G’day friends,

Words are easy, words are cheap
Much cheaper than our priceless land
But promises can disappear
Just like writing in the sand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7cbkxn4G8U (Yothu Yindi- Treaty)

On the other hand “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” Martin Luther King Jr.

The Intervention (Northern Territory Emergency Response) happened a decade ago. That indefatigable group ‘Concerned Australians’(CA) invited Harry Jakamarra to speak at a forum/conversation in Melbourne on Thursday 29^th June. Jakamarra urged me to come along and speak. I expressed my reluctance to “be yet another white-fellow talking about Aboriginal matters in front of an audience” Harry won me over by appointing me as his cultural advisor!

I know the vast majority of recipients of the Musical Dispatches will not be able to attend (I like to think most if not all Dispatchees would like to attend). Just in case you can, attached is the relevant CA flyer. The good people at Arena Magazine (likewise indefatigable advocates for Aboriginal rights) are also holding an event in Melbourne on 21^st  June. Their flyer is also attached.

To preach to the converted is far from being futile if the converted come away from the conversation better informed. I hope this will be the case.

You’re all welcome to attend.

Frank

Guns and Roses …. Welcome to the Jungle…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1tj2zJ2Wvg

BROCHURE

A Conversation with NT Aboriginal Elders and Community Leaders
10 YEARS OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY INTERVENTION
& WORKING TOWARDS TREATIES

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” Martin Luther King Jr.

Forum & Discussion sponsored by ‘concerned Australians’ cA

Facilitator:  Jeff McMullen AM – Journalist, former Foreign Correspondent and Filmmaker

Introduction: Jon Altman AM – Research Professor in Anthropology at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University

Northern Territory Speakers

Josie Crawshaw – Descendant of the Gurindji, former ATSIC Commissioner, founding Member of the Aboriginal Provisional Government, and participant of the recent Uluru Convention

Harry Jakamarra Nelson – Senior Elder and custodian of the Warlpiri people, North West of Alice Springs with friend and peer Frank Baarda – long term worker and resident of forty years in Yuendumu

Elaine Peckham – Apmereke-Artweye woman of Mparntwe and custodian of Alice Springs and surrounds

Yananymul Mungunggurr – Djapu woman, Elder and custodian for Gurrumuru, outspoken advocate for improved education and spokesperson for Yolgnu homelands (TBC)

Message from Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM, senior Elder and Dhurili political Clan Leader of the Yolngu people of North-East Arnhem Land

In 2007 under the Howard Government Aboriginal peoples’ lives in the Northern Territory were suddenly and brutally traumatized. Labeled the ‘Northern Territory Emergency Response’ or ‘NT Intervention’ the policy was later expanded in 2012 by the Gillard Government for ten years and rebranded as ‘Stronger Futures’. These imposed Government policies have caused widespread havoc and disempowerment amongst First Peoples’ communities in the NT, breached human rights and United Nations guidelines, and were not consented to.

The policies are failing. Aboriginal land rights have been weakened and the Gaps are widening.

The people have long called for this LEGISLATION TO BE SCRAPPED. 

The sovereignty of the clans and First Nations Peoples must be recognised and respected. 

There has been a resounding call for substantive reform and PATHWAY TO TREATY/IES.

RSVP: To Pia at cA info@concernedaustralians.com.au by 26^th June

Facebook event (please like and share) at https://www.facebook.com/events/1416115268445355/