Archived News - 2002
Pope John Paul II apologises
On November 22nd, Pope John Paul II apologised to the indigenous
peoples of Oceania for the past behaviour of the Roman Catholic
Church.
"Whenever the truth has been suppressed by governments and
their agencies or even by Christian communities, the wrongs done
to the indigenous peoples need to be honestly acknowledged. ...
The past cannot be undone, but honest recognition of past injustices
can lead to measures and attitudes which will help to rectify the
damaging effects for both the indigenous community and the wider
society. The Church expresses deep regret and asks forgiveness where
her children have been or still are party to these wrongs. Aware
of the shameful injustices done to indigenous peoples in Oceania,
the Synod Fathers apologized unreservedly for the part played in
these by members of the Church, especially where children were forcibly
separated from their families."
Read the complete exhortation at the Vatican
website.
People, Earth, Spirit - Healing Broken Connections
Australian Catholic University, St. Patrick's Campus
115 Victoria Parade Fitzroy
Schools of Education and Theology
Jim-baa -yer Aboriginal Support Unit
Warmly invite you to a One-Day Reflection on the 30th November 2001
"As we enter the 21st century we are experiencing a period
of great change. For the first time ever the future of life on earth
is in the hands of human decisions and actions. It is a time of
great irony, as in our rush to 'improve' the human condition we
have also created a world of broken connections - with each other
and with the non-human world. Our beautiful planet has become merely
a source of materials and energy for the global consumer society,
exploiting nature and marginalising Indigenous cultures and spiritualities.
The gap between rich and poor is widening, and many feel a deep
sense of loss and are fearful for the future. The sense of wholeness,
the sense of the divine, is missing from the lives of many.
This Day of Reflection brings together key speakers, educators,
Indigenous and community leaders and others who are interested in
exploring these complex issues of our time. "
Invited Speakers:
Professor Joy Wandin-Murphy - Wurundjeri Elder
Rev. Dr. Frank Fletcher MSC
Ms. Wendy Chew
Cost: $50 Concession: $25 (includes lunch)
For further information contact:
Dr. Dennis Rochford, School of Theology: 9953 3130
Dr. Caroline Smith, School of Education: 9953 3281
Ms. Naomi Wolfe, Jim-baa-yer ATSI Support Unit: 9953 3004
Walmajarri, Jaru and Kukatja peoples receive Native Title to their
land
The original owners of the south-east Kimberley land, the Walmajarri,
Jaru and Kukatja peoples, have received Native Title to their land.
The Tjurabalan Native Title Claim has been in process for seven
years - it is indeed a great day for them. Justice Carr from the
Federal Court made the declaration of Native Title "handing-over"
the land to it's original owners. The ceremony took place at the
edge of Lake Gregory near the Mulan community and was witnessed
by the Premier and other dignitaries and many proud and excited
aboriginal people from this area and beyond. This small step towards
reconcilliation and justice in our land took place on Monday 20
August 2001.
Didgeridoo bridges a world gap
The world premier of the innovative piece "Voices" was
held in Melbourne recently. "Voices" was created when
American-born internationally acclaimed composer Phillip Glass invited
Aboriginal Didgeridoo player and talented musician Mark Atkins to
compose a new piece of music to relaunch the luminous Melbourne
Town Hall grand organ. Mr Glass was commissioned by the City of
Melbourne to compose this piece which now encompasses the collaborative
efforts of not only Mr Atkins, but also two other Aborigines, Ron
Murray, also playing Didgeridoo and Wurundjeri Elder Joy Murphy
Wandin, who is the narrator.
The musical composition is 25 minutes in duration and comprises
of a four-piece ensemble. The text by a living Aboriginal writer
has been fitted around the composed music. This will be an ongoing
process which will continue to develop as time and opportunity permit.
Consequently Mr Glass has invited Mr Atkins and Ms Murphy Wandin
to New York next year to perform "Voices".
Justice Based on Truth - Annual Vigil
In recognition and commemoration of all the Aboriginal people who
were massacred in the State of Victoria.
Venue: Aborigines Advancement League Oval
Cnr St George's Road and Watts Street
Thornbury, 3071
Gather at: 11:45 pm, Thurs. November 1
BYO: Chairs and rugs
Click here for more information.
Details: Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, (03) 9480 3849
 Joy
Murphy - Rabbit Proof Fence Launch Speech
Melbourne Premiere 6 February 2002
Before I begin, welcome to Wurundjeri Country. Let me acknowledge
past and present Aboriginal elders. We, the Aboriginal people of
today, are here because of their strength and courage. Our very
presence is a testament to their struggle for survival. They have
left their footprints for us to follow, they are the footprints
of Aboriginal culture, a culture from the beginning of time, a culture
to be proud of and a culture which is rich and strong.
The Aboriginal way of preserving culture is to tell stories. Sharing
our stories gives us a way of dealing with the pain of the past.
Rabbit Proof Fence in its truth and honesty gives back some of what
has been wrongly taken. My mother was an unknown, did not know her
place until she was re-united with her mother after 67 years of
separation.
Our moiety of spirit bird is the eagle too just like Molly's. Bunjil
is known to us as the creator spirit guiding and protecting us along
our journey. Phillip Noyce has joined us on this journey on Wurundjeri
land.
Phillip we salute you, you deserve the highest accolades as a film
maker and as a humanitarian.
I watched the making of Rabbit Proof Fence, I saw in those beautiful
young girls eyes the trust and love they had for you, I saw the
magic of humour, I saw a man of his word, I heard the sadness in
your voice, and I felt the truth in your heart. Phillip would you
please accept a feather from Bunjil as a gesture of thanks, helping
us to heal our wounds by shifting sands of this earth back into
place.
Your generosity gives us a sign of hope for the future. Others
may do the same if they care to listen. (please stay)
I listen and follow the spirit of my father, my father is a Wurundjeri
man. Underneath this building is traditional Wurunjeri land. Our
way of welcoming people to country is to offer a gum leaf. Branches
have been placed at the end of each aisle. Please take from the
branch one leaf and pass it on to the next person and so on.
By sharing our custom it means that you are welcome to the everything
from the tops of the trees to the roots of the earth, you are given
freedom of the bush.
In my language, Wominjeka Wurundjeri balluk yearmenn koondee bik
- Welcome to the Land of the Wurundjeri People.
Thank you
Professor Joy Murphy Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder
Lore of the Land and Yarra
Healing websites are recommended teaching resources for Rabbit
Proof Fence.
"BEYOND HOPE'S BRIDGE" - Shane Howard's New Album
Twenty years, three Goanna albums and five solo albums - at last
a new album of songs.
Since "Clan" was released in 1996, Shane
has been researching and writing a musical play centred on the events
of the Eureka Stockade as well as producing a wave of different artists
(Pigram Bros, Andy Alberts, Tonchi McIntosh, Oriel Glennon ... )
A committed advocate for the environment and social justice, Shane's
work continues to honour Aboriginal culture and celebrate his own
Irish ancestry (Irish songstress Mary Black has recently recorded
her sixth Shane Howard song).
"BEYOND HOPE'S BRIDGE" is an independent release from Big Heart
Productions Available first week of November from www.shanehoward.com.au
and select retailers and at all shows.
ACU Indigenous Week on Campus - July 29th to August 2nd 2002
Why? Every year on every ACU National campus there is a
chance for non-Indigenous people to learn more about Australian
Indigenous cultures and to show their support for the struggle against
the injustices committed against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples across the country now called Australia.
It is an opportunity to further your own knowledge and experience.
Across ACU nationally every campus is planning at least one activity
or event to raise awareness. At Aquinas and St Patrick's campus
there will be several events.
All Week @ St Patrick's Campus
Student Action Group & Reconciliation Victoria Sign Up sheets
Outside Jim-baa-yer Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Unit
and the MCSA office, there will be coloured sign up sheets for the
new Reconciliation Victoria, founded by Marj Thorpe and others.
There will also be some sign up sheets for a campus based justice
and action group. Put your words into action…sign up, listen
up, speak up and become an active voice on campus for the rights
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Indigenous Food in Contemporary Recipes:
Come on, be daring and try some kangaroo, wattle and other bush
foods in during Indigenous Week. Don't knock what you haven't tried.
Grab something at Café 115. There'll be recipe sheets for
all would be chefs to take home.
Dreaming in the City Aboriginal Art Exhibition
The outstanding Aboriginal Art Exhibition, 'Dreaming in the City:
Praying the Rosary Aboriginal Way' is presented by Aboriginal Catholic
Ministry Melbourne. This exhibition will be on show during the week
in the foyer on the ground floor.
Contact: Jim-baa-yer Aboriginal Support Unit
Australian Catholic University
Office: 03 9953 3004 Fax: 03 9953 3005
National Reconciliation Week 2002
27 May - 3 June 2002, Theme: Walking the Talk
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) was first initiated by the former
Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation in 1996. In the six years
since then, NRW has become a major event on the national calendar.
The wide range of community-initiated activities at a local level
has always been NRW 's great strength.
If you would like more information about this year's NRW, visit
the website of Reconciliation Australia, www.reconciliationaustralia.org
NAIDOC Week 2002
7 July to - 14 July, Theme: Recognition, Rights and
Reform
NAIDOC Week is a celebration by Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait
Islanders of their survival. It is also a celebration of the uniqueness
of their traditions and cultures and recognition of the ongoing
fight for justice and equality for their peoples. NAIDOC Week is
an event of national importance for all Australians.
If you'd like more information about this year's NAIDOC events,
visit the NAIDOC page of the ATSIC website, www.atsic.gov.au
Law and Order
The Centre for Public Policy, in association with the Victorian
Council Of Social Security and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
would like to invite you to "Law and Order - missing stories
in the tough on crime debate" on Wednesday the 2nd of October,
5:30pm.
Nick Cowdery, QC, Director, NSW Department of Public Prosecutions
and Alf Bamblett, Chair, Victorian Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council,
will be the keynote speakers at this exciting event. Nick Cowdery
will be exploring successful strategies to reduce crime and the
costs and benefits of law and order elections in NSW. Alf Bamblett
will explore the costs to the Indigenous community of harsh sentencing;
the impact of racism and point the way to better futures.
This event will be held in the Centre for Public Policy Lecture,
234 Queensberry Street, Carlton. There is no cost involved and no
need to RSVP.
For more information, please contact lrose@unimelb.edu.au
or call 8344 9482.
More information about upcoming Centre for Public Policy Events
including the inaugural Centre for Public Policy/Don Dunstan Foundation
lecture on October 16th, and our Universities and the Knowledge
Economy series can be found at www.public-policy.unimelb.edu.au
Also of note, on October 30th, the Centre, in conjunction with
the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Planning Institute
of Australia will be hosting a one day forum and workshops entitled
"Using Strategies, Regulations and Governance to Implement
Sustainable Development".
Comment on race issues in Australia
Dr William Jonas AM, the acting Race Discrimination Commissioner,
has launched an internet forum to encourage public comment on race
issues in Australia.
The e-Race forum will inform people about how the Racial Discrimination
Act operates and will invite feedback on policy issues. 3-4 topics
will be introduced each year for public comment, suggestions and
feedback.
Visit
the e-Race forum website.
Are we helping them home?
On Wednesday 13 November, Senator Aden Ridgeway and the National
Sorry Day Committee will host a seminar in the Federal Parliament
entitled 'Are we helping them home?'
It will look at the implementation of the Bringing Them Home report.
The seminar, to be held in the Main Committee Room, will give a
chance to recognize what is going well, to focus what is not, to
highlight the areas of greatest need, and to discuss ways in which
some of the programmes could be better targeted and monitored. It
will bring together many who play a part in the implementation of
the report, at Federal, State and community level, including Federal
and State Members of Parliament and representatives of agencies
such as Link-Up, together with members of the stolen generations.
The seminar will start at 9.30am and finish at 12.30pm. It will
be followed by a buffet lunch. All who are concerned about this
matter are welcome.
To register, please contact the National Sorry Day Committee, Tel
(02) 6281 0940, Fax (02) 6281 0940, Email jbond@hubble.dialix.com.au,
by Friday 8th November. There is no charge to attend.
If you wish to make a contribution to the deliberations, please
contact the Committee as soon as possible. Further information will
soon be available on the National
Sorry Day Committee's website.
University of Melbourne Students for Land Justice & Reconciliation
(SLJR) presents
"The Strong Short Black Film Festival" Indigenous Struggles on
Film
Sunday Afternoons for two weeks only!
October 20th and 27th @ 4:30pm
Kaleide RMIT Union Theatre
360 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Tickets at the door: $5 / $10
Please join us for refreshments and discussion in the foyer after
the films
Program:
Sunday 20th October 4:30pm - The Foundation 1963 - 1977
and Coolbaroo Club
Sunday 27th October 4:30pm - Tent Boxers and Gulpilil:
One Red Blood
National Reconciliation Week 2002
27 May - 3 June 2002, Theme: Walking the Talk
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) was first initiated by the former
Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation in 1996. In the six years
since then, NRW has become a major event on the national calendar.
The wide range of community-initiated activities at a local level
has always been NRW 's great strength.
If you would like more information about this year's NRW, visit
the website of Reconciliation Australia, www.reconciliationaustralia.org
NAIDOC Week 2002
7 July to - 14 July, Theme: Recognition, Rights and
Reform
NAIDOC Week is a celebration by Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait
Islanders of their survival. It is also a celebration of the uniqueness
of their traditions and cultures and recognition of the ongoing
fight for justice and equality for their peoples. NAIDOC Week is
an event of national importance for all Australians.
If you'd like more information about this year's NAIDOC events,
visit the NAIDOC page of the ATSIC website, www.atsic.gov.au
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