Monday, April 21, 2008

Is Treaty a dirty word?

Is Treaty a dirty word?

It should be abundantly clear to all that for the new Rudd government its business as usual when it comes to Aboriginal Peoples - that the new boss is indeed the same as the old. The calls for a Treaty, Bill of Rights and Constitutional change etc that was raised and argued for by Aboriginal delegates at the weekends 2020 summit in the beginning was heard loud and clear, but by summits end it was reduced and hushed down to an embarrassing choice of words by the closing report back. Behind the fine words and were listening and "closing the gap" rhetoric (whatever closing the gap means) we need to ask, where is the promotion of Aboriginal languages, our education systems our learning pathways, our systems of Law and justice, where is the support and funding for the just and equal acknowledgement and implementation of our cultural values, beliefs and practices – where is our right to self-determination?


I am not suggesting that western education is not needed or crucial for Aboriginal Peoples but that our ways must also be justly and rightly given equal value and worth. If equilibrium and parity are to be achieved then our Aboriginal culture must be the ridgepole around which all else revolves. Aboriginal people are promised equality before western law and in settler society, we are promised good education, employment, access to the “real economy” etc etc provided, Aboriginal Peoples forgo choice and in turn give up, give away and walk away from all we are


It is clear that Aboriginal Peoples throughout Aboriginal country must continue to organize and struggle as hard, if not harder then the recent racist Howard years. It seems to me that this current government are very media savvy, they now how to harness, stage and manage celebrity popularity to deflect the unfinished business of this country


The fine words and accommodating smiles of this Federal labor government and their cronies need to be thoroughly considered and scrutinized for behind them lay an agenda of assimilation. How People can sing from every branch of every tree with glee about having the maturity to become a Republic and crow about human rights but remain mute on a Treaty, which would without question reflect the maturity of the Australian nation and its commitment towards human rights more so then a Republic absolutely, astounds me?


If we hunger for just change, not just symbolic gamin spruk of so-called real economist, western educationist and closing gap popular trends etc, in this country, if we are serious about Aboriginal health and well-being, if we are serious about the oldest continuing culture in the world not only continuing but flourishing - then calls for a Treaty must be loud and organised and Aboriginal self-determination must be enshrined and the wealth stolen daily from Aboriginal country must be returned. Is this not an objective, is this not a benchmark? Karranjal John Hartley2008

Treaty tops Indigenous 2020 agenda

Treaty tops indigenous 2020 agenda

April 19, 2008 - 6:21PM

An indigenous treaty has topped the priorities of Australia 2020 summit delegates examining Aboriginal issues.

About 100 of Australia's top indigenous leaders, thinkers and experts came together
as part of the summit to discuss their ideas to improve indigenous people's lives.

The creation of a treaty proved the most popular suggestion, followed by the re-establishment of a national representative body, and the setting up of an indigenous future fund and a watchdog to oversee government action on indigenous issues.

Delegate Janina Gawler, speaking for her group of delegates, said the treaty should build on the government's intentions to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

"To formally recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first
people of Australia, involving a legal agreement as to the status, rights and obligations of indigenous people and the Australian government," Ms Gawler said.

Some delegates urged the government to establish a long-term endowment fund, to be overseen by independent trustees, to provide funding certainty for indigenous programs.

Some delegates also pushed for a new indigenous cultural centre, and suggested it
should be based in Canberra's Old Parliament House.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd sat in on the first session of the indigenous stream,
listening to ideas and asking questions of delegates.

Mr Rudd spoke one on one with Queensland Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson about
indigenous education, and with other delegates about the possibility of rolling out
more secondary level boarding schools for indigenous children.

He also spoke with delegates about the importance of maintaining and
strengthening indigenous culture and language.

Speaking for his group, youth delegate Tim Goodwin said tackling racism should be
a top priority for Australia.

"It hasn't gone away and a lot of indigenous people still need to talk about it and as a
nation we need to talk about it," he told delegates.

Mr Goodwin also stressed the need to change Australia's "psyche of assimilation".

"That in 2020 we no longer talk about `normalising' indigenous Australians," he said.

Prominent indigenous West Australian Shirley McPherson suggested certain seats
in parliament and spots in government should be put aside for indigenous people.

"There must by 2020 be a level playing field, and by that we mean there needs to be
representation in parliament and in government," Ms McPherson said.

(c) 2008 AAP

http://news.smh.com.au/treaty-tops-indigenous-2020-agenda/20080419-2795.html

Friday, April 18, 2008

Coolamon – carrying the culture

Monday 21 April to Sunday 25 May
Visit Brisbane Square Library during April and May to participate in celebrations with members of Brisbane’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Through Coolamon, elders and younger indigenous people will share their stories, treasures and insights with the wider Brisbane community.

The Coolamon program includes:

talks
performances
storytimes
displays
free movie screenings
Location: Brisbane Square Library and outside in Reddacliff Place (the open space at the top of Queen Street Mall, opposite the casino)

The Dreaming Festival Tickets ON SALE NOW!!

Hey Everyone,

ON SALE NOW!!! THE DREAMING FESTIVAL TICKETS. Go to:

http://www.thedreamingfestival.com

Angelina Hurley
Queensland Folk Federation
Indigenous Co-ordinator – The Dreaming – Woodford Folk Festival
PMB 2 Woodford QLD
Australia 4514
T: +61 7 5496 1066
F +61 7 5496 3196
E: angelina@woodfordfolkfestival.com
W: http://www.thedreamingfestival.com
W: http//www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Rudd govt announces list of minds for 2020 summit

Rudd govt announces list of minds for 2020 summit
Thursday, 20 March 2008

NATIONAL, March 28, 2008: Patrick Dodson, Noel Pearson, Megan Davis, Marcia Ella Duncan and the lone Tasmanian – Rodney Dillon – are just some of the prominent Indigenous leaders expected to join the Rudd government’s 2020 summit in April after the full list was announced earlier today.

The talk-fest’s Options for the future of Indigenous Australia will be chaired by former Reconciliation Australia chair Jackie Huggins and will examine subjects like economic development in remote Australia and programs such as the Northern Territory intervention and the Cape York reform trials.

Other high profile figures in Indigenous affairs to be invited to the summit include Aboriginal lawyer Terri Janke, former Australian of the Year Fiona Stanley, and long time Torres Shire mayor Pedro Stephens.

Former National Indigenous Council member Tammy Williams, ANTaR National Director Gary Highland, Central Land Council director David Ross and West Australian of the Year Mark Bin Bakar are also on the list.

Friday, March 14, 2008

NAIDOC Week 2008

MEDIA RELEASE - NAIDOC Week 2008

NAIDOC WEEK preparations are underway with the National Committee selecting the theme and opening the poster competition and nominations for the NAIDOC
Awards.

Take the time to recognise someone who makes a difference in the lives of others by nominating them for a National NAIDOC Award.

You can nominate online: http://www.naidoc.org.au/Awards/awards_form.aspx

For artists interested in national exposure and a cash prize of $5000.00 enter the NAIDOC poster competition online:

http://www.naidoc.org.au/award_winners/poster/default.aspx

Or more information on NAIDOC generally go to the website: www.naidoc.org.au

NAIDOC Week will be celebrated 6-13 July with the National Awards Ceremony in Canberra on the 12 July.

WANTED: VISIONARY TO GUIDE FUTURE INDIGENOUS PERFORMING ARTS LEADERS

Dream it: Make it happen – Be the best you can be!

WANTED: VISIONARY TO GUIDE FUTURE INDIGENOUS PERFORMING ARTS LEADERS

The Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) is an inspirational centre of excellence and innovation in education for Australian young and emerging Indigenous performing artists. ACPA is in its eleventh year of operations, offering nationally accredited training in the Performing Arts to students from across Australia .

In 2008 ACPA will be commencing a dedicated career advisory and professional development program for graduates and other emerging Indigenous Artists. The program manager’s role will be to:

· Provide individual careers advisory services

· Engage with a range of arts companies and businesses

· Run mentorship and master-class programs

· Develop the commercial potential of this program

You will need to be motivated, a good communicator, able to work semi independently, familiar with the arts industry and aware of specific issues facing emerging Indigenous artists.

The position will be offered as a three year contract, with a remuneration package up to $60K per year for the right applicant. For the position description and selection email admin1@acpa.net.au or contract our office on 07 3846 7211.

Applications close Friday 14 April 2008. Post applications to 27 Cordelia Street South Brisbane 4101 or email to ceo@acpa.net.au.

Project Officer, Indigenous Arts Development

Project Officer, Indigenous Arts Development
Applications Close:Friday, March 21, 2008

Employer/Organisation:Northern Territory Government, Arts NT

Web Site:notes.nt.gov.au/dcis/RMS.nsf/NTGEmploymentHome

Location:Australia - Northern Territory - Darwin

Salary:AO6: $63,697 - $71,199


Temporary vacancy to 30/06/2009.

Developand implement policy initiatives and projects consistent with theIndigenous Arts Strategy, Building Strong Arts Business (BSAB), to growthe Indigenous arts sector in the Northern Territory . For moreinformation on the Northern Territory Indigenous Arts Strategy visit http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/arts/artsnt/indigenous/index.html

The job description is available online at http://notes.nt.gov.au/dcis/RMS.nsf/NTGEmploymentHome by including the vacancy number 23021.

For more information please contact Ms Stephanie Hawkins, Manager Indigenous Arts, Arts NT on:
T: 08 8999 6303
E: arts.office@nt.gov.au

{Job #106298}

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Position Vacant

Position Vacant

Indigenous Art Code Manager

This position will manage the continued development and implementation of the Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct, a national industry code of standards for the commercial relationships between Indigenous visual artists and the marketplace.

The position is funded as a designated Indigenous position. The position is located at the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) office in Sydney.

Closing date for applications is 14 April 2008.

For more information download the position description. http://www.visualarts.net.au/newsdesk/2008/03/positionvacantindigenousartcodemanager

Or contact
Recruitment, NAVA, PO Box 60, Potts Point NSW 1335
Email: recruitment@visualarts.net.au
Phone: 02 9368 1900

The national Indigenous visual arts industry regulation project is supported by the Australia Council, the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body, through its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Drum Beat is getting Louder!

Hey Everyone! Nguin Warrup (Black Drum) will soon be making its debut appearance soon! thank you all for your support so watch this space for some exciting news!

Saturday, January 26, 2008

26th January 2008

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL AUSTRALIANS

On this 26th Day of January 2008, in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the proclamation of SURVIVAL day, it is hereby announced that the month of JULY 1-31st is now proclaimed BLAK history month in Australia.

From this day forth and for all years to come, JULY will remain a month of significance and symbolism for the unity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations, in celebration of Australia’s rich, vibrant Indigenous histories and cultures.

JULY will provide an opportunity for ALL AUSTRALIANS to recognise the true Australian identity, giving Schools, Government, Multicultural Australia and most significantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities the opportunity to respectfully promote greater awareness of the diversity, innovation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander splendour.

Australia’s BLAK history month, will join the worldwide celebration of Black History Month, giving a greater international profile to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations, alongside Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The Australian community is hereby advised to BLAK out JULY in their diaries annually as a month of pride and celebration of all tribal groups and people throughout Australia and the Torres Strait.

1st JULY – 31st JULY – AUSTRALIA’S BLAK HISTORY MONTH

WE HAVE SURVIVED

Friday, January 18, 2008

International Aboriginal Peoples Calendar in Search of Aborigian Models

International Aboriginal Peoples Calendar In Search of Aboriginal Models

The producers of RAW 2008 Aboriginal Women's Calendar are searching for Aboriginal Models from Australia, Canada and United States to feature in their 2009 Calendar. RAW 2009 are in search of adult male and female models along with child models. Models featuring in RAW 2009 International Aboriginal Peoples Calendar will feature in traditionally inspired wear. In 2007 Mundanjara Productions launched the 2008 Aboriginal Women’s Calendar promoting the beauty and diversity of Australian Aboriginal People and Culture. This year Mundanjara Productions has joined with Jundal Young Aboriginal Women’s Group to produce an International Aboriginal Peoples Calendar featuring Aboriginal men and women of all ages from Australia, Canada and the United States. RAW 2009 will bring pride, cultural identity and quality of the traditional and modern cultures of the models and artist involved to an already establish international audience. Proceeds from this calendar will go into funding future projects for Aboriginal youths. RAW 2009 will be officially launched in Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada during the North American Indigenous Games and Musgrave Park, Brisbane, Australia during National Aboriginal Week. We also seek sponsorship from Government Agencies/Tribal Councils/Corporate and Private Enterprises and Individuals to accomplish this project. For more information and applications packs please visit raw2008.net.au or contact info@raw2008.net.au ALL APPLICATIONS CLOSE 26th January 2008.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Reflections -Referendum: 40 years to the Future

ACPA – read more about them at http://www.acpa.net.au/about.cfm.htm

'Reflections – Referendum: 40 years and to the Future' an original theatre piece devised by the talented and innovative students of the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) and directed by Resident Artistic Director Leah Purcell.

The production is a powerful and uplifting piece of music theatre that both entertains and informs. It is a theatrical journey which reflects upon the movement of Black and White Australians and their fight for the 1967 Referendum: Aborigines & the right to vote.

“Reflections” premiered in June last year at QPAC to capacity audiences. Due to the season selling out, QPAC and ACPA will be re-mounting the production in April 2008 to allow this important piece of theatre to be seen by the broader community of Queensland .

ACPA students have drawn on their own stories and those of Elders as the inspiration for the content of the show both musically & dramatically. The Elders worked with the performers to enhance their understanding of the determination, struggle and the strength of Australia ’s Indigenous people from the past to the present. Their stories have indeed served as ongoing inspiration for the students and the creation and development of this performance piece.

Having explored the potent themes of the 1967 Referendum in the first act, the younger generation’s hopes and aspirations for the future are explored in the second.

ACPA students will enthrall audiences with their vitality, depth and breadth of skill.

In short “Reflections” is a combination of historic and contemporary ideas portrayed through performance to pay homage to both the past and the future, by reflecting on an image of pride, hope, integrity and beauty.

Date/Time
Tuesday 15 April 2008, 6.30pm
Wednesday 16 April 2008, 12.00pm
Wednesday 16 April 2008, 7.30pm
Thursday 17 April 2008, 10.00am
Thursday 17 April 2008, 1.00pm
Friday 18 April 2008, 12.00pm
Friday 18 April 2008, 7.30pm
Saturday 19 April 2008, 2.00pm
Saturday 19 April 2008, 7.30pm

Tickets (inc. fees)
$16.50 to $28.00

Duration
1 hour (inc. interval)

Presented by
QPAC and ACPA

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Creative Production Coordinator

SpeakOut Creative is seeking a committed, organised, self-motivated Production Coordinator who is aligned with the studio's values and keen to support and develop an ethical Creative Design studio.

The SpeakOut Creative Production Coordinator will effectively support and coordinate all aspects of studio production and work with the Creative team to ensure the development and sustainability of a best practice enterprise that is central to the vision and mission of the overall organisation.

If you know of anyone who would be fabulous and interested please direct them to apply through seek.com.au :

http://www.seek.com.au/showjob.asp?jobid=11485823