
Gerry Georgatos with residents of Broome’s shanty, One Mile Community – Photo, Ingetje Tadros
In Australia there is no greater rights struggle than the Aboriginal rights struggle. It is a human rights struggle where not only the First Peoples of this continent were violently and murderously dispossessed of their lands but since the advent of British colonialism onto their shores they were subjected to segregation, apartheid and the systematic destruction of their cultures and languages – more than 350 First Peoples’ nations and languages have been impacted.
On January 26, 1972, four young Aboriginal men pitched a beach umbrella on the front lawns of Australia’s Federal Parliament in Canberra, and then sat under the umbrella. They declared it Aboriginal Tent Embassy. This inspired a peaceful resistance movement, with at first hundreds and then thousands converging to Canberra to join them on the parliamentary lawns – setting up tents and camping. Their stances shone the lens of the media – domestic and international – onto the horrific social inequalities and disparities between the First Peoples of this continent and the rest of the population. Their stance contributed to the demise of the then incumbent Government. Some positive changes occurred but 43 years later for far too many of the descendants of the First Peoples little has changed while for many circumstances have worsened – to third world-akin conditions.
In this last year, a Freedom Movement – an Aboriginal Spring – has arisen where now there is the urgent call for more of the changes still outstanding to be addressed for the descendants of the First Peoples. On January 27, the Freedom Movement marched to Federal Parliament, defiantly walking past the police who tried to stop them. The Freedom Movement protesters gave notice that they would commence a historic Sit-In at the main entrance of Federal Parliament on February 9, the day parliament reopens. The nation’s media will have no choice but to ask, “What is wrong in our nation?”
The media will have no choice but to listen to what the Freedom Movement Elders, leaders and advocates from all over this continent have to say rather than forever depend on the wash of their own superfluous armchair journalism and on the assimilationist views of the Government.
Of all the developed nations, Australia has the widest divide of social inequalities between the descendants of its First Peoples and that of the rest of the population. How is this possible in Australia? Australia is the world’s 12th largest economy and 2nd wealthiest nation per capita. Yet of the nearly 700,000 descendants of the First Peoples of this continent, hundreds of thousands languish in extreme poverty, with hundreds of their communities across the continent no more than equivalent to shanty-towns – third-world akin. From a racialized lens they are arrested and jailed at among the world’s highest rates, they are dying of suicide, unnatural and premature deaths at among the world’s highest rates.
The February 9 commencement of the Sit-In proposed by this spirited Aboriginal Spring-like Freedom Movement is hoped as a potential watershed, a turning point in their tortuous journey to the elimination of racism, inequities and disparities, in their journey for the right to be nourished by historical and contemporary cultural worth and in their rightful dividends from the social wealth of the world’s 12th largest economy.
The Freedom Movement have set themselves a date with destiny after marching on Parliament House in Canberra last Tuesday declaring they would be back in even larger numbers on February 9 to confront the country’s politicians about the maltreatment and assimilation policies which are damagingly affecting the First Peoples. Not only do nearly half of all the descendants of the First Peoples languish in poverty but they also now feel there are waves of new attacks on their cultural rights, including a wave of land grabs and dispossession of more homelands.
The last remaining founder of the 1972 Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Michael Anderson, leader of the Euahlayi People, announced at the forecourt of Federal Parliament, “We will be back February 9 and we will stay. We are here now to deliver this message. Parliamentarians return on that day and they will have no choice but to respond to us. This is our land, we never ceded our land and we will never cede our land.”
“We will not stand by and continue to watch our children jailed, our children suffer.”
An elder of the Ngarrindjeri people, Christina Abdulla said, “We will come and we will stay. We will fight because this Government here is a racist government. All their decisions are made on the basis of racist ideologies. Our kids are being taken, our land coveted, our people harmed. We will fight the White fellas who are here in this building making decisions about us without us.”
An elder of the Wiradjuri people and lifelong social justice campaigner, Jenny Munro said, “We own this land and you stole this land. There is no Black signature anywhere that we ceded this land.”
From the western most region of the continent, an advocate of the Noongar people, Marianne Mackay journeyed six days to reach Canberra. “The Government wants to push our people off our homelands to make it easier for the miners and big business. Our homelands will be dispossessed unless we stand up.”
Noongar advocate, Vanessa Culbong said, “We are going to stay here in Canberra and be here for the Sit-In. We grandmothers want our babies back. They steal them from us, from within hospitals, while we are playing with family while we are in parks. Now is the time to move and stand up. We want our babies back. They are ours and we are theirs.”
One of the last of the Swan Valley River People, Herbert Bropho said, “They closed down my community. They will close down more communities. They don’t care about us. It is bad in Western Australia, it is worse than elsewhere.”
One of the senior most elders of the Noongar Peoples, Ben Taylor said, “I have lived racism for more than sixty years. I was taken from my family. I was institutionalized. I was put in a room with 21 other children with one toilet bucket. When we were older we were institutionalized again, this time with jail and for doing nothing like being in possession of a bottle of wine, or for being a Black person in White area part of town. We could not get married to a White person without the Government’s permission. We could not even marry one of our own without the Government’s permission.
“We fought the battle against racism and we have marched many times but here we are again still fighting the racism. We must keep on the fighting.”
Mr Anderson said, “What we did today here will now ensure the whole country knows of us and this will ensure we mobilise numbers they do not expect for February 9.”
The dramatic march on Parliament House was the climax of days of protest in Canberra and at other capital cities around the continent by First peoples and their supporters angered at government policies they believe are designed to destroy their cultures and heritage.
The Freedom Movement was ignited by the senior most elder of the Narrunga People, Tauto Sansbury, who called for all the First Peoples cultures to build a unified Aboriginal rights struggle. It was only two months ago the Freedom Movement was ignited in the heart of the continent – in Alice Springs – after Mr Sansbury’s call out to many First Peoples cultural clans. Many of these clans journeyed to Alice Springs and met on a former mission reserve where for some of them many of their ancestors suffered. In Alice Springs they heeded the call for unity.
“We cannot continue to sit idly by while our Peoples are being jailed at the world’s highest rates, while our youth are dying of suicide and dying prematurely at the world’s highest rates, while the systematic destruction of our homelands and land rights is in full swing, while assimilation is all governments allow,” said Mr Sansbury.
“We gathered at Aboriginal Tent Embassy, a gathering of many of our First People nations, we gathered in huge numbers. People travelled in convoys for days – and our poorest found ways to get to Canberra.”
“We are uniting. Unity is important if we are to have any real hope of real change, of reclaiming our rights struggle, of reclaiming our voice.”
“Our many issues will become one issue. Our many numbers will become one mass. Our presence must be seen, felt, heard.”
Social justice warrior, Ms Munro said, “There is a sickness among White People and that sickness is racism.”
“Wherever White People have gone in this world they have taken their sickness with them. Through this sickness they harm and exploit people, taking from us what they should not.”
Professor Gracelyn Smallwood of the Biri People said, “We have to unite to end the racism, to end the wrongs, to give rise to our voice.”
“There has to be an end to the institutionalization of our people, to the trauma, to the genocide. We cannot accept the theft of our lands. There is a conspiracy of silence, and this silence must end.”
Mr Munro said, “In South Africa they had Reconciliation with Truth but in Australia they want some form of limited Reconciliation but without the Truth.”
Wiradjuri Elder, Les Coe said, “We want our freedom and we are not going to stop until we realise this.”
“It seems to be quite an elusive thing but it is something we need to grab hold of.”
“As Aboriginal peoples we are just fed up. We are sick of the lies – no more lies, no more handouts, no more empty promises.”
– 40 years ago, suicide rates between First Peoples and the rest of the Australian population were comparatively proportionate. In their own languages they did not have a word for or definition of ‘suicide’. Their youth endure suicide rates five times that of the rest of the population.
– From 2001 to 2010, one in 24 of all deaths of First Peoples was by suicide. However this is according to coronial data. There is an underreporting of suicides and in my own research I estimate the suicide death rate at 1 in 12 to 1 in 16 of all deaths per annum. The life expectancy of a descendant of First Peoples in real terms is 20 years less than the rest of the population. In some regions it is up to 30 and 40 years less.
– The descendants of the First Peoples who are aged 10 to 17 years are 24 times more likely to be jailed in juvenile detention than non-Aboriginal youth.
– The descendants of the First Peoples number 700,000 and comprise less than 3 per cent of the Australian population. They are among the poorest peoples in the world. More than one quarter of the Australian prison population is comprised of the descendants of the First Peoples and each year it increases. The more west we journey across the continent the worse it is for the First Peoples – in terms of extreme poverty, arrest and jailing rates, homelessness, life expectancy and premature death rates. In Western Australia, one in 13 of all the adult males of the descendants of the First Peoples is in jail. From a racialized lens, Western Australia is often the mother of all jailers the world over.
Gerry Georgatos is a researcher, and with the lived experience, in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait affairs and issues in Australia. He is a researcher in racism and of the ways forward, in suicide prevention and in racial and cultural identities. He is also a former correspondent with the National Indigenous Radio Service, the National Indigenous Times and contributes to the independent online site, The Stringer.
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-the-national-freedom-movement-marches-on-canberras
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
Freedom Movement Sit-In at Parliament House, Canberra, on 9 February 2015
https://indymedia.org.au/events/freedom-movement-sit-in-at-parliament-house-canberra-on-9-february-2015
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-confirm-sit-in-last-straw-for-prime-minister-leadership
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-january-2015-national-freedom-movement-sit-in-at
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-freedom-movement-parliament-house-sit-in-from-9th-of
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-manifesto-of-demands-national-aboriginal-freedom-movement
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-deliver-list-of-demands-to-parliament-caama-video
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
* 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
OPEN LETTER
To:
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of UN General Assembly, New York, NY 10017 USA
From:
Ghillar Michael Anderson, Convenor and Joint Spokesperson of Sovereign Union of First Nations and Peoples in Australia and Head of State of the Euahlayi Peoples Republic
Re: Refugee Camp in Perth and developing Humanitarian Crisis
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/pdf/2015/150303-SU-UN-SG-re%20Refugee%20Camp.pdf
3 March 2015:
“As the appointed Ambassador of the original Aboriginal Embassy, the Convenor of the Sovereign Union and Head of State, Euahlayi Peoples Republic, I herewith bring to your attention the humanitarian crisis that has now developed in the state of Western Australia. This crisis is a consequence of the Western Australian government’s policy of shutting down up to 150 Aboriginal homelands and communities, which they have wrongly stated to be financially ‘unsustainable’ and economically unviable. We regard these actions as an an act of war and aggression against the various tribal Nations in Western Australia.
Already we have seen the Lockridge Aboriginal community in Perth bulldozed with impunity after the Commonwealth government of Australia had just completed building new dwellings. The people are homeless and have now crowded into other family homes creating massive overcrowding, which leads to family confrontation and lateral violence that affects not only children but adults alike.
In the northern part of Western Australia the Aboriginal community of Oombulgurri was progressively closed down: First, the government closed the services. … then eventually the electricity and water were turned off. Finally, the 10 residents who resolutely stayed to the end were forcibly evicted, …
I call upon Your Excellency to make this humanitarian crisis known throughout the world.
Furthermore, we ask that Your Excellency assist in the immediate provision of safeguards and protection of the refugee camp and to provide appropriate aid for the health and well-being of the refugees.”
– Media Release
Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: Abbott rejects compliance with international law and rebuts the UN’s standing
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/abbott-rejects-compliance-international-law-and-rebuts-uns-standing
http://sovereignunion.mobi/pdf/2015/150311-su-abbott-un.pdf
11 March 2015:
“Ghillar, Michael Anderson, Convenor of the Sovereign Union, Head of State of the Euahlayi Republic and co-founder of the 1972 Aboriginal Embassy said from Goodooga today:
Clearly Tony Abbott has been fully briefed on a Queensland Supreme court decision Ngurampaa v Balonne Shire Council where the judge agreed with the Balonne Shire Council submission that Australia is not bound to the UN Charter
[ http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/charter-united-nations-does-not-apply-australia-claims-qld-lawyer-euahlayi-rates-case ]
The most recent media comments by Tony Abbott, self-styled ‘Prime Minister for Indigenous Australia’ demonstrate the voice and opinion of a tyrant, dressed up in a liberal suit. The racist comments by PM Abbott in response to Aboriginal opposition to being forcibly removed form their lands resonates in the most negative of ways. As the ABC reported:
“Yesterday, Mr Abbott backed a plan in Western Australia to close more than 100 remote communities and move more than 12,000 people, saying “what we can’t do is endlessly subsidise lifestyle choices”.”
[ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-11/abbott-defends-indigenous-communities-lifestyle-choice/6300218 ]
We all know that the Western Australian government and Tony Abbott seek to clear the interior land mass of any and every resisting Aboriginal person, so they don’t have to deal with Land Rights issues, water rights issues and environmental issues. … “
Matargarup Aboriginal Refugee Camp
WGAR News: Matargarup Aboriginal Refugee Camp: About 50 WA police officers have used mounted police and K-9 dogs to seize the tents and valuables
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/15/wgar-news-matargarup-aboriginal-refugee-camp-about-50-wa-police-officers-have-used
Contents:
* Petition: Change.org Petition: Stop displacing Indigenous Australians by the closure of Indigenous communities.
* Urgent Action: Jennifer Kaeshagen, The Stringer facebook: “If anyone can donate to the … Matargarup First Nations refugee camp, then that be good. Really good. Tents, mattresses, bedding, … cash”
* News Analysis: Alex Bainbridge in Perth, Green Left: Police move in but fail to snuff out sacred fire at Matagarup
* Audio: Adam Evans with CAAMA Radio, NIRS: We have a right to be on Matagarup: Noongar embassy [Featuring Marianne Mackay]
* Photos: Sovereign Union: WA uses mounted police and dogs to seize tents and valuables at Refugee Camp
* Audio Interview: social justice and sustainable living – new media: #Indigenous tent Embassy near #Perth CBD will continue despite eviction by police – yarn with Herbert Bropho
* News: Calla Wahlquist and agencies, The Guardian: Mounted police join effort to dismantle Heirisson Island protest
* News: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: ‘Refugee Camp’ For Aboriginal People Moved Off Remote Communities Ordered To Close
* News Analysis: Alan Austin in France, Independent Australia: Abbott trashes Australia’s reputation abroad – again
* Analysis / Opinion: Jon Altman, ‘concerned Australians’: Homelands under the hammer, again, from the aspiring PM for indigenous policy
* Analysis / Opinion: Michael Gordon, SMH: Tony Abbott’s lifestyle choice remark leaves ‘everyone hurting inside’ in remote indigenous communities
* News & Photos: Green Left: Rally against Indigenous community closures shuts down Melbourne CBD
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Forced to dance to the White Man’s song – Australia, steeped in racism
* Background: Diet Simon sourcing from WGAR news, Linksunten Indymedia: Maori politicians support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Aboriginal ‘recognition’ – a cover for assimilation: Paddy Gibson, The Stringer
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/16/wgar-news-aboriginal-recognition-a-cover-for-assimilation-paddy-gibson-the-stringer
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Paddy Gibson, The Stringer: Aboriginal ‘recognition’ – a cover for assimilation
* Media Release: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: Governments are attempting to steal our original sovereign citizenship and independence
* Media Release: Callum Clayton-Dixon (Nganyaywana), Aboriginal Provisional Government: Let’s vote for independence, not assimilation!
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Forced to dance to the White Man’s song – Australia, steeped in racism
* Media Release: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: Governments attempting to counter Sovereignty Movement: Understanding when we are winning!
* Media Release: Michael Mansell, Aboriginal Provisional Government: Sovereignty is the foundation of Aboriginal rights
* Media Release: Sovereign Union: Anderson calls on ‘Expert Indigenous Working Group’ on land to take a firm stand for justice and our true and legal rights
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
WGAR News: Call to Action 19 March 2015: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities – Stop the Genocide!
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/17/wgar-news-call-to-action-19-march-2015-stop-the-forced-closure-of-aboriginal-communities
Contents:
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* Upcoming Event: Flyer: 19 March 2015: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities – call to action – Stop the Genocide!
* Upcoming Event: Thu 19 March 2015 from 11.30am: Rally from Aboriginal Tent Embassy to Parliament House, Canberra: Aboriginal communities in Australia announce a global call to action.
* Upcoming Event: 19 March 2015 at 12.30: Sydney say No Forced Closures of Remote Aboriginal Communities
* Upcoming Event: SOSBlakAustralia: Aboriginal Australian communities announce a global call to action
* Petition: Sarah Jay, Change.org: This petition will be tabled in the federal senate this week
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Support for WA Remote Communities is Going Global
WGAR News: International exposure: Rallies throughout Australia protesting closure of Aboriginal homelands / remote communities
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/25/wgar-news-international-exposure-rallies-throughout-australia-protesting-closure-of
Contents:
* Video: NITV News: Support for WA Remote Communities is Going Global
* Open Letter: Sovereign Union Letter to United Nations – SOS Forced closure of Aboriginal homeland communities in WA
* Photo: Sovereign Union facebook: “Here is Sovereign Union founder and convenor Ghillar Michael Anderson speaking on a Russian TV program on Thursday night by Skype.”
* News Analysis: Charlotte Chabas, Le Monde: En Australie, la colère des Aborigènes face au « mépris » de leur culture: “The World: In Australia Aboriginal People’s anger faces the ‘contempt’ of their culture”
* News Analysis: teleSUR: Australians Rally against Closure of Aboriginal Communities
* Media Release: Sisters of Saint Joseph: Josephites express profound concern at proposed Government plans to withdraw basic services to Aboriginal communities
* Media Statement: Bishops Commission for Relations with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders: What Choice? Aboriginal peoples have the right to decent services where they live
* Joint Urgent Appeal: Franciscans International & Edmund Rice International: Forced Displacement of Aborigines in West Australia
* Background: Franciscans International – a voice at the United Nations: Indigenous Peoples
* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: NZ MP’s support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Royce Kurmelovs, Al Jazeera: Shutting down Australia’s Aboriginal areas
* News Analysis: Alan Austin in France, Independent Australia: Abbott trashes Australia’s reputation abroad – again
* Analysis / Opinion: Marie McInerney, BBC News: Australia’s remote indigenous communities fear closure
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* Background: Diet Simon, sourced from WGAR, Linksunten Indymedia: Aboriginal Australian communities send a powerful message to government
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Breaking News: Homeless camp raided – City of Perth in disgrace, once again: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/26/wgar-news-breaking-news-homeless-camp-raided-city-of-perth-in-disgrace-once-again-gerry
Contents:
* Breaking News & News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Homeless camp raided – City of Perth in disgrace, once again
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Help the First Nations Homelessness Project – help Matargarup refugee camp – help the homeless
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Refugee camp thanks its founders with corroborree
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: In the heart of Perth, Aboriginal Tent Embassy and a refugee camp
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Jennifer Kaeshagen sets up The First Nations Homelessness Project
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
WGAR News: May Day marches:
Forcibly removing our Peoples from their lands unacceptable as a remedy for governments trading insolvent:
Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/30/wgar-news-may-day-marches-forcibly-removing-our-peoples-from-their-lands-unacceptable-as
Contents:
* Media Release: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: May Day marches: Forcibly removing our Peoples from their lands unacceptable as a remedy for governments trading insolvent
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* Video: NITV News: Remote Closures – SA Communities Call Emergency Summit to Fight ‘Cultural Genocide’
* News: Online News Team, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Maori supporters entertain indigenous protesters
* Background: Diet Simon, sourcing from WGAR, Linksunten Indymedia: Maori solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Threats to close Aboriginal homelands in South Australia
WGAR News: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM
Featuring Haydyn Bromley, SA Aboriginal Lands Trust & Tammy Franks, SA Greens MLC
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/31/wgar-news-sa-indigenous-leaders-seek-urgent-meeting-over-community-closure-concerns
Contents:
* Audio: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns [Featuring Haydyn Bromley, SA Aboriginal Lands Trust & Tammy Franks, SA Greens MLC]
* News: ABC News: Indigenous elders meet at Port Augusta as federal funding cuts threaten to close remote communities [Featuring Elder Mima Smart]
* Video: NITV News – 30 March 2015: Threats to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in SA
* Video: NITV News: Remote Closures – SA Communities Call Emergency Summit to Fight ‘Cultural Genocide’
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News Public Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
WGAR News – Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
Marches in Melbourne & Sydney protesting community closures
WGAR News: Breaking News 10 April 2015: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne: CAAMA
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/11/wgar-news-breaking-news-10-april-2015-over-thirteen-thousand-people-shut-down-melbourne
* Photos, Videos & Media: 10 April 2015 Marches in Melbourne & Sydney: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook
* Audio Interview: Van Nguyen & Sacha Payne, SBS News: Protests over plans to close remote communities [Van Nguyen spoke to Sacha Payne from the Melbourne rally]
* Video: David Hurley, Herald Sun: Flinders Street protest causing traffic, commuter chaos
* Breaking News & Photos: CAAMA: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne
* Breaking News: ABC News: Thousands rally in Melbourne in support of remote Aboriginal communities
* Breaking News: Aisha Dow, The Age: Protests bring city roads to standstill
* Breaking News: Skye News: Aboriginal protest disrupts Melb CBD
* Breaking News: SBS News: Hundreds protest against WA closures in Melbourne, Sydney
* Video: NITV News: We Want the World to Know: Rallies Continue Against Forced Closures of Aboriginal Communities
* Breaking News: Brittany Ruppert, SMH: 800 people march in Sydney protest against forced closure of remote Indigenous communities
* News Analysis: Green Left: Good news: Victorian council opposes closures of Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Thom Mitchell, New Matilda: Marches Today In Sydney, Melbourne Against Forced Closures Of Aboriginal Communities
* Photos: Citizenside France: Noosa: Protesters condemn community closures outside Abbott’s lunch
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Reps from KLC will travel to NY for 20 April meeting of permanent forum on Indigenous issues
WGAR News: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/10/wgar-news-kimberley-land-council-to-ask-un-forum-to-condemn-indigenous-community-closures
Contents:
* Video: Rachael Thornton, The Feed, SBS: Indigenous communities facing closure [Featuring Aboriginal people from WA homelands]
* Personal Story: Samantha Martin, Sunday Style, news.com.au: It’s more than just a ‘lifestyle choice’, it’s my home
* Analysis / Opinion: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures
* Analysis / Opinion: Michelle Lovegrove & Andrea Booth, NITV: Indigenous MP Linda Burney condems WA remote community closures
* Analysis / Opinion: Bridie Jabour, The Guardian: SA Indigenous figures fear funding dispute could lead to ‘cultural genocide’
* Analysis / Opinion: Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese: Funding Cuts to Remote WA and SA Communities Will Destroy Aboriginal Life
* News Analysis: Natalie Whiting, ABC News: Remote SA Aboriginal communities reassured they will stay open in face of national funding cuts
* Audio: Natalie Whiting, The World Today: SA Aboriginal groups assured communities won’t close
* WGAR News: Breaking News – 10 April 2015: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne: CAAMA
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
KALACC Directors Statement – Kimberley
WGAR News: KALACC Directors: Threatened Closure of Remote Aboriginal Communities: Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/12/wgar-news-kalacc-directors-threatened-closure-of-remote-aboriginal-communities-kimberley
Contents:
* Statement: Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre: KALACC Directors Statement on the Threatened Closure of Remote Aboriginal Communities – April 2015
* Background: KALACC is the Kimberley Region’s Peak Indigenous Law and Culture Centre
* Background: WGAR News: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian
* Background: Kimberley Land Council – About Us
* Analysis / Opinion: Michele Madigan, Eureka Street: Funding cut signals the destruction of Aboriginal life in Australia
* Audio: Dom Vukovic, 2SER – Real Radio: “removal of aboriginal communities from their lands in Western Australia”
[Featuring Paddy Gibson, Brenda Croft & Rosalie Kunoth-Monks]
* News: Thom Mitchell, New Matilda: ‘We’ll Be Back’: Thousands Protest Forced Closure Of Remote Communities
* News: NZ Herald: Melbourne rocked by protests
* News: Reme Sakr, Press TV: Australians slam govt. over plans against aboriginals
* Video: Seven Local News – Sunshine Coast, facebook: “A group of protesters tried to interrupt the Prime Minister while he lunched in Noosa”
* Event Poster: TangataWhenua.com: Maori solidarity with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Australia
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* Background: Press TV: Australia discontinues water, electricity services for Aboriginals
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Funding for South Australia’s Aboriginal Communities
WGAR News: Interview with Haydyn Bromley on funding for the 60 SA Aboriginal Communities: Uncle Stephen Goldsmith, Nunga Wangga – Radio Adelaide
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/14/wgar-news-interview-with-haydyn-bromley-on-funding-for-the-60-sa-aboriginal-communities
Contents:
* Audio Interview: Uncle Stephen Goldsmith, Nunga Wangga – Radio Adelaide: Haydyn Bromley on funding for the 60 SA Aboriginal Communities
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley, Stephen Goldsmith, Minungka McInerney]
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio’s Strong Voices: South Australia’s Remote Communities Safe for Now!
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley, Aboriginal Lands Trust South Australia]
* Audio: Natalie Whiting, The World Today: SA Indigenous communities safe: state and federal governments strike a deal
[Featuring Nigel Scullion, Haydyn Bromley & Kyam Maher]
* Media Release: Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens: Federal funding for SA remote aboriginal communities secured, WA must receive funding rethink
* Analysis / Opinion: Michele Madigan, Eureka Street: Funding cut signals the destruction of Aboriginal life in Australia
* Breaking News: Natalie Whiting, Nicola Gage & staff, ABC News: Future of remote Aboriginal communities secured by deal between SA and federal governments
* Breaking News: Lauren Novak, The Advertiser: State and Federal Governments sign $15 million funding agreement for services for Aboriginal communities.
* Breaking News: Stephanie Anderson, SBS News: Deal secures future of SA remote Indigenous communities
* Breaking News: Bridie Jabour, The Guardian: SA remote Indigenous communities thrown lifeline by funding deal
* Background: WGAR News: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley & Tammy Franks]
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Aboriginal protest continues as Australian PM plans visit to New Zealand: Online News Team, Maori Television
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/14/wgar-news-aboriginal-protest-continues-as-australian-pm-plans-visit-to-new-zealand-online
Contents:
* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia – Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/australia
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Aboriginal protest continues as Australian PM plans visit to New Zealand
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Maori perform haka in Sydney opposing closure of remote Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Taiha Molyneux, Maori Television: Maori and Australian artists collaborate to create artwork opposing remote community closure
* Call Out: Melissa Sweet, Croakey – the Crikey health blog: Calling health professionals to stand up on May 1, and join the “Selfish Rabble”
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* News Analysis: Steph Price, Red Flag: The fight for remote communities strengthens
* News Analysis: Rachel Evans & Jemma Nott, Green Left: Huge rallies against WA community closures
* Video: Yupster2501, YouTube: Stop The Forced Closure Of Aboriginal Communities – Sydney 10th April 2015
* Interview: The Guardian: #SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA: stop the forced closure of Aboriginal communities – IndigenousX [Featuring Sam Cook]
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Australia Unites Against Genocide of First Peoples
WGAR News: Land Grab In The Outback: Australia Unites Against Genocide of First Peoples with Gerry Georgatos and Elders: Global Freedom Movement Media
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/16/wgar-news-land-grab-in-the-outback-australia-unites-against-genocide-of-first-peoples
Contents:
* Extended Insightful Audio/Video Interview: Aimee Devlin & Brendan D. Murphy, Global Freedom Movement Media:
Land Grab In The Outback: Australia Unites Against Genocide of First Peoples with Gerry Georgatos and Elders [Featuring Bella & Herbert Bropho] …
Aboriginal Sovereignty and Aboriginal Genocide
WGAR News: For the record: Sovereignty Never Ceded: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/17/wgar-news-for-the-record-sovereignty-never-ceded-ghillar-michael-anderson-sovereign-union
Contents:
* Historical Analysis: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: For the record: Sovereignty Never Ceded
* Analysis: Aboriginal Genocide: 2015 perspective of ongoing Australian Aboriginal Genocide and Aboriginal Ethnocide
* Audio/Video Interview: Aimee Devlin & Brendan D. Murphy, Global Freedom Movement Media:
Land Grab In The Outback: Australia Unites Against Genocide of First Peoples with Gerry Georgatos and Elders [Featuring Bella & Herbert Bropho]
* Background: CPA – Campaigns: 13 Points on Land Rights for Aboriginal People
* Background Letter: Michael Anderson 2011, Sovereign Union: Ethnocide: A crime equal to genocide – Letter to UN Comminssioner for Human Rights
* Background Historical Analysis: Michael Anderson 2009, Sovereign Union: ‘That Word’ Treaty – The Value of Historical Insights
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
WGAR News: Anzac Day 2015 – Undeclared Frontier Wars Remembrance March – Canberra: Indymedia Australia
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/20/wgar-news-anzac-day-2015-undeclared-frontier-wars-remembrance-march-canberra-indymedia
Newsletter date: 20 April 2015
Contents:
* Frontier Wars Homepage: Sovereign Union: The Undeclared Frontier Wars: http://sovereignunion.mobi/content/frontier-wars
* Upcoming Event: Indymedia Australia: Anzac Day 2015 – Undeclared Frontier Wars Remembrance March – Canberra – ACT
* Upcoming Event Flyer: Sovereign Union – Gatherings / Events: http://sovereignunion.mobi/content/gatherings-events
* Current Event: Peacebus: Frontier War Storytelling Camp 2015 at Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Canberra
* Media Release: Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: ANZAC Day – for those who served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations
* Videos: Sovereign Union: Undeclared Frontier Wars Anzac Day Commemoration Videos [Anzac Day Marches 2011, 2012 & 2013]
* Video: akaWACA, YouTube: Frontier Wars Remembrance, Aboriginal ANZAC day, Canberra 2014
* Event Analysis: Ray Jackson, Sovereign Union: ANZAC day: Black Diggers buck the given history of “white men’s business”
* Analysis / Opinion: Padraic Gibson, Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Journal, UTS: Imperialism, ANZAC nationalism and the Aboriginal experience of warfare
* Audio & Video: Sovereign Union: 50 Aboriginal trackers left behind after the Boer War
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
Undeclared Frontier Wars Remembrance March
WGAR News: Aboriginal Group To Shadow ANZAC Day March And Highlight Frontier Wars: Amy McQuire, New Matilda
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/24/wgar-news-aboriginal-group-to-shadow-anzac-day-march-and-highlight-frontier-wars-amy
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Aboriginal Group To Shadow ANZAC Day March And Highlight Frontier Wars
* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Gallipoli Could Never Define Australia Like This War Did
* Upcoming Event: Indymedia Australia: Anzac Day 2015 – Undeclared Frontier Wars Remembrance March – Canberra – ACT
* Upcoming Event Flyer: Sovereign Union – Gatherings / Events: http://sovereignunion.mobi/content/gatherings-events
* Frontier Wars Homepage: Sovereign Union: The Undeclared Frontier Wars: http://sovereignunion.mobi/content/frontier-wars
* Audio: Melissa Lahoud, The Wire: Lest we Forget: Aboriginal people want their battles acknowledged [Featuring Graeme Dunstan & Dr Timothy Bottoms]
* Analysis / Opinion: Nicholas Clements, NITV News: Comment: Tasmania’s Black War: a tragic case of lest we remember?
* Audio Interviews: Cassandra Tim & Warren Barnsley, NIRS Weekly News-in-Review: ANZAC centenary special: Honouring Indigenous service men and women
* Analysis / Opinion: Timothy Bottoms, The Canberra Times: Why we ought to be remembering the frontier wars on Anzac Day
* Background: WGAR News: Evicting Indigenous Australians from their homelands is a declaration of war: John Pilger, The Guardian
* Background: WGAR News: Anzac Day 2015 – Undeclared Frontier Wars Remembrance March – Canberra: Indymedia Australia
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA