament House Canberra: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/02/wgar-news-footage-of-tue-27th-of-jan...

Contents:

* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 10 Minute Video Footage of Tue 27th of January 2015 National Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House Canberra
* Video: NITV News: Freedom Movement’s Canberra Sit-In on 'First Day of Resistance'
* Video: NITV News: Heavy Handed Policing During Invasion Day Marches: Video
* Video: NITV News: Always was, Always will be Aboriginal Land: Rallies Across Australia on Survival Day 2015
* Video: More Invasion Day Videos from Eleanor Gilbert & Respect and Listen
* Audio: Invasion Day Radio
* Homepage of the 'National Freedom Movement': http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement

WGAR News: Flyer: First Nations Freedom Movement - Parliament House Sit-In - From 9th of February 2015 - Every day 10am till 4pm - Until Our Voice Is Heard

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/04/wgar-news-flyer-first-nations-freedo...

Contents:

* Appeal: National Freedom Movement: Save the National Indigenous Times
* Analysis / Opinion: Dr Woolombi Waters, Indymedia Australia: Litigation now the new censorship in reporting the news in the 21st century - National Indigenous Times
* WGAR News: Gerry Georgatos on the future of the National Indigenous Times: NITV News

* Flyer: First Nations Freedom Movement - Parliament House Sit-In - From 9th of February 2015 - Every day 10am till 4pm - Until Our Voice Is Heard
* Flyer: National Freedom Movement - Sit in protest 9th of February outside Parliament house Canberra 10am til 4pm every day
* Event: Indymedia Australia: Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House, Canberra, on 9 February 2015
* News: National Indigenous Times: First Peoples to confront politicians on February 9 in Canberra
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos and Warren Barnsley, NIRS: Protesters set to descend on Canberra [Featuring Freedom Movement supporter Josh Collard]

* Homepage of the 'National Freedom Movement': http://freedommovement2014.wix.com/freedommovement
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement

WGAR News: Aboriginal Sovereign Manifesto of Demands - National Aboriginal Freedom Movement

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/10/wgar-news-aboriginal-sovereign-manif...

Contents:

* Manifesto: Aboriginal Sovereign Manifesto of Demands - National Aboriginal Freedom Movement Aboriginal Embassy, Canberra, Australia
* Audio: Adam Evans, NIRS: Protesters come face-to-face with politicians during 'sit-in' [Featuring Tauto Sansbury and Gerry Georgatos]
* Audio Interview: Living Black Radio: 090215 ACT Freedom Sit In [Featuring Tauto Sansbury]
* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: They Came For The Abbott Spill, And Missed The Only Real Story In Town
* Audio: Ninah Kopel, The Wire: Protesting worlds worst child removal rate [Featuring Sue-Ellen Tighe, Michael Anderson and Tauto Sansbury]
* Video: NITV News - 9 February 2015: "GMAR groups from across the country rallied with Freedom Movement campaigners on the grounds of Parliament house to deliver a set of demands ... "
* News & Photos: CAAMA Radio at First Nations Freedom Movement Canberra 2015
* News & Photos: 9 News: Protesters attempt to derail TODAY Show's Canberra broadcast to bring attention to indigenous deaths in custody
* Photos from the Sit-In: Sovereign Union & Stop Stolen Generations Facebook
* Current Event: Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House, Canberra, from 9 February 2015
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement

WGAR News: Aboriginal Protestors Deliver List of Demands To Parliament: CAAMA Video

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/11/wgar-news-aboriginal-protestors-deli...

Contents:

* Video: CAAMA: Aboriginal Protestors Deliver List of Demands To Parliament
[Featuring Clive Palmer, Tauto Sansbury, Michael Anderson, GMAR, Jenni Munro, Les Coe & Roxley Foley]
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Freedom Movement delegates report back on the meeting with Nigel Scullion
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Freedom Movement Sit-In protesters present Manifesto to Bill Shorten
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Clive Palmer responds to National Freedom Movement presence
* News & Photos: CAAMA: Nigel Scullion Visits Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra
* News: CAAMA News: "Aboriginal Rights advocates say they could soon send a delegation to England to present the Queen with a list of issues ... " [Featuring Tauto Sansbury]
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Freedom Movement meets with Indigenous affairs minister [Featuring Tauto Sansbury & Nigel Scullion]
* Audio Interview: Let's Talk's Tiga Bayles interviews Michael Anderson on the Sit-In
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio: Young Voices... [Featuring Timothy Wilkey & Bud Spearim]
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Vanessa Culbong, Perth, speaks out at the Sit-In
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Sisters speak out at the Sit-In: Deaths in Custody
* Audio Interview: The Stringer Audio/Radio News: Gerry Georgatos interviews Bill Shorten on Aboriginal issues
* Audio Interview: The Stringer Audio/Radio News: Gerry Georgatos interviews Clive Palmer on Aboriginal issues
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Leadership squabbling, not Aboriginal rights struggle, consumed by mainstream media
* News: National Indigenous Times: Scullion commits to consult with Freedom Movement and grandmothers
* Media Roundup: Diet Simon, Linksunten Indymedia: Aboriginal protesters come face-to-face with politicians during Canberra 'sit-in'
* Photos: Sovereign Union: Canberra Sit-in Gallery - 9 February 2015
* Event: Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House, Canberra, on 9 February 2015
* WGAR Background to the National Freedom Movement