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In the previous articles we saw that while is it wrong to say that Indigenous people make no contribution to their local economy, the monetary economy of remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory today is a false economy, almost entirely dependent on the injection…
Current affairs & Advocacy Archive
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On being income managed
Posted on November 3, 2011 | 3 CommentsAs the mother of a two and a half year old, on a low income with my partner, I am eligible to receive a Parenting Payment from Centrelink, our Australian Department of Human Services. As a family we highly value living simply on a low... -
First Yolngu Nations Assembly held in Galiwin’ku
Posted on November 2, 2011 | 1 CommentThe first ever Yolŋu Nations Assembly (YNA) was held from 14th-17th October in Galiwin’ku, bringing together clan leaders from across Arnhem Land. Below is a letter of thanks from Yolŋu leaders to those who supported the gathering. 31st October 2011 Dear Supporters, On behalf of Yolŋu Nations Assembly... -
Economics of Remote Aboriginal Communities Part 2 – Today’s Economy.
Posted on September 21, 2011 | 2 CommentsIn the previous article I discussed some of the historical influences on the economy in the remote Indigenous communities of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Briefly, it shows that Indigenous people have been moved from a position of traditional economic independence to a situation... -
Aboriginal Leaders Respond to Government’s “Second Intervention”
Posted on August 8, 2011 | No CommentsMedia Release by Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM: June 2011 In June, the Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a “second intervention” to follow the Government’s Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER). This is the response from Aboriginal leaders in the Northern Territory to this announcement: ... -
Effective communication – not intervention, the key to Closing the Gap
Posted on July 20, 2011 | 2 CommentsMedia Release: Tuesday 28/06/11 The Only Intervention Needed “The only intervention needed in the Northern Territory is an intervention in communication” Richard Trudgen, author of Why Warriors Lie Down and Die, responds to the news that the Gillard Government will spend six weeks... -
Galiwin’ku Women Speak Up to the UN for Recognition of Yolŋu Law
Posted on July 20, 2011 | No CommentsEarlier this year, Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights came to Australia on her first official visit to discuss rights issues with the Government, the Australian Human Rights Commission, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and non-governmental organizations. During her... -
Dhurili Nation Challenges Mining Lease Agreement in Court
Posted on June 7, 2011 | 3 CommentsDhurili Nation considers court action as Prime Minister celebrates historic agreement in Gove Peninsula, NT. The Dhurili Nation, comprising the Datiwuy, Golumala, Marrakulu and Marrangu clans have previously confirmed to the Northern Land Council and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs that they are lawful traditional... -
When Indigenous Advocacy Does Damage
Posted on November 23, 2009 | No Comments"The poverty experienced by many Aboriginal people is as morally reprehensible as torture and must be eradicated", Amnesty International secretary-general Irene Khan says. Strong words, but is such 'advocacy' helpful. I argue that moralistic bites such as this are in fact dangerous. While advocates feel that such statements point out government failures, they can actually be harmful to the people they are meant to protect. I consider why this is... -
Another Indigenous voice from Arnhem Land
Posted on February 26, 2009 | 7 CommentsHere is another statement from a Yolngu person from North East Arnhem Land. He speaks against the intervention,l but he is also referring to many other recent sudden changes in NT government policy such as the ceasing of funding to Home Land centres (or out-stations) and the closing of Home Land schools. Again the underlining concern is about the approach that came with the intervention that has lead to such broad brush decisions being made without prior consultation. If you are working with Indigenous people do not let ideologies control your decision making, find a way to understand the local people's real experience, knowledge, and situation. Yingiya is a excellent teacher and I think there is plenty to be learnt from his words about the experience and perspectives of the Yolngu people. -
An Indigenous voice on current Government policy
Posted on January 14, 2009 | 2 CommentsThis is the second of a series of videos produced by a knowledgeable Aboriginal Lady from North East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. I post this here so people can see that Indigenous people from the remote areas really are angry about disempowering approaches.