Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 25 events from 24 March 2012

Submitted by WGAR - Working ... on Sat, 24/03/2012 - 2:01pm

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: Tue 28 February to Sun 25 March 2012: Adelaide, SA
Exhibition: Deadly: in-between heaven and hell
Tandanya NACI and Adelaide Festival
"A major exhibition of newly commissioned works
by eight leading Australian Aboriginal artists and
collectives. ... For many Indigenous peoples,
'heaven on Earth' is the divine world shaped by
ancestral creators, where connection to country
and culture are in harmony with the experience
of self and community. At the other extreme, the
legacies of incursion and assimilation are a
'living hell'. The in-between is uneasy, lined
with hope and echoing with resilience."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/27911/

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: Sat 24 March 2012: Fullarton, SA
Amnesty International Fullarton Markets Group
"The government is currently deciding
whether they will fund essential services
on Aboriginal homelands in the next
Federal Budget.
Nearly one-third of Indigenous people in the
Northern Territory live on homelands.
Research shows that with proper services,
people can be happier, healthier and live
longer and on homelands."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/27913/

Event: Sun 25 March 2012: Nyoongar Tent Embassy, WA
The Day of the Didge:
Nyoongar Tent Embassy Fundraiser
"We will be staging the biggest ensemble of
didge players and music the world will ever see. ...
We hope the the Tent Embassies around Australia
- Canberra, Portland and soon to be Brisbane will
also come on board and host an event at their sites
on the same day to also fundraise for their
embassies and spread the message of
sovereignty."
Event details: http://www.indymedia.org.au/the-day-of-the-didge-nyoongar-tent-embassy-f...

Event: Mon 26 March 2012: Burwood
ANTaR Inner West's free screening of an Indigenous film
Film: "Here I Am"
Burwood Westfield Greater Union Cinema
" ... the story of a young Aboriginal woman's
struggle to stay off drugs and reconnect with
her young daughter and her Mother now that
she's out of jail."
Event details: http://www.sydneykin.org.au/pipermail/womenforwik/2012-February/000687.html

Event: 26 March 2012: Kirribilli, NSW
Listen Talk Act: Indigenous Conversations
"The Conversations will focus on the Constitutional
recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people and the value of education for Indigenous
peoples."
The Conversations will be led by:
* Graeme Mundine,
* Renee Coffey,
* Jane Kemp.
Event details: http://www.loreto.org.au/Home/News-Media/News/Listen-Talk-Act-Indigenous...
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html

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://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"
Demand Dignity - Amnesty International
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28174/

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