[recoznet2] Some events with a mainly South Oz flavour
Dear all, Some of the following may be of interest, [particularly for South Australians on the list - but in some cases for then rest of you also] Please pass information on to others who you think it might interest. 1. Radio National encounter program 2. Reconciliation Statement Consultations in Adelaide/south 3. New Book - Reconciliation: Searching for Australia's Soul 4. Countering racism launch - Adelaide 5. The Circle - Goodwood 6. Anti-racism workshops - Adelaide 7. Conference on religion and the media - Sydney 8. National youth reconciliation conference - Geelong ___ 1. Radio National: 'Encounter' program Sunday, 15th August, 7am Discussion on reconciliation in connection with some issues raised by Robert Schrieter (currently on speaking tour in Australia on Christianity and Reconciliation). The panel facilitated by Stephen Watkins is composed of Sharon Cruse, Catherine Koh, Jenny Baker, Norman Habel, Shaun Ewing, and Chip Morgan. (recorded in Adelaide last week) ___ 2. Public Consultation Meetings on the Draft Document for Reconciliation Over the next month major public consultation meetings will be held in South Australia to consider the draft Document for Reconciliation proposed by the Council for Reconciliation. The details of these meetings are as follows: Adelaide: Wednesday August 18 at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. Maughan Church corner of Franklin and Pitt Streets Adelaide with Evelyn Scott and Archie Barton Adelaide Southern: Wednesday August 25 at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. Noarlunga Health Village Alexander Kelly Drive Noarlunga Centre with Karmi Dunn and Archie Barton . You are also invited to arrange your own local meetings in your local area; and/or organisation/s you are involved in. For resources to facilitate such meetings contact Chip or Russell on 1800060270. Please promote these meetings in your area of influence and plan to hold meetings in you community. __ 3 Reconciliation: Searching for Australia's Soul, by Norman C. Habel Much has been written about reconciliation as part of the political process in Australia. What is missing is a serious attempt to interpret the reconciliation process in spiritual terms that reflect Australia's heritage. Reconciliation in the deepest sense is not only political and social, but also spiritual and human. The soul of Australia is at stake. Reconciliation: Searching for Australia's Soul explores the spiritual dimensions of reconciliation in the Australian context. Where others have focussed on spirituality in Australia through poetry and art, Norman Habel explores spirituality through the reconciliation process, linking it with our shared history, Aboriginal culture and understandings of the land in Australia. About the author: Norman Habel is a recognised scholar and theologian from Adelaide where is involved in social justice and ecojustice issues. He lectures at the Adelaide College of Divinity. He is coordinating the writing of a series of books entitled The Earth Bible. Norman also helped facilitate the writing of Rainbow Spirit Theology. Reconciliation: Searching for Australia's Soul is available at Open Book at $19.95) ___ 4. Public Seminar [organised by SA Education Department] "TOLERANCE - OR RESPECT?" - LAUNCH OF DETE'S COUNTERING RACISM PROJECT Tuesday August 31 1999, 9am Adelaide Festival Centre King William St Adelaide Celebrating diversity in curriculum and teaching Speakers include: Zita Antonias Race Discrimination Commissioner - Human Rights & Equal Opportunities Commission Evelyn ScottChair of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation Prof Mary Kalantzis Dean of Education, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Contact Vincenzo Andreacchio, project manager, Countering Racism 83668513 or Maria Callisto, project officer, SA Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission phone 83668555 or fax 83650571 __ 5. September - THE CIRCLE - Thursday night Not entertainment - not about activism and issues - just bring your self to participate in a contemporary ceremony for healing and upliftment through music, song and prayer Thursday September 9th at 7.30 pm sharp Venue : SOPHIA 225 Cross Road Cumberland Park Indigenous/non-IndigenousALL WELCOME Phone 82936831 Guided by Kerry Yates and Robert Crompton - Tanganakuld Clan Ngarrindjeri Nation Gold coin donation for venue hire gratefully accepted. _ 6. ANTI RACISM WORKSHOP The successful CHALLENGING RACISM workshop
[recoznet2] Fwd: Conference on Correctional services and Indigenous people
Dear all, This may be of interest. Dean __ The Australian Insititute of Criminology and Correctional Services SA present a conference on BEST PRACTICE INTERVENTIONS IN CORRECTIONS FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE 13-15 October 1999 Hindley Parkroyal Adelaide Day 1 13 October 12.30pm - 5.30pm Day 2 14 October 9.00am - 6.00pm 7pm Conference Dinner Day 3 15 October 8.30am - 5.00pm Aims and objectives of the Conference: The aims of the conference will be to examine and compare some of the best practice interventions being used within the Australian correctional system for indigenous people. The conference will provide a forum for correctional administrators, custodial staff, Indigenous groups, health professionals, researchers and many others to participate. The Australia Institute of Crinminology is also delighted to be bale to draw on knowledge and experiences from a number of international speakers and participants. A significant component of the conference will introduce expert speakers to discuss specific programs operating within their jurisdictions that are viewed to be making positive contributions to reducing the significant over-representation and custodial death problems, together with progress in refortming areas of the criminal justice system dealing with indigenous offenders and addressing the underlying issues such as disadvantage and inequality that have contributred to their excessive incarceration rates. Some of the issues to be canvassed include: - classification and case management for Indigenous prisoners; - provision of medical services and health care issues; - pre- and post- release programs; - awareness training and for correctional officers and other professional staff; - vocational education and training; - programs tailored to Indigenous women; - violence programs; - drug and alcohol problems - sex offender programs - behaviour modification programs; - alternatives to imprisonment; - sentencing options; - restorative justice; - design issues; - international comparisons and experiences; - incarceration and deaths in custody trends; - programs to reduce self-harm and suicide. Speakers include: Wed: Lewis O'Brien, Adam Graycar, Trevor Griffin, John Paget, David Rathman, Wed. electives: Robert Vandenbergh on Community Based Correctional Schemes A/Prof Rick Sarre on Overview of the Theory of Diversion Darcy Turgeon: Diversion from Secure Custody Facilities to outstations Dr Paul Chantrill Sentencing/Diversionary programs Pat Hodgens on Literacy/Numeracy Pam Gill on Overview of Pragrams in NSW Mavis Ferier on Girrawaa Creative Work Centre, Bathurst Cultural Program Chris Manners on Vocational Training and Education in NT Correctional Centres David Daley on Aboriginal Community Supervision agreements Robert Brown and John Scantleton on Outreach Service to Indigenous Probationers Ron Woodham on Overview of NSW Programs - Mobile Work Camps and Second Chance Program Thursday 14 October: Speakers: Glenda Humes, Colin Dillon, Bill Jonas, Tauto Sansbury, Winsome Matthews Mitch Kassen (Canada), Dr Haami Piripi (NZ), David McDonald and A/Prof Chris Cunneen, Robert Brokenshire Electives: Prof Keith Howells on Anger Management Darcy Turgeon on Sexual Health Glen Jones on Aboriginals as Victims and Offenders Maureen West on Cultural Camps Dr Paul Menmott on Design Issues Dave Moore on Accommodation Initiatives in the NT for Indigenous Inmates Dave Moore on NT Court Mandated Pilot Program for Offenders of Domestic and Aboriginal Family Violence Darcy Tudgeon and Colin Williams on Domestic Violence: Alternative to Family Violence Program (QLD) Julianne Davies on WA Sex Offender Program Chris Manners on NT Sex Offender Program Tony Lindsay on An Aboriginal Inmate's Perspective (SA) Michael Kartinyeri on AN Aboriginal Correctional Officer's Perspective (SA) Alf Bamblett on Bert Williams Diversionary Program Susan Senior on Aboriginal Family Supervision Program Mark Johnson and Michelle Hall on Indigenous Healing Program and Juvenile Offenders Education Program. Friday October 15 Speakers: Dr Adam Graycar, Dave Moore, Dr Leo Kelliher, Denbigh Richards, Penny Armytage, John Paget, Alan Piper, Frank Peach, James Ryan, Amanda Vanstone Electives include: Greg Dear on Suicide/Self Harm
[recoznet2] AAP: Preamble should be dumped: Dodson
Preamble should be dumped: Dodson Source: AAP | Published: Thursday August 12 8:39:10 AM Former reconciliation council chairman Pat Dodson today called for the preamble to be dumped from the November referendum, describing the compromise preamble agreed between the prime minister and Australian Democrats as a farce. The compromise has also been rejected by other influential indigenous leaders including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission chair Gatjil Djerrkura and Kimberley Land Council head Peter Yu. "I would prefer nothing, this is an absolute farce this preamble," Dodson told ABC radio. "We ought to take it off the agenda and leave it alone, it does nothing and it contributes nothing to enhance the position of indigenous people." Dodson said Australian Democrats reconciliation spokesman Aden Ridgeway, who negotiated the new wording, needed to learn what customary law was all about. Ridgeway proposed a reference to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders' deep kinship with their lands rather than custodianship as many indigenous people wanted. "Aboriginal people are owners of this country and if you want to put anything in there put the fact down that we own Australia and that ought to be reflected in any preamble or any constitutional reality." He said the prime minister's consultation on the preamble should go beyond Ridgeway to the rest of the indigenous community. "We are being treated with absolute contempt, we are being denied any real rights and real say over this matter," he said. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Youth crime prevention forum to focus on solutions
Forwarded with permission: Subject: Qld. Media statement - Youth crime prevention forum to focus on solutions Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 9:18 AM Families, Youth and Community Care/Disability Services, HON. ANNA BLIGH 12/8/99 Youth crime prevention forum to focus on solutions Crime specialists, Local Government representatives, youth workers and Indigenous elders from across Queensland have gathered in Brisbane to tackle issues surrounding Youth crime. Officially opening a two day Youth Crime Prevention Forum, Minister for Families, Anna Bligh said prevention is the key to safer communities and a brighter future for young people in conflict with the law. "Youth crime prevention is a major focus of the Beattie government's statewide crime prevention strategy. "To tackle crime, we have to effectively tackle the causes of crime. "This Forum is an opportunity to review the way we are addressing the causes of youth crime and look at how we can do it better," Ms Bligh said. The Forum is a joint initiative of the Department of Families, Youth and Community Care and community agencies funded by the Department's Youth and Community Combined Action (YACCA) scheme. "We need a range of responses to youth crime. We need tough responses to crime and we need better more flexible ways of intervening early and nipping criminal behaviour in the bud. "This Government wants to make sure today's shoplifters don't become tomorrows hardened criminals. "The Conference is a good example of State and Local Governments working in partnership with the community to find solutions," Ms Bligh said. A range of specialist speakers will address the Forum to outline current prevention programs. Dr David Brereton, CJC, will discuss the nature and extent of youth crime in Queensland and Professor Ross Homel from Griffith University will give a keynote address on current trends in crime prevention practice and responses to the causes of crime. The Forum will focus on: · Current approaches to crime prevention · Over representation of indigenous young people in the youth justice system · Strategies for partnership with the wider community · Workshops focussing on improving crime prevention strategies. "I look forward to the outcome of this Forum, its recommendations and challenges to improve our approach to crime prevention," Ms Bligh said. Forum Contact: Lindsay Wegener 0419 668 242, Youth Justice Program, DFYCC --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Dems referendum question passed in Senate
The Democrat minimalist question "to change the commonwealth of Australia to a republic" was passed by the Senate with some of the government Senators voting in favour! Howard will now put up his own referendum question to the lower house again. Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is on the move
Forwarded with permission: THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY IS ON THE MOVE EMBASSADORS FROM THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY WILL BE EMBARKING ON A NATIONAL SOVEREIGN RIDE TO SING UP ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY THE TOUR IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY MEMBERS OF THE SOVEREIGN COUNCIL AND CONCERNED GROUPS IN AUSTRALIA In it's 27th year of occupation, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy still spearheads the struggle for recognition of Aboriginal sovereignty and for freedom and justice. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy in it's peaceful presence poses the following fundamental question: By what authority does the British Crown or the Australian government have sovereign right over the lands and Peoples of the Aboriginal Nations? OBJECTIVES OF THE TOUR IS TO BRING THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY TO THE COMMUNITIES TO GIVE ALL COMMUNITIES A BETTER UNDERSTANDING ON THE SOVEREIGN ISSUES CONCERNING ABORIGINAL PEOPLE AND NATIONS IN AUSTRALIA. AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITIES TO STOP THE WAR CRIMES FROM CONTINUING AGAINST ABORIGINAL PEOPLE AND CALL FOR PEACE, BEFORE RECONCILIATION. DISCLOSE THE CONTINUATION OF GENOCIDE, BEING PERPETRATED UPON ABORIGINAL PEOPLE FOR EXAMPLE THE NATIVE TITLE ACT AND AMENDMENTS. CALL UPON THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY TO HONOUR ALL INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CONCERNING HUMAN RIGHTS AND TO STOP FURTHER VIOLATIONS OF SUCH INSTRUMENTS TO OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE SELF EMPOWERMENT FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE The speaking tour starts on the 3 August 1999 and will continue until JUSTICE IS SERVED Are you interested in having speakers come to your community from the Embassy, please do not hesitate to contact us at: ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY PO BOX 71, NARRABUNDAH ACT 2604 Telephone/Fax: (02) 6295 0493 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.aboriginaltentembassy.com.au Press Release press release press release press release PRESS RELEASE Background: Aboriginal Tent Embassy has been existing since 1972, calling for Australia to keep up with international standards which it lacks concerning Aboriginal Peoples and Nations. Part of Prime Minister Howard's 1998 election victory speech was to have a "true and just reconciliation" 25 Jan 1999: Aboriginal Tent Embassy under attack because it is an eyesore to Australia. Cabinet enacted an 40 year old law. to remove embassy. 26 Jan 1999 INVASION DAY, Corroboree for Aboriginal Sovereignty held at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. 27 Jan 1999 Declaration for Peace issued. 8-16 February 1999 Calls sent out to Aboriginal Communities to come to show support to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. 8 February 1999: Aboriginal Tent Embassy demands that Prime Minister, Howard and all politicians talk to the Aboriginal people at the Tent Embassy about the crisis concerning Aboriginal Peoples throughout the land. Since this day was the first day of parliament's sitting for the new year it was an appropriate time to commit to dealing with the heart of the issues facing this Country. Namely:, the legality of Aboriginal Sovereignty; the creation of a foundation for genuine dialogue by not negotiating with the artificial Aboriginal leadership much of which is government controlled, e.g. ATSIC, NIWG, land councils etc. but with "sovereign Aboriginal councils with family bloodlines connected back to territories" [section 6 Declaration for Peace]; ceasing all incitement to genocide of Aboriginal Peoples and Nations. This is the only path to genuine peace-making. and to accept the urgency of the Declaration for Peace. That night sacred fire arrested. 9 February 1999: returned to talk peace at Parliament house, stayed all night. 10 February 1999: Sacred fire arrested again that night, along with sacred objects of the ceremony. 15 February 1999: Declaration for Peace on behalf of Aboriginal People and nations was handed to Senator Bill Heffernan to deliver to Cabinet at the Fire for Peace and Justice asking John Howard to come and talk peace. Later that day the Cabinet gave their answer to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy's eight point Declaration for Peace by instruction from Parliament through the Speaker of the House and the Presidency of the Senate, Senator Margaret Reid, who instructed the AFP (Australian Federal Police) and Australian Protective Service (APS) to move our ancient peaceful ceremonial gathering. 17 February 1999: First invitation to Governor-General, 18 February 1999: Gatjil Djerrkura says: "the tent embassy was established to demonstrate to Australians that Aboriginal people have never ceded sovereignty and to bring to national attention of our continuing quest for land."... We call on Gatjil Djerrkura, all ATSIC Commissioners and Regional Councillors, Reconciliation Council members, NIWG and all Aboriginal Statutory bodies to come to the Fire and join us in the Fire Ceremony. 21 February 1999: The Aboriginal Tent Embassy appealed our concerns to the Governor General by inviting him to the Fire for Peace and Justice Ceremony, but he has ignored our pleas the Governor General did not appear for Peace tal
[recoznet2] Fwd: Advertiser - proposed Hindmarsh Island bridge commencement
Dear all, Kumarangk issues are heating up again Dean ___ Transcript of Advertiser articles Thursday August 12 1999 The Advertiser [Front page - only article - colour photo of Tom and Wendy Chapman looking gleeful standing in front of artists impression of the bridge] BRIDGE TAKES A FINAL TOLL: Motorists, taxpayers to foot the bill by Miles Kemp and Leonie Mellor Photo caption: Optimistic: Wendy and Tom Chapman last night with a sketch of the proposed bridge _ Taxpayers will spend at least $12 million so the controversial Hindmarsh island bridge can finally be built. Then motorists will pay a toll - South Australia's first road toll in 152 years - to use the bridge, although the amount has not been decided. In a deal struck with developers Tom and Wendy Chapman, the State Government has settled a leagal battle and set October as the date for construction to start. Announcing the deal yesterday, the Attorney General, Mr Griffin said: "The time for litigation is passed the laws of Australia, having been ruled on at the highest level, now allow this to be built. It is time to look forward to the benefits the bridge and Hindmarsh Island marina extensions will bring to the South Coast region through increased tourism and business opportunities." Under the deal, the Governement will pay for the bridge, plus a further $2.37 million towards the Chapmans'private marina development on the island. The settlement comes almost eight years after the then premier, Mr John Bannon, announced the Government was committed to the bridge and five years after the then federal minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr Robert Tickner, banned its construction because of "secret women's business". The deal will end a compensation bid by the Chapmans, who claimed the State Government had a legal liability to build the bridge. Mrs Chapman said the decision "says 'yes' to sensible, responsible development. It must surely have been one of the longest-running sagas in the development history of this nation," she said. "We can now be enthusiastic and optimistic about our future." Mr Griffin described the negotiations as "tough" but Mrs Chapman said they had been "amicable". Mr Griffin defended the deal despite plans by the Chapmans to go ahead with a $25 million damages claim against the Federal Government. He refused to guarantee the bridge would proceed, saying: "The ingenuity of the legal profession knows no bounds". Mr Griffin said he did not know the total cost of the development to taxpayers but outlined a total of $12 million . [continued page 6] [Page 6] BRIDGE TAKES FINAL TOLL These include: $9 MILLION to construct the bridge - a $3 million increase on the original proposal $2.37 MILLION for the marina development $22,000 for the Chapmans' legal costs $ 340,000 to settle a liability involving the WestpacBank In addition: ALL capital works on crown land will be paid by the State Government. CAPITAL works on Council land will be paid by the Alexandrina Council. THE State Government will pay to fight any further legal actions against the bridge and deal with environmental and Aboriginal cultural damage claims. Mr Griffin said there would be ongoing consultation with Aboriginal people, the Alexandrina Council and the local council over the bridge. He said the toll was yet to be set, but Island residents would be exempt. The first since tolls were lifted on the Mt Barker Road 152 years ago, it will be created by a bill he will put to Paliament. The Alexandrina Council said Mr griffin had not told them about the deal. "We reject outright the collection of any toll for use of the bridge," mayor Mr Kym McHugh said. The Ngarrindjeri people's lawyer, Mr Stephen Kenny said: "I am surprised again by the lack of consultation by the Government and the Attotney-General in particular. The only consultation it appears this Government understands is to send the police out to start speaking to individual Ngarrindjeri people in an attempt to limit the protest that will follow the decision." He said the Ngarrindjeri people were "totally disgusted" by the decision. Ngarrindjeri elder, Mr Tom Trevorrow, said the decision to build the bridge showed reconciliation in SA had "flowed out of the Murray Mouth and into the ocean". In relation to the Aboriginal community, Mr Griffin conceded: "There has been very limited consultation so far." The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union - which was central to protests against the bridge - would not comment on whether it would resume opposition to the project. "We'll just see what happens,"said CFMEU State secretary Mr Martin o'Malley. [end of article] _ The Advertiser p6 black and white photo of Paul Joseph with ferry in back ground RESIDENTS PROTEST AT PAYING TO CROSS by James Wakelin and Leonie Mellor photo caption: Opponent
Re: [recoznet2] Fw: Prime Minister's Media Centre - PROPOSED PREAMBLE
" Ownership" is the word that Pat Dodson, Charles Perkins, Lowitja O'Donohoe, Peter Yu, Gatjil Djekura etc.are demanding. The High Court recognized First Peoples Legal Ownership of this Landwhy not state that in the pramble to the Constitution? ---Can I answer that?---Racist John Howard and his racist backers. Laurie. " Words are the weapons- the armory of the dispossessed"---from the ABC programme "The Irish Empire". Laurie and Desley Forde [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Tim Dunlop wrote--- -Original Message- From: tim dunlop <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: RecOzNet2 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 2:42 PM Subject: [recoznet2] Fw: Prime Minister's Media Centre - PROPOSED PREAMBLE >Here's the latest attempt by John and Meg Howard - seems better, but haven't >had time to think about it yet. Using 'kinship' instead of custodianship or >stewardship seems to be the main change. Kinship? > >Tim > >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 2:35 AM >Subject: Prime Minister's Media Centre - PROPOSED PREAMBLE > > >> >> >>PROPOSED PREAMBLE >> >> >>With hope in God, the Commonwealth of Australia is constituted as a >>democracy with a federal system of Government to serve the common good. >> >>We the Australian people commit ourselves to this Constitution >> >>proud that our national unity has been forged by Australians from many >>ancestries; >> >>never forgetting the sacrifices of all who defended our country and our >>liberty in time of war; >> >>upholding freedom, tolerance, individual dignity and the rule of law; >> >>honouring Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, the nations first >people, >>for their deep kinship with their lands and for their ancient and >continuing >>cultures which enrich the life of our country; >> >>recognising the nation-building contribution of generations of immigrants; >> >>mindful of our responsibility to protect our unique natural environment; >> >>supportive of achievement as well as equality of opportunity for all; >> >>and valuing independence as dearly as the national spirit which binds us >>together in both adversity and success. >> >> >> > > >--- >RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ >To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body >of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here >mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce >This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the >copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair >use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without >permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." > >RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/ > --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] A DEATHBED RECONCILIATION
The article below was published this month in Djadi-Dugarang, the Indigenous Social Justice Association's newsletter. It was written by Ray Jackson who has given his permission to reproduce it on Recoznet2. A DEATHBED RECONCILIATION Recently the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation have issued their Draft Document for Reconciliation so the Australian people can discuss the views put by the Council and can input acceptance or other ideas back to the Council. The document is in several parts. The first is the Draft Declaration followed by four National Strategies or steps to make Reconciliation possible. The future revised document will be launched in May 2000 for its final acceptance. As a concept Reconciliation and its processes are indeed a praiseworthy attempt of allowing the non-Indigenous Australians to fully accept and become reconciled to the true black history of this land. With all that that entails. Whilst I personally, as an Aboriginal man, descended from the Wiradjuri peoples, am able to accept the social need for Reconciliation I fear that what is being offered is not the type of Reconciliation as I have outlined above, but a more severe, a more debilitating Reconciliation for the Indigenous peoples of these traditionally owned lands. What I see as being offered to all Indigenous peoples is nothing less that a death-bed Reconciliation whereby we as a culture, as a people, will die whilst those whom are left, the dominant, non-Indigenous culture and peoples, will accept the Reconciliation and everything that goes with it. And I mean everything! Our Lands, Our Culture, Our Life. Reconciliation does not and more importantly cannot mean absorption, assimilation, or being merged into the dominant culture. Reconciliation to me is total recognition of our rights as the traditional owners of this land. Reconciliation to me is non-Indigenous acceptance of our original Black History and our mixed Black and White History. Whether that History is of the black-armband view or the white-blindfold view matters not. It must be the true histories. To a certain extent the Draft Declaration does accept this but to me there appears to be the need for our mob to accept what has already happened to us and then we all march on together or to use their words - Speaking with one voice, we the people of Australia, of many origins as we are, make a commitment to go on together recognising the gift of one anothers presence. Whilst we are recognised as the traditional owners and custodian of the Land, and recognition is made that the land was colonised without our consent, (not stolen, mind you), nowhere in the whole Draft Document is there any calls to return some traditional lands to the original owners and custodian of that land. Mabo and Wik do not exist. Whilst this Draft Document is being debated we have Federal, State and Territory Governments actively winding back any legal opportunities to allow Indigenous peoples access to traditional lands. The Howard Governments active role in legally attempting to wind back the 1975 Land Rights Act in the Northern Territory is but one example. The legal machinations of the Court Government in Western Australia and the Beattie Government in Queensland are other examples. Why do these vile politicians talk of Reconciliation while they are actively removing our rights to land? Where are the Reconciliationists loudly calling on these Governments to stop this chicanery before we lose everything? Where are the Reconciliationists crying shame to the Howard Government and the Northern Territory Government against their legal actions in attempting to strike down the legitimate claims of just two of the tens of thousands of the Stolen Generations in the Northern Territory Supreme Court? Government talk and also the words of the National Strategy for Economic Independence for Indigenous Peoples, is the talk of false prophets, forked tongues, secret English. Our economic independence is based in and on and with our Lands. We do not all aspire to becoming a Skase or a Bond, nor do we all aspire to be shop owners. Independence and our lands are as one, indivisible one from the other. The National Strategy to Address ATSI Disadvantage and the Governments talk of better outcomes in health, education, employment, hosing, law and justice but they do not mention Land. All six areas mentioned are for the greater part controlled by non-Indigenous organisations, including Government Departments. Our medical services work, our education facilities such as Tranby and Eora College to name but two are quite successful, our people have worked for the dole for years and our high unemployment rate is white based, not black. There are some problems in housing areas but we need to work it out ourselves. We must have houses designed by and for our people. The mention of Law and Justice is a sick, sick joke. We have had over 200 years of your law and over 200 years of no Jus
[recoznet2] FW: A letter from Leonard Peltier
Via Warriornet: >-Original Message- >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Sent: Saturday, August 07, 1999 12:27 PM >To: Workers World News Service >Subject: A letter from Leonard Peltier > > >- >Via Workers World News Service >Reprinted from the Aug. 12, 1999 >issue of Workers World newspaper >- > >A LETTER FROM LEONARD PELTIER > >My Brothers and Sisters, > >It is hard for me to believe that the year 2000 is so >quickly approaching us. As I sit in this cell and think >about my grandchildren who are growing up so fast, my >friends who have passed on, and the many years of my life >that have been stolen from me, I remind myself of the >attention my own suffering has brought to the realities >of Indigenous Peoples everywhere. I know that my own >persecution has become a symbol of the persecution all of >our people face everyday. > >But I have not given up hope for freedom. Today I am >asking you to stand up and represent me and everything I >am so proud of: the dignity, spirituality, and pride of >the First Nations Peoples of the world. > >My dream is to continue what the Trail of Broken >Treaties started: an event that will have a historic and >lasting effect in the minds and consciousness of the >public. We are hoping to carry out such an event this >November in Washington, DC. November will be a critical >time for my freedom campaign. > >This December will be Clinton's last likely chance to >grant me Executive Clemency. My defense team will have >been steadily lobbying Congress to support clemency for >two months prior to the event. Therefore, November will >be an important time for a strong show of public support. > >The irony is that at the same time, "Native American >Heritage Month" and the Thanksgiving holiday will be >occurring and will be bringing additional attention on >Native Americans into the public, making November an >important month to bring real issues of Indigenous >Peoples of the U.S. into the limelight of the media. > >I believe that we can accomplish a successful campaign >to do this if we all pull our resources together. I can >visualize all the colors of our Native Nations' flags >flying high around a culturally brilliant and attention >attracting event in front of the White House this Fall. > >The thought of different Indigenous Nations coming >together in unity to support sovereignty, human rights, >dignity, cultural preservation, and my freedom, warms my >heart. Please read the proposal attached to find out more >about our plans and how you can help. Thank you. > >In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, >Leonard Peltier > >LEONARD PELTIER FREEDOM MONTH > >[Excerpts from the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee's >appeal]: > >We are writing to ask for your support, endorsement and >collaboration regarding our plans for a November 1999 >Leonard Peltier Freedom Month in Washington, D.C. As you >know, Peltier is a Native American leader who has been >unjustly incarcerated for 23 years in the United States. FBI >documents released years after his trial, together with >other sources, have proved that critical ballistic evidence >establishing his innocence was withheld from the defense, >and that witnesses were terrorized into giving false >testimonies against him. Though long overdue for parole, and >in deteriorating health, Peltier remains in prison. > >Amnesty International and numerous other human rights >organizations have recognized Leonard Peltier as a political >prisoner and demanded his immediate and unconditional >release. He is seen as a symbol of Indigenous Resistance and >his call for freedom is supported by numerous Indigenous >organizations worldwide. > >It is clear that the judicial system in the United States >has utterly failed Peltier. We recognize that we must now >demand justice from the other two branches of govern ment, >the executive and legislative branches. President Clinton >has the power to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier at any >time, and the United States Congress is charged with >overseeing the correct conduct of affairs by such agencies >as the United States Parole Board and the FBI. > >In order to obtain action and justice from these offices, >all sectors of society must make themselves heard. As we all >know, November is the month of Thanksgiving in the United >States. According to historical legend, the first >Thanksgiving was held by the pilgrims to give thanks to God >for their very survival in North America. They had been >saved from starvation by kindly Native Americans who taught >them about local crops and wildlife. > >The pilgrims, in turn, thanked the Lord and exterminated >the tribes. Leonard Peltier is but one more of the most >recent victims. > >November has also been declared Native American Heritage >month by President Clinton, and we plan to hold him to his >word. Traditionally, clemency petitions are granted by the >president at the end of each y
