Newsletter date: 5 December 2012
Contents:
* Sovereign Union Audio: 1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference 2012
* Treaty Republic Audio: 1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference 2012
* Tracker: Native title is flawed: activists [Aboriginal protesters rally outside Brisbane's Stamford Plaza Hotel]
* Sovereign Union Audio: Isabel Coe honoured at Wiradjuri traditional funeral
* Background to the Aboriginal sovereignty movement
* 'Alternative Annual Report' reveals risks for BHP Billiton Investors
* 3CR Audio: Dissenting words from BHP Billiton’s 2012 AGM & an update on the Muckaty radioactive waste dump campaign
* The West Australian: 1400 public submissions on James Price Point [North of Broome, WA]
* Background to expansion of Olympic Dam mine challenge
* Background to the Save The Kimberley Campaign
* Background to the proposed Muckaty nuclear waste dump
* Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC): Yindjibarndu want solution to FMG Debacle
* NIT West Australian reporter Gerry Georgatos: Hit the road Twiggy - 4th insider blows whistle on FMG
* ABC 7.30 Video: Aboriginal group Chairman admits FMG ties and frustration
* Tracker: YAC wants inquiry into its FMG claims
* Let's Talk: Interview with Michael Woodley, CEO of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation
* Background to the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC)
* Background to Mabo and Native Title
* Other articles
* SOVEREIGN UNION AUDIO: 1ST BRISBANE SOVEREIGNTY & LAND RIGHTS CONFERENCE 2012
- Audio
Sovereign Union Audio Collection:
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/aggregator/sources/4
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node?qt-content_top_front_page_quickt...
Audioboo: Robbie Thorpe - 1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference 2012
http://audioboo.fm/boos/1084405-robbie-thorpe-1st-brisbane-sovereignty-l...
28 Nov 12
Audioboo: Wayne Coco Wharton - 1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference 2012
http://audioboo.fm/boos/1084350-wayne-coco-wharton-1st-brisbane-sovereig...
28 Nov 12
Audioboo: Mark Mc Murtrie - 1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference - 2012
http://audioboo.fm/boos/1084305-mark-mc-murtrie-1st-brisbane-sovereignty...
28 Nov 12
- Related Event
Event: 10am Sun 25 November 2012: Qld State Library
1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference
* BBQ breakfast from 9-9:45am
at Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park
* Conference begins at 10am Queensland State Library
Speakers include:
* Mark McMurtrie
* Adrian Burragubba
* Robbie Thorpe
* Wayne Wharton
* Marshall Bell
* Norman Johnson
* Kevin Arjin
* Gracelyn Smallwood
* Michael Mansell
Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/295153823919301/
* TREATY REPUBLIC AUDIO: 1ST BRISBANE SOVEREIGNTY & LAND RIGHTS CONFERENCE 2012
- Audio
Treaty Republic: Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference
Conference audio files:
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/brisbane-sovereignty-land-rights-confe...
SoundCloud: Boe Spearim - Intro to 1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/boe-spearim-intro-to-1st
25 Nov 12
SoundCloud: Coco Wharton
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/coco-wharton
25 Nov 12
SoundCloud: Judulu Neal
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/judulu-neal
25 Nov 12
SoundCloud: Kevin Arjin
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/kevin-arjin
25 Nov 12
SoundCloud: Mark McMurtrie
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/mark-mcmurtrie
25 Nov 12
SoundCloud: Marshall Bell
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/marshall-bell
25 Nov 12
SoundCloud: Robbie Thorpe Rap - 'We Want a Crime Scene Investigation'
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/robbie-thorpe-rap-we-want-a
25 Nov 12
SoundCloud: Robbie Thorpe
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/robbie-thorpe
25 Nov 12
SoundCloud: Gracelyn Smallwood (Birri Gubba)
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/gracelyn-smallwood-birri-gubba
26 Nov 12
SoundCloud: Michael Mansell (Palawa)
http://soundcloud.com/ian-curr/michael-mansell-palawa
26 Nov 12
- Related Event
Event: 10am Sun 25 November 2012: Qld State Library
1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference
* BBQ breakfast from 9-9:45am
at Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park
* Conference begins at 10am Queensland State Library
Speakers include:
* Mark McMurtrie
* Adrian Burragubba
* Robbie Thorpe
* Wayne Wharton
* Marshall Bell
* Norman Johnson
* Kevin Arjin
* Gracelyn Smallwood
* Michael Mansell
Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/295153823919301/
* TRACKER: NATIVE TITLE IS FLAWED: ACTIVISTS [ABORIGINAL PROTESTERS RALLY OUTSIDE BRISBANE'S STANFORD PLAZA HOTEL]
- News
Native title is flawed: activists
newsTracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/native-title-is-flawed-activists/
Yahoo7!: http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/15467769/native-title-is-flaw...
26 Nov 12: "Mining companies are robbing indigenous communities of a decent share of the mineral wealth because the native title system is flawed, Aboriginal activists say. Up to 100 Aboriginal protesters are planning to rally outside Brisbane's Stamford Plaza Hotel on Monday and Tuesday, as native title bureaucrats hold talks with mining companies and the government. Wayne Wharton, from the Kooma tribe in southwest Queensland, says the talks are never fair but just a way for mining companies discuss loopholes in an already weak native title system. ... Mr Wharton was among 10 Aboriginal activists and academics speaking at Brisbane's first Sovereignty and Land Rights Conference on Sunday."
- Related Event
Event: 8:30am Mon 26 November 2012: Brisbane City, Qld
Rally against Native Title
Rally outside Native Title & Cultural Heritage
Conference & march back to Musgrave Park
"From 26 to 27 November, Native Title bureaucrats
will be sitting down with mining companies and
Government, at a $1000 a seat conference in the
posh Stamford Plaza Hotel, to discuss ways around
the already weak Native Title legislation.
This is not Land Rights, this is not justice for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This does not address the illegal dispossession of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and
the ongoing violent occupation of our land."
Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/295153823919301/
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/52704
* SOVEREIGN UNION AUDIO: ISOBEL COE HONOURED AT WIRADJURI TRADITIONAL FUNERAL
- Audio
Sovereign Union Audio Collection:
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/aggregator/sources/4
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node?qt-content_top_front_page_quickt...
Audioboo: Isabel Coe honoured at Wiradjuri traditional funeral
http://audioboo.fm/boos/1072752-isabel-coe-honoured-at-wiradjuri-traditi...
22 Nov 12
- Related Event
Event: Wed 5 December 2012, 12pm: Canberra, ACT
Memorial for Aunty Isabell
"A MEMORIAL day will be held at the
National Aboriginal Embassy in Canberra
on 5 December in honour of the late
Aboriginal rights campaigner Isabell Coe,
who died on 10 November."
"There will be a Smoking Ceremony"
Event summary: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/actindnetwork/message/20106
Event summary: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/actindnetwork/message/20113
Event summary: [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
See:
WGAR News: The Wire: Influential tent embassy activist passes away [Isabel Coe] (15 Nov 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/15/wgar-news-the-wire-influential-tent-e...
WGAR News: Update on Aunty Isabell Coe's funeral ... (18 Nov 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/18/wgar-news-update-on-aunty-isabell-coe...
* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY MOVEMENT:
Last updated: 1 December 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-aboriginal-sovereig...
* 'ALTERNATIVE ANNUAL REPORT' REVEALS RISKS FOR BHP BILLITON INVESTORS
- Media Release
'Alternative Annual Report' reveals risks for BHP Billiton Investors
Friends of the Earth Australia: http://www.foe.org.au/articles/2012-11-29/alternative-annual-report-reve...
29 Nov 12: "Sydney − Traditional Owners, environmentalists and shareholders will today use BHP Billiton’s AGM to launch the fourth 'Alternative Annual Report', Titled 'Dirty Deeds' The report reveals the risks to investors of the company’s environmental and social performance.
Kevin Buzzacott, Arabunna elder, said: "BHP owns the Olympic Dam mine in South Australia, they have been taking water from my country for years to operate it. Uranium from that mine was being used in the reactors at Fukushima. In July this year over 500 people joined me at the gates to protest its expansion. It's a toxic legacy for my people and the world. The whole uranium industry is risky business and a bad investment. We have seen what it can do and we want BHP Billiton out of the desert." ...
Wilderness Society Marine Campaigner Jenita Enevoldsen said: "In regards to the proposed industrial development at James Price Point, BHP and the other joint venture partners could save around $10 billion dollars by choosing alternatives like floating or piping Browse gas. These alternatives could also avoid damaging a pristine National Heritage Listed coastline that is globally significant because of its unique marine life and intact nature.""
- Report
bhpbilliton dirty deeds - Alternative Annual Report 2012
Editors: Jim Green & Svea Pitman
http://bhpbillitonwatch.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/bhp_report_2012.pdf
"This 'alternative report' for 2012 is focused on BHP Billiton's dirty energy production of uranium and gas, highlighting the effect it is having on local communities, the environment and other crucial resources such as water."
See:
WGAR News: The Wire: BHP Billiton bombarded by protests (3 Dec 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/12/03/wgar-news-a-decision-to-discriminate-...
- Related Event
Event: Thu 29 November 2012: Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW
Reclaim the Future - BHP AGM Sydney 2012
BHP Billiton Sydney AGM Protest
"BHP Billiton has the opportunity to begin a
transition out of dirty energy minerals
(oil, uranium and coal) Instead they are at the
forefront of expanding these industries,
leaving a toxic legacy for our future generations
whilst 85% of their profits go offshore."
Come join us at there annual general shareholders meeting in Sydney and have your voice heard towards the actions of these corporate parasites.
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/events/240677119387432/
Event details: http://bhpbillitonwatch.net/2012/11/23/bhp-billiton-sydney-agm-thursday-...
WGAR Background to expansion of Olympic Dam mine challenge: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/13/background-to-expansion-of-olympic-da...
* 3CR AUDIO: DISSENTING WORDS FROM BHP BILLITON'S 2012 AGM & AN UPDATE ON THE MUCKATY RADIOACTIVE WASTE DUMP CAMPAIGN
- Audio Interviews
3CR Community Radio 855 AM: Podcasts
Radioactive Show - 2 Dec 2012
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Listen to this program online: http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-12-01-29793.mp3
2 Dec 12: "Muckaty and AGM season! Dissenting words from BHP Billiton’s 2012 AGM and an update on the Muckaty radioactive waste dump campaign … We talk with Natalie Wasley from the Beyond Nuclear Initiative about recent developments in the waste dump campaign. Then we tap into protests in Sydney and hear the frustrations of people affected by BHP Billiton’s projects including Uncle Kevin Buzzacott, Peter Watts and Colombian unionist Edwin Mejia."
* THE WEST AUSTRALIAN: 1400 PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS ON JAMES PRICE POINT [NORTH OF BROOME, WA]
- News
The West Australian: 1400 public submissions on James Price Point
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/wa/15547930/1400-public-su...
4 Dec 12: "The EPA received more than 1400 public submissions in a week-long public comment period on Woodside's plans to build an LNG processing facility at James Price Point as the first "derived proposal" submitted in WA. The Department of State Development's strategic assessment for the gas precinct, approved by Environment Minister Bill Marmion, allows for multiple LNG users to occupy a single site and considers cumulative environmental effects. It allows companies to submit development plans as "derived proposals" - or future proposals - which do not require further environmental approval. Environmentalists have criticised the proposition, claiming it would allow Woodside's gas plant to be built without further environmental scrutiny."
* BACKGROUND TO EXPANSION OF OLYMPIC DAM MINE CHALLENGE:
Last updated: 3 December 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/13/background-to-expansion-of-olympic-da...
* BACKGROUND TO THE SAVE THE KIMBERLEY CAMPAIGN - JAMES PRICE POINT, NORTH OF BROOME, WA
Last updated: 25 November 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/22/wgar-news-background-to-the-save-the-...
* BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED MUCKATY NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:
Last updated: 25 November 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-proposed-muckaty-nu...
* YINDJIBARNDI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION (YAC): YINDJIBARNDU WANT SOLUTION TO FMG DEBACLE
- Statement
Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC): Yindjibarndu want solution to FMG Debacle
http://yindjibarndi.org.au/yindjibarndi/?p=2903
29 Nov 12: "A statement from Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) in response to revelations by another whistleblower, Yindjibarndi Elder Bruce Woodley, Chairman of the Wirlu-Murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WMYAC), regarding FMG interference in, and manipulation of Yindjibarndi native title affairs."
***
"Yindjibarndi Elder Bruce Woodley joins Sue Singleton, Brad Goode and Kerry Savas in telling the 'inconvenient' truth about Fortescue’s (FMG) behind-the-scenes tactics to divide Yindjibarndi society and destroy our culture. We thank him for his courage, as we do the others, and all those who might follow. We especially hope that Bruce’s peers at the Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WMYAC) take heart from his lead in trying to bring our people together to achieve an outcome that benefits us all.
What Bruce Woodley revealed yesterday about FMG’s manipulation and duping of the Wirlu-murra splinter group, which Fortescue helped set up and continues to fund, is not news to the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC). FMG has done everything it can to avoid dealing with the lawful representative institution that was appointed by the Federal Court, and is elected by the Yindjibarndi People, to take care of the native title rights and interests of the Yindjibarndi People. ... "
* NIT WEST AUSTRALIAN REPORTER GERRY GEORGATOS: HIT THE ROAD TWIGGY - 4TH INSIDER BLOWS WHISTLE ON FMG
- News
National Indigenous Times: Hit the road Twiggy
- 4th insider blows whistle on FMG
YAC: http://yindjibarndi.org.au/yindjibarndi/?p=2873
NIT: http://www.nit.com.au/your-say.html
NIT: http://www.nit.com.au/news/2299-hit-the-road-twiggy.html
28 Nov 12: "By National Indigenous Times West Australian reporter Gerry Georgatos.
In a suite of staggering revelations, Bruce Woodley, Chairman of the Wirlu-Murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WMYAC)-the Yindjibarndi faction created and funded by FMG-has confirmed earlier statements by solicitor Kerry Savas (to the National Indigenous Times on October 31, and on ABC’s 7.30 program on November 20) that the Wirlu-murra were formed to enable Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) to circumvent the native title rep body appointed by the Federal Court, the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC); and to rig a deal for cheap mining access to Yindjibarndi lands for its Solomon Project-an allegation repeatedly denied by FMG, most recently by FMG director Peter Meurs on ABC’s 7.30 program. ... "
* ABC 7.30 VIDEO: ABORIGINAL GROUP CHAIRMAN ADMITS FMG TIES AND FRUSTRATION
- Video
ABC 7.30: Aboriginal group Chairman admits FMG ties and frustration
Reporter: Bronwyn Herbert; Presenter: Leigh Sales
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3643280.htm
28 Nov 12: "A long-running Native Title dispute involving one of Australia's richest miners took a dramatic turn today. After years of silence, the highest ranking officer of an Indigenous group has conceded the group was created and funded by Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest's Fortescue Metals Group. FMG stands accused of setting up the group in an attempt to secure a cheaper Native Title deal."
* TRACKER: YAC WANTS INQUIRY INTO ITS FMG CLAIMS
- News
newsTracker: YAC wants inquiry into its FMG claims
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/yac-wants-inquiry-into-its-fmg-claims/
29 Nov 12: "WESTERN AUSTRALIA: The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) has called for a federal inquiry into its allegations that iron ore miner Fortescue Metals "heavied" its way onto land in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The YAC on Wednesday claimed that Bruce Woodley, the chairman of breakaway claimant group Wirlu-Murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WMYAC), had backed up recent controversial statements made by solicitor Kerry Savas on ABC’s 7.30 Report."
* LET'S TALK: INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL WOODLEY, CEO OF THE YINDJIBARNDI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION
- Audio Interview
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Let's Talk: Michael Woodley
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
28 Nov 12: "CEO of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation"
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/michael-woodley-7/
- Related News
National Indigenous Times: Woodley: Room for peace
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2291-woodley-room-for-peace.html
28 Nov 12: "Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) CEO Michael Woodley said peace with Fortescue Metals Groups is possible - he said peace is only a "fair deal away". He has been able to secure a "fair deal" with an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with Rio Tinto for his people. Mr Woodley is prepared to negotiate with Fortescue despite the whistleblower claims by lawyer Kerry Savas of Fortescue... "
Koori Mail: No end in sight for Yindjibarndi division
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
28 Nov 12: "THE Yindjibarndi people of Western Australia’s Pilbara region are on their own when it comes to navigating their way through negotiations with Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) over access to their mineral and culture rich traditional country. That’s the message from both the State and Federal governments as tensions continue to escalate between two rival Yindjibarndi groups made up of overlapping families - the Roebourne-based Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) and the Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WYAC)."
* BACKGROUND TO THE YINDJIBARNDI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION (YAC):
Last updated: 27 November 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/27/background-to-the-yindjibarndi-aborig...
* BACKGROUND TO MABO AND NATIVE TITLE:
Last updated: 3 December 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/07/02/background-to-mabo-and-native-title
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Audio
The Wire: Learning journey continues
Produced by Alexia Attwood
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9929
4 Dec 12: "Teachers need further enrichment and confidence to incorporate the Aboriginal community into their teaching practices. That’s according to findings from a new book being launched this week that targets the way we teach Aboriginal history and culture in our classrooms. Aboriginal children continue to fall behind within our education system and this book, based on four years of research, suggests ways to bridge this gap. It looks at applying innovative practices, such as the inclusion of technology, into culturally responsive classroom projects. ...
Featured in story:
Dr Nina Burridge, author of Indigenous Education: A Learning Journey for Teachers, Schools and Communities"
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
http://caama.com.au/radio#tabs-6
http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/am-4-12.mp3
4 Dec 12: "A peak Australian Human Rights body says Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders hold a unique and special position as First Nations Peoples and as such deserve proper constitutional recognition."
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Historian calls for respect for Indigenous servicepeople
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7665-historian-calls-for-respect...
4 Dec 12: "A Queensland-based Aboriginal historian has been searching for evidence that Indigenous people served in the Boer War. Dr. Dale Kerwin believes up to 50 Indigenous people served in the war as bushmen and trackers. The 110th anniversary of the end of the Boer War was commemorated in May this year. Dr. Kerwin says it is hard to find evidence that Indigenous people served in the war as they were not allowed to enlist unless they denied their Aboriginal heritage."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Look at education-based sentences before jail: Mundine
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7664-look-at-education-based-sen...
4 Dec 12: "The Chief Executive Officer of GenerationOne is recommending giving serial Indigenous offenders work and education-based sentences instead of jail time. Warren Mundine will meet with the Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie next month to discuss his proposal which has been financially-supported by some of Australia's richest people. Mr. Mundine says the growing Indigenous jail population was a ticking time bomb."
- - -
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http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/30/about-wgar-news-working-group-for-abo...
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