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November 2015 VOLUME 5. NUMBER 3.

PG. ##

BUSH EDUCATION WHAT FUTURE?

INCOME MANAGEMENT KINTORE BELL KATITI PETERMANN SPREADS BEYOND NT TOLLS AGAIN IPA DECLARED

PG. 2 PG. 10# PG.PG. 4# ISSN 1839-5279ISSN NEWS

EDITORIAL Land Rights News Central What to expect from the new PM? Australia is published by the Central Land Council three and respect for women and peo- government plans to push ahead times a year. ple of different racial or religious with using s.28A of the Land Rights The Central Land Council backgrounds. Act to ‘delegate’ or hand land coun- One of his first announcements, cil powers to small organisations for 27 Stuart Hwy a $100 million package to deal with good. Alice Springs domestic violence, includes $21 mil- A breakthrough on the proposed lion to help Aboriginal communi- changes, which were previously re- NT 0870 ties and had been prepared by Tony jected by the Senate, now appears tel: 89516211 Abbott. within reach. The new PM may have taken a And for now the PM is also keep- www.clc.org.au long time to phone NT Chief Minister ing Tony Abbot’s adviser Warren email [email protected] Adam Giles but unlike Mr Giles he Mundine and the Indigenous was quick to call out NT Attorney Advisory Council. Indigenous affairs Contributions are welcome General and former White Ribbon will remain in the Department of ambassador John Elferink’s “slap” Prime Minister and Cabinet. remarks as “unacceptable”. Mr Turnbull has put Josh Mr Turnbull was elected on a Frydenberg, a cleanskin from SUBSCRIPTIONS promise of change. He has sacked Melbourne’s richest electorate, in Land Rights News Central poor performers but Indigenous charge of mining and developing the Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion has North. Australia subscriptions are New Prime Minister Malcolm Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Turnbull Scullion survived and hung onto his portfolio. We don’t yet know where the PM $20 per year. LRNCA is distributed free It is way too early for a report card claim, remains to be seen. for the man who removed Australia’s One of Mr Turnbull’s early deci- The good news is that Mr Scullion has to Aboriginal organisations self-declared ‘Prime Minister for sions has been to appoint Western and communities in Central Indigenous Affairs’. Australian Liberal MP Ken Wyatt been willing to negotiate about plans to Australia New Prime Minister Malcolm as the first Aboriginal (Assistant) push ahead with using s.28A of the Land To subscribe email: Turnbull is a little known quantity Commonwealth Minister. The men when it comes to Aboriginal affairs. disagree about proposals to weaken Rights Act to hand land council powers to [email protected] He is said to be closer to the Paul the Racial Discrimination Act (see Keating of the famous Redfern pages 5 and 6). small organisations for good. Speech than the John Howard who The new PM supports the welfare couldn’t bring himself to say sorry. card trials about to start in Ceduna It is still unclear whether this stands on NT statehood and the mis- ADVERTISING But whether he will overturn but nobody knows where he stands means the controversial and chaotic use of Commonwealth funds ear- the government’s paternalistic re- on the rest of the recommendations Indigenous Advancement Scheme marked for Aboriginal Territorians Advertise in the only lationship with Aboriginal people of Andrew Forrest, especially his re- (IAS) and the rebranded work for the by the Territory’s dysfunctional mi- newspaper to reach or whether there will be no policy view’s attack on land rights. dole scheme are also here to stay. nority government and the previous change, as former Prime Minister Since becoming PM Mr Turnbull The good news is that Mr Scullion NT Labor government. Aboriginal people Tony Abbott and the Labor party has talked much about tolerance has been willing to negotiate about Continued p.5 in remote Central Australia.

Next publication date: March 2016

Rates are available online at www.clc.org.au/land-rights- news OR email: media@clc. org.au OR call 89516211

Drop the IAS, say Aboriginal women Women leaders have asked Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to abandon Tony Abbott's chaotic Indigenous Advancement Scheme (IAS). Green light for June Oscar, who heads Aboriginal women's organisation Marninwarntikura in Fitzroy Crossing, said the “disastrous” policy had brought many child welfare and family centres to the welfare card trials brink of closure. She told an Aboriginal childcare Social Services Assistant Minister Alan Tudge is spruiking the almost cashless welfare card. Photo courtesy Timothy Stevens, ABC conference in Perth the time for government policy on the run was Ceduna will be the site of the first The Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation for communities taking part in the Edwards told the paper most over and called on the government trial of a new welfare debit card said children went without food trial, including an initial $1 million councillors feared the card would to “bridge the policy shortfalls of that has been described as “in- and essential clothing and missed for community services in Ceduna. make social problems worse. “It the last leadership.” come management on steroids”. out on sleep because of all night The additional money is for more could increase the crime rate in Ms Oscar said the IAS was From next year, welfare re- parties. drug and alcohol and financial town because it leaves people with suffocating early childhood and cipients in the remote South “People who don’t get educa- counselling services as well as less money in hand. You take away family programs through inflexible Australian town will be able to tions, people who can’t transition greater mental health support. money and you’ve still got prob- compliance requirements and withdraw only two out of every into work, people who can’t fund Residents of Kununurra in lems of people addicted to alcohol arbitrary decisions. ten dollars of their Centrelink pay- and maintain their own economies Western Australia, where the rate and drugs, but not enough com- Marninwarntikura's Baya Gawiy ment as cash. and look after their own families of hospital admissions is 68 times munity health workers to deal Children and Family Centre, To spend the rest – eight out of are gonna find something else to that of the rest of the country, are with it.” which also caters for children with every ten dollars – they will need a do,” community leader John Isgar still deciding whether to join the Despite supporting the law Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders debit card that can’t be used on al- told the media. trial. Neighbouring Halls Creek Labor politicians say it was rushed. (FASD), faces closure next March, cohol or gambling, or to withdraw “I mean, if you got up in the and Moree in New South Wales They are concerned that addicts according to Ms Oscar. cash. morning and had nothing to do, have said no. could trade other things, including The three year old centre, which Alcohol restrictions in Ceduna why wouldn’t you go and have a In Halls Creek they worried sex, for drugs or humbug people is internationally respected for its have had only limited success. grog?” about ATMs that break down, on the age pension for cash. work with FASD children, has lost There have been reports that in In October they travelled to leaving residents without cash and The Greens worry that people half its annual funding. 2013-2014 there were 4667 ad- Canberra to convince the Senate unable to pay for essentials. “We may have to pay fees every time Geraldine Atkinson from the missions to the sobering up cen- to vote for a law to allow the trial live at the end of a very long line they use the card or that they Secretariat of National Aboriginal tre, even though Ceduna has only to go ahead. and sometimes that line breaks. If won’t be able to use it at op shops and Islander Child Care told The 4400 residents. The Liberal and Labor senators people can’t use their card people and local markets, which often Australian: "Our message is to Community leaders are desper- and most independents supported just won’t eat,” Halls Creek CEO don’t have EFTPOS facilities. please scrap the IAS, because ate to try anything that might re- the law while the Greens opposed Rodger Kerr-Newell told The “There are so many unanswered duce the harm caused by alcohol it strongly. Australian. questions here,” said Greens sena- Continued p.19 and other addictions. Labor negotiated extra support Shire president Malcolm tor Rachel Siewert. Continued p.3

2 November 2015 NEWS Would you send your kids to boarding school?

Justin Brockman, Billiluna: David Rogers, Mutitjulu, Nyinku Jingo, Mutitjulu, Ngarla Kunoth Monks, Neville Petrick, Atitjere Yes. “Some of our kids don’t like plans to send his son Elton (8) to said sending her teenage daughter Utopia: Yes. “My 13 year old (Harts Range): Not sure. “Some to go to boarding school but they boarding school when he is 13: “To Charmaine to boarding school in daughter Ruby attends board- kids don’t like it. My oldest son need to go. I don’t want my kids to keep him out of trouble, make him Adelaide has been good. She made ing school at St Phillips [Alice went to boarding school in Adelaide sit on their bum and do nothing, understand English more better the decision “so she goes to school Springs]. It’s not too far away [Wiltja] but he started getting I want them to get an education… and be strong.” every day and gets more educated. from home, so any obligations lonely so he came back. Sometimes learn both ways.” I’d like her to be strong.” she has on the homelands, we’re kids get teased, it’s hard for them. able to pick her up and take her We used to have secondary school home for those. She’s gone from in Harts Range but they closed it the homelands to St. Philip’s and down, maybe three years ago. When she’s averaging 90 percent in her secondary school was at Harts marks. She’s really enjoying it. Range it was good. Sometimes the 150km away. Lucky.” kids get lonely when they go to boarding school.”

Continued from p.2

There is little detail about who only half of a person’s Centrelink will provide the card, how com- payment, last year found that the pliance will be managed, what card has not changed spending will happen if trial participants habits. travel to other areas and how Critics say the law singles out a community panel will decide Aboriginal communities with Violet Downs (Ali Curung) and Marjorie Brown (Willowra) : Yes. “When they’re in the community when people are ready to come grog problems and high numbers they learn about their own language and culture, but in boarding school they learn about western ways. We off the card. of people on welfare. It gives want our kids to learn about government rules, because the government is doing things that impact us – we Others fear that more children the government control over worry about things like mining on our land. Our kids can become anything they want: police aides, interpreters, could be removed because cash- Aboriginal people’s spending lawyers, doctors, politicians, radio broadcasters, machine operators, mechanics, plumbers. When they gradu- strapped parents can’t cope with habits in a way never tried with ate they can come back and work in the community.” the strict card conditions. non-Aboriginal communities. “It’s like a new stolen genera- Independent senator Jacqui tions policy, and there’s no sys- Lambie wants the welfare card tem out there to teach parents rolled out across her home state to learn proper ways of look- of Tasmania, where many non- CENTRAL LAND COUNCIL ONLINE ing after their kids,” Kununurra Aboriginal people depend on grandmother and carer Edna welfare. CLC digital photo archive: http://clc.ara-irititja.com O’Malley told The Australian. The welfare card was first Aboriginal and Torres proposed by mining billionaire Strait Islander Social Justice Andrew Forrest, who said it CLC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CentralLC Commissioner Mick Gooda would only work if welfare re- wants to put the trial on hold cipients would not get any cash Land Rights News Central Australia until communities have fully as- at all. sessed the proposal. The government has promised http://www.clc.org.au/land-rights-news/ A study of the effects of the to evaluate the trial and to pub- CLC website: www.clc.org.au Basics Card in the Northern lish an evaluation plan before it Territory, which quarantines starts. CLC FREECALL 1800 003 640 First indigenous doctor from Tennant Creek graduates Many in the Barkly are glowing about the future,” said Sarah. Also spurring her on was with pride at the achievements of “The Tennant Creek Hospital a growing awareness of how Sarah Goddard, a Tennant Creek in conjunction with the NT desperately health services were local who has just graduated Department of Health sponsored needed in her community. from Newcastle University with a me during my studies…I’ve also “As I saw how Indigenous Bachelor of Medicine degree. done clinical placements at the people were ravaged by alcohol, A double page spread in local Royal Flying Doctor Service and kidney disease, diabetes and newspaper, the Tennant Creek Anyinginyi so I’ve had some great other issues such as paediatric Times, included congratulatory mentoring along the way.” malnutrition and infections I was messages from the Tennant Creek Sarah’s desire to become a overwhelmed with despair,” said High School, Anyinginyi Health doctor began because of her Sarah. and member for Barkly, Gerry mother’s ongoing health issues. “I knew I had to try to make a McCarthy. She was just three years old difference.” Dr Goddard is the first local when Denise’s kidney’s failed and Now doing an internship at Aboriginal person to earn a sadly, those health issues have Darwin Hospital, Sarah is keen medical degree. continued. to return home to practice in Of Katyeye heritage, Sarah’s “I idolised the medical teams Tennant Creek. grandmother was the late Doris that treated her and have always “It’s my turn to give something Campbell and her mother, Denise yearned to be able to help mum back and I promise the people Goddard, was born and raised in get better,” she said. of Tennant Creek and the Barkly Tennant Creek. “She’s been through a lot… that you’re all first on my list.” “It’s a huge relief to finish my several major surgeries and more degree and I feel a great sense of hospital admissions for pneumonia Sarah Goddard graduated from Newcastle University in NSW accomplishment and excitement than I could ever keep count of.” November 2015 3 NEWS Katiti Petermann IPA is all about education Anangu traditional owners have Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, At Tjitjingati, a significant site Anangu launched the world’s new- a 20 million hectare IPA network declared more than five million the Katiti Petermann Indigenous between Uluru and the Western est IPA in October. spanning three states in the heart hectares of their land surrounding Protected Area (IPA). Australian border, around 250 Australia’s 70th IPA is part of of Australia where elders work with ranger groups to look after country. The IPA agreement with the Commonwealth means the CLC’s Kaltukatjara rangers from Docker River are getting $1.5 million over three years to tackle big threats to cultural sites, native plants and animals. Kaltukatjara ranger Ruby James told the crowd that the IPA will help educate the next generation of rangers. “We really hope to extend the program so we can do more trips on country and learn more about the bush tucker and all the tradi- tional foods and important places,” she said. One of the first female rang- ers in her community, Ms James has been teaching skills such as tracking, fauna surveys and water monitoring. “By taking them on country they see and learn about places. It will allow them to protect their country themselves in time. “This is their schooling, this is the education we need our children to have and this is the way we do it.” Traditional owner Janie Miama agreed: “We really want to teach the young ones how to look after the place properly and strongly.” IPAs support Aboriginal groups who volunteer to manage the cul- tural and environmental values of their country as part of Australia’s national reserve system. “What makes this IPA stand out is its tourism potential,” CLC direc- tor David Ross said. “There’s an airport where large numbers of visitors arrive every week, and the landscapes are very dramatic. It all adds up to huge tourism potential. “Already a handful of families are pursuing their own cultural tourism ideas. The IPA offers a great opportunity to expand that if that’s what people want,” he said. Before the inma (ceremony), the cake and the speeches traditional owners elected a management committee with representatives from all families. The new committee will meet soon to decide which actions of their IPA management plan to do first. NT sacred sites review: is the government losing the plot?

In October, according to Ms Price, the launch of the CLC oral history it was on again. collection Every hill tells a story. In August the government sent Doris Stuart, one of the book’s terms of reference to the CLC and authors, is concerned about what other affected parties. the review might mean for sacred They stated the review would sites around Alice Springs. investigate “to what extent” the “We need to educate people and legislation supports economic government - over and over and development. over again, it seems - why we don’t CLC director David Ross said the want them to climb Mount Gillen, government wants to change sacred for example.” site protections to help business. Despite the Chief Minister’s “That’s not in the best interests denials, consultants hired by his of Aboriginal people. It might be department are pushing ahead with in the best interest of miners and the review. the present day governments, but Price Waterhouse Coopers what’s the long term impact of Indigenous Consulting wrote to Arrernte custodian Doris Stuart speaks up for strong site protection that?” the CLC in September about the “You don’t need to look at consultations and are due to report CLC director David Ross The pressures of minority not seem to know about it. Western Australia’s controversial next month. changes to that state’s site Meanwhile the NLC has called government must be getting to “We’re not doing a review,” he CEO Joe Morrison said the big protection legislation to know for more funding for the Aboriginal Chief Minister Adam Giles. said at a joint media conference with land councils are concerned that not what may be in store for every hill, Areas Protection Authority so it His department is reviewing the Minister Bess Price in September, a enough attention is being paid to the every water hole and every site in can deal with the push for northern Northern Territory’s sacred site week after his department confirmed protection of sacred sites. protection laws, yet Mr Giles does to the ABC that the review was on. our country, “ he told the crowd at development. 4 November 2015 NEWS

(Continued from p.2) communities, using their own in- come from the park. Like Mr Abbott, Mr Turnbull sup- Mr Turnbull is not prone to the NT digging in on paperless ports modest constitutional recogni- gaffes of his predecessor, such as tion of indigenous people, such as Tony Abbott’s comment that Sydney the removal of the power to exclude used to be “nothing but bush” before them from voting. the First Fleet arrived. arrests: show us the evidence! He also supports sending Four years ago, his review of a book Darwin police have jailed more peace, in the comfort of family and “This is one of the reasons we’re Aboriginal students to top board- about the colonisation of Melbourne than 1,000 Aboriginal people this friends. In my view, he was entitled seeing crime at record low levels ing schools down south, but does showed he understood how the origi- year under new laws that allow de- to die as a free man.” in the NT,” Chief Minister Adam he back the proposed ‘Empowered nal inhabitants had been ‘betrayed’ tention without an arrest warrant. The coroner warned that pa- Giles told the ABC’s Background Communities’ trial in the NPY and ‘dispossessed’. One of them was 59 year old perless arrests will increase the Briefing program. region? “When governments say doing the Yuendumu artist Kwementyaye number of Aboriginal deaths in However, according to NT crime Whether the former lawyer plans right thing is ‘too hard’, what they are Langdon who died in jail after his custody, has ‘manifestly unfair’ statistics, assaults in Darwin have paperless arrest for drinking in consequences for Aboriginal peo- continued to rise under his gov- “When governments say doing the public. The offence carries a $74 ple and breached the constitutional ernment’s more liberal alcohol fine. separation of parliament and po- policies. right thing is ‘too hard’, what they are Mainly caught in the net are lice powers. The government has failed to Aboriginal people, arrested for The coronial inquest heard that present evidence of a connection really saying is that it’s more lucrative, minor offences such as disorderly about 95% of people arrested un- between the law and lower assault behaviour. der the laws have been Aboriginal. rates. or expedient, to do the wrong thing.” The NT Coroner said the laws “These new laws create a system NT Attorney General John should be repealed because they where a large proportion of the Elferink told the ABC: “I am still to introduce justice targets to close really saying is that it’s more lucra- make Aboriginal disadvantage population drinks freely in pubs waiting for the police to provide the growing imprisonment gap for tive, or expedient, to do the wrong worse. and taverns using sections of the me with statistics in this space and Aboriginal people is also unknown. thing,” Mr Turnbull wrote. “Kwementyaye Langdon, a sick public footpath,” he said. “Just one I mean have to have a certain prov- There is clearly a lot of work to “Our forebears preached the pro- middle-aged Aboriginal man, was street away, Aboriginal people … ing time before you can look at the be done to ensure the new PM un- tection of native people and the treated like a criminal and incar- are being detained for drinking in statstics, but certainly anecdotally derstands the challenges facing blessings of Christ while they largely cerated like a criminal; he died in a a designated public place, even if the evidence is there.” Aboriginal people living in remote destroyed a people and a way of life.” areas. If the new PM is serious about do- police cell which was built to house they are enjoying a peaceful, quiet “There are serious assaults that Mr Turnbull previously defended ing the right thing he must look be- criminals,” the coroner wrote. time with family and friends.” happen historically; they appear Tony Abbott after the ex-PM said yond the bureaucrats in Canberra. “He died in his sleep with strang- The North Australian Aboriginal not to be happening. We are al- Aboriginal people living in small re- He has the opportunity to shape ers in this cold, concrete cell. He Justice Agency is challenging the lowed to make that assertion on mote communities were making a a new Aboriginal affairs policy that died of natural causes and was laws in the high court but the NT the basis of that,” Mr Elferink said. ‘lifestyle choice’. rejects the easy but unsuccessful always likely to die suddenly due government is digging in. A decision in the high court chal- Traditional owners of Uluru Kata path of top down control and puts to chronic and serious heart dis- It says the laws are driving down lenge is expected before the end of Tjuta National Park have invited the Aboriginal people back in control of ease, but he was entitled to die in the crime rate. the year. PM to come and see the investments their own development. they have made in the future of their Calls for United Nations to investigate NT youth prison There has been a nation- appalling conditions, including against Australia’s human rights wide outcry about the deepen- five consecutive days in isola- profile,” said the Law Council di- ing youth justice crisis in the tion for 23 hours a day in a cell rector John Moses. Northern Territory following with no fans, air-conditioning, Since the release of the a damning report by the NT running water, scarce natural Children’s Commissioner’s re- Children’s Commissioner into light and no natural ventilation,” port, further allegations of con- the Department of Correctional said APO NT spokesperson John ditions at Don Dale have come to Services (DCS). Paterson. light. The report investigated the “These kids were held in soli- “They include staff encourag- incidents at Darwin’s Don Dale tary confinement for far longer ing boys to fight in exchange for Youth Detention Centre in than the permitted maximum of junk food, daring a child to eat August last year which lead to the 72 hours at a time. This report bird faeces in exchange for soft tear gassing of six young detain- demonstrates that the punitive drink, and the additional humili- ees. It has prompted a criminal approach to juvenile justice is ation of this being recorded and investigation by the NT police. not working,” he said. posted on social media,” said a The Human Rights Law Centre The report found staff had been media release by APO NT, an alli- asked the UN Special Rapporteur poorly trained, lacked de-escala- ance of peak Aboriginal organisa- to investigate conditions in Don tion skills, and that DCS failed to tions including the land councils. Dale, and the Law Council of follow legal requirements about “Evidence shows that exposing Australia and Aboriginal peak or- the treatment of vulnerable chil- children in detention to solitary ganisations have expressed deep dren in their care. confinement, abuse and degrad- concerns. “If these findings are true, the ing treatment damages the men- Cells inside the Don Dale Detention Centre, accused of “inhumane “The report details that these inhumane management of the tal health and wellbeing of these management”. Photo ABC six young people were housed in Don Dale incident is a blight children,“ Mr Paterson said. First Aboriginal federal minister looks to culture for solutions Noongar MP Ken Wyatt made One of the former senior health has is their greatest capital. Our “I said a lot of you in here history for the second time and education bureaucrat’s bodies do weary, they become will never experience racial when he became Australia’s first first jobs will be to shape the frail, but it doesn’t stop our vilification,” he told the ABC Aboriginal cabinet minister in government’s policy for older mind from being creative and about his speech to the Liberal Malcolm Turnbull’s government. Australians. providing the type of thinking party room. “It is only a handful Mr Turnbull appointed Mr He wants to encourage older that is needed.” in this room that will experience Wyatt, the first Aboriginal people with valuable skills While far too few Aboriginal that. Let me tell you, the pain of person elected to the House of and knowledge to stay in the Australians – employed or not this stays with people.” Representatives in 2010, as his workforce for as long as they – reach a ripe old age it remains Mr Wyatt has also been a new Assistant Health Minister in want. He said it was a good way to be seen how many of them passionate and committed chair September. to keep them healthy. will choose what Mr Wyatt calls of the parliamentary committee “Our heritage counts for all of “It seems strange – in Aboriginal “an optional lifestyle age” over on constitutional recognition of us and in my case being offered society we have elders, we revere retirement. Aboriginal peoples. a position by the Prime Minister their knowledge, their skills are The Member for Hasluck, as he He told SBS that constitutional was very special,” said Mr Wyatt. paramount in shaping some of is also known, has taken a strong recognition “is not about A former teacher, Mr Wyatt is the direction that we take … and stand against racism. affording them extra rights above one of 10 children who grew up in yet in Australian society we Last year Mr Wyatt threatened all other Australians. This is a family where money was tight. are prepared to let that same to vote against his own party about correcting the contextual “I have come from a life of poverty knowledge of eldership dissipate when Mr Abbott wanted to silence that is currently so Assistant Health Minister Wyatt. and through my own individual instead of harnessing it and using change the Racial Discrimination deafening in the constitution.” Photo: Michael Jones – AUSPIC/ efforts I stand now within the it,” Mr Wyatt told The Australian. Act to make it easier to vilify DPS national arena,” he told the NITV. “The intellect that anybody people because of their race. November 2015 5 NEWS Discontent aired over Tennant Creek Aboriginal corporation Traditional owners behind Jacqueline Bethel’s and Clarissa a Tennant Creek rally have Burgen’s memberships had been called on the Julalikari Council retrospectively disendorsed Aboriginal Corporation to listen without the explanation required to community concerns about its by the organisation’s constitution. performance. At the rally, members signed The federal government is also a resolution calling for a special inquiring into Julalikari, which general meeting, where they plan delivers housing, training and to declare the AGM invalid. work-for-the-dole services. Shirley Lewis told the gathering It wants to find out whether she had been elected chair of Julalikari has complied with of the board of directors at federal funding programs. Julalikari but couldn’t remain in At the recent rally Jimmy the position because of bullying Frank, Dianne Stokes, Miriam and harassment. She said these Frank, Shirley Lewis, Norman practices had become the culture Frank and Jacqui Bethel said the of the organisation. organisation needed to be more Following the rally, the group transparent and inclusive. headed to one of Julalikari’s At Julalikari’s annual general offices and hung placards with meeting in October, dozens of statements such as ‘where is the locals, including respected elders, funding’, and ‘stop bullying and found they had been removed harrassing’. from the membership list without (Supplied: Tennant and Julalikari’s fence, where demonstrators pegged their banners. Photo: Jordan Gillard, Papulu Apparr-Kari notice. District Times)

Protesters marched from Peko Park to one of Julalikari’s buildings. Photo: Jordan Gillard, Papulu Apparr-Kari New push to weaken protection against racist hate speech The Turnbull government is the legal protections against racist Turnbull backed changes to the divided over a new push to weaken hate speech. Racial Discrimination Act. the Racial Discrimination Act. Last year the Abbott government In May he told shock jock A growing number of Liberal dropped its planned changes Andrew Bolt on Channel Ten that MPs want to make it legal to “insult to section 18C of the Racial he was “very comfortable” with a and offend” people because of their Discrimination Act after a law from which “the words ‘insult’ race, colour, nationality or ethnic community backlash. and ‘offend’ could be removed, background. The Labor party has challenged leaving the words ‘humiliate’ and The politicians are backing the new Prime Minister to speak ‘intimidate’.” independent Senator Bob Day, who out against the push. A vote on the proposed new bill has proposed a new bill to weaken Before he became PM, Malcolm has been postponed until 2016. Watarrka traditional owners take legal action to stop mining in national park

The traditional owners of doesn’t give the traditional own- to all mining in the park during Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National ers a right of veto,” said EDO meetings with government and Park have hired the Environmental Principal Lawyer, David Morris. mining company representatives. Defenders Office NT (EDO) to The decision to seek legal assis- “That the Northern Territory help prevent oil and gas explora- tance from the EDO comes more Government would ignore the tion and mining on their land. than a year after the traditional wishes, and repeated requests, of The EDO plans to seek protec- owners and Aboriginal members traditional owners of Watarrka tion for Watarrka from mining, of the joint management commit- to refuse gas and mining appli- including through fracking, under tee for the park wrote to the NT cations in Watarrka shows an in- Commonwealth heritage laws. government. credible level of insensitivity and The laws are designed to pre- They asked NT Mining Minister a willingness to completely ignore serve and protect areas of particu- Willem Westra van Holthe and accepted principles of interna- lar significance to Aboriginal peo- Parks Minister Bess Price to re- tional law,” said Mr Morris. ple from specific threats of injury fuse an application by Palatine The EDO expects that appli- or desecration. Energy Pty Ltd to explore for oil cations will be filed with federal “Unfortunately, the Northern and gas within the park. Environment Minister, Greg Territory laws don’t really offer It was not their first letter. The Hunt, before the end of the year. Former CLC chair and Watarrka traditional owner Kunmanara any opportunity for protection of traditional owners have consis- Breaden signs one of the letters to the Northern Territory government Watarrka and the land’s status tently stated their opposition 6 November 2015 NEWS Out and proud: Every hill got a story collection launched

Storyteller Linda Dobbs (right) celebrates the launch of the CLC’s long awaited oral history collection with Fanny Walker and Joanne White (left)

Storytellers and their families the book was for "all the eminent their original interviews. the original interviews and a free to tell our children, grandchildren from across Central Australia Aboriginal men and women who Sound bites from the interviews study guide. and great-grandchildren and teach rubbed shoulders with a huge may not be household names entertained the guests while they "We hope that Every hill got a them what we know. Thank you Alice Desert Festival crowd at the to everyone here today but who enjoyed a slide show of the many story will become a classic resource to the land council for getting our Telegraph Station to launch the continue to be hugely influential in previously unpublished historical in the teaching of Aboriginal stories together in one place." CLC's oral history collection Every their communities." pictures in the book. studies across Australia, so young The book, sound bites, pod hill got a story. He said it was "their chance to The sound bites can be people everywhere can learn," casts, study guide and purchasing The book launch marked the tell their side of our shared history downloaded for a richer reading the CLC's Josie Douglas told the information are at [www.clc.org. CLC's 40th anniversary. It was a in their own, many languages, experience, along with a growing birthday crowd (see page 16). au/every-hill-got-a-story]. sunny birthday bash that gathered uninterrupted by other people's collection of podcast versions of Mr Jones added: "All of us need four generations at a place commentary, no matter how well featuring in so many stories. meaning." Storytellers lined up to tell He also reminded the crowd “We hope that Every hill got a story will become a classic resource in the teaching of Aboriginal studies across Australia.” the guests what the book project of the many victories the CLC meant to them and their families members achieved during its first while eager readers queued to four decades and why nobody buy signed copies and everyone should take them for granted. enjoyed delicious roo stew from "Make no mistake - many people Kungkas Can Cook. have never come to terms with the "The CLC area is a big bit of power the Land Rights Act gives country but our stories are the to Aboriginal people. We must same," said Michael Jones from remain vigilant to ensure these Tennant Creek. important rights are not eroded." "Telling everyone about our Mr Ross paid a special tribute to connection to country, growing those storytellers and collaborators up under government policies, as who passed away before the book we still do today, getting our land was published. back, having a say over our land, There was lots of applause when living on country, working with CLC chair Francis Kelly and deputy our people and keeping our culture Sammy Butcher presented their and language strong." fellow storytellers with copies of CLC director David Ross said the book and memory sticks with Readers line up at the Red Kangaroo Books stall for signed copies of Every hill got a story

November 2015 7 NEWS Back to homelands thanks to shipping container houses “Steel is a very bad insulator. “He’s at the outstation every day, I When it heats up it stays hot for a hardly see him!” she said. long time, so we’re trying to avoid “He sleeps here by himself, just that happening.” sleeping with the stars and the spirit The cost to fabricate and install of the land and grandparents around “He sleeps here by himself, just sleeping with the stars and the spirit of the land and grandparents surrounding him. He’s really happy.” one of these homes starts at about here surrounding him. He’s really $75,000 and options range from two happy.” to seven bedrooms. The homes have also provided “The average cost to build a house training and employment for local in the bush is around $400,000 and Indigenous people. if it’s very remote the price increas- “The installation of the homes al- es,” said Mr Pederson. lows us to employ two or three peo- “We’re in a situation now where we ple for a period of two or three weeks can offer people in the bush some- per home,” said Mr Pederson. where where they can go and stay for “We do a lot of other big building a very small amount of money.” jobs but we don’t get the same sat- Theo’s sister, Theresa Alice, said isfaction. This job, you know you’re living on country has made a big doing something that’s really helping difference to her brother. people out.” Theo Alice is really happy with his shipping container house at Urrermerne

Theo Alice now spends most then come back home…this is my Constructed from second-hand of his time on country thanks home now, where my house has shipping containers, the homes to a cleverly designed and been built.” are designed by Tangentyere affordable shipping container The two bedroom container Constructions, an Aboriginal social home. house is one of seven purchased by enterprise, and manufactured in Speaking from Urrermerne out- Aboriginal land holder groups this Adelaide. station near Santa Teresa, it’s clear year. General Manager of Tangentyere there’s nowhere else he would rather Installed at outstations includ- Constructions, Niels Pederson, said be. ing Mbalkanaka, near Ntaria, and the homes are proving popular be- “The house that they built here, it’s Parntaparnji, near Tennant Creek, cause they look like proper houses. really good because it’s on our coun- the homes were purchased using “They are completely cladded all try,” he said. rent money from Northern Territory around and insulated, so by the time “Now I can go into town just to parks, as well as mining exploration that’s been done there’s no telling it’s do my shopping and see family and compensation. a container at all,” he said. Andrew Alice working on Theo’s house at Urrermerne Help for CEOs in the hot seat central importance of “building the earning 500 Aboriginal organisa- right culture.” tions, NT organisations consis- Careful attention to the lo- tently have the highest average cal culture and context sets APO income. Their combined employee NT’s Aboriginal Governance number has jumped from 1,500 to and Management Program 4,700 since 2007. Many of these apart from the support available are Aboriginal workers in remote from the Office of the Registrar of communities where there are few Aboriginal Corporations (ORIC) other jobs. and others. Across the Territory, Aboriginal "[Their] focus on corporate gov- organisations deliver municipal, ernance and meeting legislative re- health and other services, run quirements is important but what stores and develop social enter- is equally critical is a continued prises. They foster local economies Any questions focus on community governance. and self-determination. In short, about CLC business? The work that APO NT and the they are the key to Aboriginal com- Call your regional officers: Australian Indigenous Governance munity wellbeing, to reducing in- Institute is doing to build gover- digenous disadvantage and very 1. ALICE SPRINGS nance capacity in communities is important to the wider Territory Nigel Lockyer, 8951 6264 vital," she said. social fabric and economy. The Aboriginal Governance and Priscilla Collins, CEO of North Will he put his money where is mouth is? Adam Giles opens the first 2. SOUTH WEST Management Program runs work- Australian Aboriginal Justice NT Aboriginal organisation CEO forum Vacant (Marty Darr), 8951 shops and a CEO/Board telecon- Agency, said they are vital for 6255 ference network for NT Aboriginal sustainable community and eco- Running an Aboriginal organisa- The event attracted high praise organisations. It provides tailored nomic development, especially but 3. NORTH WEST tion, especially in a remote com- from Chief Minister Adam Giles. Rob Roy, 8975 0885 munity, has got to be one of the “It is a fantastic initiative that toughest jobs around. will help Aboriginal people take “Forums such as this are an important step to- Responsible for the day to day control of their own destiny, and 4. TANAMI Alan Dickson, 8956 4118 management and often working in help to create economic opportu- wards ensuring that new or emerging Aboriginal isolation, chief executives of these nities that will benefit Aboriginal businesses run smoothly, avoid conflict and organisations often shoulder heavy people,” Mr Giles said in his open- 5. WEST financial and social responsibilities ing speech. benefit the whole Aboriginal community.” Robbie Kopp, 8956 8658 for Aboriginal development. “Forums such as this are an im- No wonder 34 CEOs and senior portant step towards ensuring that and ongoing supports on the not only in remote communities. 6. TENNANT CREEK managers of 21 Aboriginal organ- new or emerging Aboriginal busi- ground, advice, resources and re- "Strengthening their management Darryl “Tiger” Fitz, 8962 2343 isations from around the Territory nesses run smoothly, avoid conflict ferrals and conducts and shares is a sure way to build their devel- jumped at the chance of getting and benefit the whole Aboriginal research on successful governance opment capacity and reduce their 7. EASTERN SANDOVER some extra support at a forum at community. Good governance models. risk," she said. Vacant (Marty Darr), 8951 Darwin’s waterfront in October. builds trust with government agen- The forum will help guide the APO NT (Aboriginal Peak 6255 The APO NT Aboriginal Governance cies and business leaders and helps program as it transitions to a more Organisations of the NT) is an al- and Management Program con- to drive future investment. It un- permanent Aboriginal Governance liance of the Territory’s two largest 8. EASTERN PLENTY Richard Dodd, 8956 9722 vened the first NT Aboriginal derpins economic independence and Management Centre next year. land councils, Aboriginal medical organisation CEO forum, a and breaks the cycle of welfare NT Aboriginal organisations and legal services. welcome addition its suite of dependence.” yield at least $740m in grants 9. CENTRAL supports to organisations around Leah Armstrong, the chair of and self-generated income annu- For more information go to Lawrie Liddle, 8952 6256 the Territory. Supply Nation, spoke about the ally. Among the nation's highest aboriginalgovernance.org.au. 8 November 2015 NEWS Traditional owners invest GMAAAC committee in the children’s education welcomes new recruit

Carl Inkamala, Maxie Pearce, Lofty Katakarinja, Kathryn Moketarinja and Clara Inkamala

Traditional owner groups are in- stretched a bit with their learning “I think other traditional own- vesting their income from jointly and go interstate to learn more,” ers should think about doing it too, managed NT parks in young people said Lofty Katakarinja from the not just thinking about homelands who move away for formal training Tyurretye West education working and communities, but making sure and education. group. we spread that money around for The groups, from the Watarrka “There they get a strong educa- programs like this one to include (Kings Canyon) and Tyurretyre tion, and can stay longer at school. education.” (West MacDonnell Ranges) na- Some even finish year 12 there in- The CLC’s community develop- tional parks, are trialling educa- stead of finishing in year eight or ment program helped Watarrka tion support projects to contribute nine like they do here.” traditional owners to plan the in- to the costs of young people who Julie Clyne, a Watarrka tradi- vestment of a quarter of their in- pursue further education at board- tional owner, agrees it’s a good use come each year to the Watarrka ing schools, colleges and universi- of money. Education Program. ties interstate. “We were talking about how to The Tyurretyre West working The project has helped local make things better for our people, group received support to allocate New GMAAAC director Justin Brockman from Billiluna students attending secondary everyone wanted to help their kids $20,000 for the first year of their boarding schools in Adelaide and to have the chance for a good edu- program. Justin Brockman from Billiluna Tanami Downs, Balgo, Billiluna Brisbane, paid for university fees cation, the opportunity to go down The CLC has contracted in WA is the newest director of and Ringers Soak to plan projects in Adelaide and Melbourne, and south to a good school. Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal the Granites Mine Affected Area designed to improve housing, enrolment fees in an Open College Our parents didn’t have money Corporation to administer the pro- Aboriginal Corporation (GMAAAC). health, education, employment and course. like this, but using Watarrka rent grams for both groups. He attended his first board training, and essential services. “Most young people get edu- money we can help our kids,” she meeting in Alice Springs in October. “GMAAAC is important because cated locally, but some want to be said. “It’s the first time for me and a in communities we need many bit frightening but once you know things that we don’t really have,” people…it’s good,” he said. says Mr Brockman. “When I went in there the “The problem in my community Community development directors supported me and helped is that young people don’t work. me and welcomed me with open “GMAAAC helps people work and arms. be recognised in the community “I’m a shy guy but with them I can and that’s important you know.” saves Alekarenge Festival share my experiences.” A small community of about 300 The Granites Mine Affected Areas people, Billiluna is on the junction The seventh Alekarenge money so the celebrations could spent our community money on Aboriginal Corporation (GMAAAC) of the Canning Stock Route and the Dance Festival during NAIDOC go ahead as planned. this.” was set up to benefit communities Tanami Track. Week attracted big crowds. “We put some of our commu- Ziza Egan made sure no one affected by the Granites gold mine. “In our community we need Funding cuts had left the nity money towards the dance went hungry: “We’re teaching There are nine affected someone to stand up and put their week long celebration, a mix of festival, we teach our kids and it the younger ones how to cook communities across the Tanami in foot down, so that people can hear traditional dances, cooking, hip helps keep our culture strong,” kangaroo tails and damper. the NT and WA. our voice,” says Mr Brockman. hop, sport and circus skills in- explained Peter Corbett, who This will help them keep going, The CLC’s Community Develop- “It’s a big job and big shoes to fill volving the whole community, worked with the CLC’s commu- holding their culture strong.” ment program works with elected but I’ll try my best to make it good under a cloud. nity development team. Other highlights of the fes- committees in Yuendumu, Laja- for my community.” Community leaders acted “Today all the people are tival were the spear-throwing manu, Willowra, Nyirrpi, Yuelamu, quickly when they learnt about going to dance, old ladies, and NAIDOC Cup footy com- the cuts. They decided to make young girls,” said elder Charlie petition between Warrabri, the up the shortfall by contributing Poulson. “Helping people danc- Alekarenge Kangaroos and the $11,000 of their five year lease ing, helping people singing, we Mungkarta Tigers.

Men perform purlapa [ceremony] at the Alekarenge Dance Festival ...... while the kids enjoy the hip hop competition

November 2015 9 NEWS Church bell travelled a long way to Kintore For the first time in years, resi- The bell was installed in Kintore in France, which was pretty wanted. “It allows traditional owners dents of the remote community of in July with the help of Finke River incredible.” “I feel really good when I look at and community members to play a Kintore are enjoying the chimes of Mission staff and MacDonnell The working group looked at dif- that bell.” strong role in planning projects for their own church bell. Regional Council workers. ferent options and chose a bell that Pastor Lindsay Corby, who is long term benefit of all community The 95kg bronze bell was custom Katie Allen from the CLC’s com- chimes in F sharp. also on the working group, said the members,” says Ms Allen made by the world famous Paccard community is proud. “We’ve had everything from Bronze Bells in the Rhone-Alpes “The bell is loud and clear when “The Land Council listened to us, education support projects, excur- region of France. and they supported the working sions for young students, leader- The $28,000 project was funded the pastors ring it on Sunday” group to do this,” he said. ship training, outstation work, with lease money paid to the com- “Palya lingku, today we are all land management activities, tour- munity by the federal government. munity development program says A bell tower was also built, using happy here. God is happy for us.” ism development…there’s a whole “We had a talk around the table it’s one of the more unusual proj- the colours of Kintore’s other great The community held an opening range.” and we agreed to get that bell,” ects she’s worked on. passion, the Hawthorn Football party with a barbeque, speeches Last year Aboriginal groups in said Irene Nangala, a member of “At first I didn’t really know Club. and a singalong in August. eCntral Australia and the Barkly a working group facilitated by the where to look around for a bell so I Irene Nangala said the new bell Communities in Central spent a record $12 million of their Central Land Council. contacted the Finke River Mission and tower make her happy. Australia spend 50 to 100 percent own money on health, education, “The old one had a big crack… and they suggested a supplier in “The bell is loud and clear when the of lease money acquired from the employment, and culture projects. it’s really old. That’s why we all got Adelaide,” she said. pastors ring it on Sunday,” she said. federal government on community that bell for Kintore. “And the bell was to be made “It’s really tall, which is what we development projects.

Kintore men unload the custom made brass bell from France Working group members launch their new bell tower with prayers and speeches Yuendumu School country visit Yuendumu students and while Harry Jakamarra Nelson families recently spent a whole told stories about Yajarlu at week on country. the soakage. Country visits have been Emma Browne from the an important part of the school said it was a great way Yuendumu school and com- to learn about the students munity calendar for over 20 and culture. years. “It was really good to spend The excursions give Warlpiri time on country with students. young people the opportunity We all learned a lot about to visit important sites and country, about bush medicine, hear stories about those tucker and old stories of places. It is an important time nyurru-wiyi [olden days]. for elders to share knowledge. It was great getting to This year they camped in the know children and families creek at Juurlpungu and at away from school. Country Yajarlu, with lots of day trips visits are an important part from both places. of our bilingual/ bicultural Over a hundred people program.” camped in Juurlpungu and Each year the four bush did Jukurrpa painting, story- schools in the Tanami region telling, kangaroo hunting, (Yuendumu, Lajamanu, Wil- bush walks and a big purlapa lowra and Nyirrpi schools) [ceremony] on the last night. receive funding from the From their camp at Yajarlu Warlpiri Education and the students and their families Training Trust (WETT) to visited Pikilyi for the day. support country visits. The kids collected yinirnti In 2015 Yuendumu School [Batwing Coral Tree seeds] got $20,000 for this greatly Lunchtime at the Yuendumu school camp at Juurlpungu (Inset picture: Bluetongue lizard skeleton) and palya [spinifex resin], and valued program. tracked goanna. They painted 10 November 2015 CARING FOR COUNTRY Kintore’s first aerial burn

A grant from the federal government’s Biodiversity Fund has given Kintore traditional owners the chance to experience aeri- al burning for the first time ever. Until now, Kintore has not had Ms Blackwood said the Kintore any funding for this type of fire elders were hesitant at first but en- management. Other communi- joyed the experience. ties with Central Land Council “I think they were impressed that ranger groups are familiar with you could make a really small fire or aerial burning, but this year it was a really big fire,” said Ms Blackwood. Kintore’s turn. “So you could go, ok, here’s three “Fire managers in the Top End valleys of old spinifex, let’s just burn have been doing a lot more of this one…because you can get right with elders than [what] is hap- down into the space.” pening down here in the desert,” Aerial burning uses a machine said CLC fire project officer, Jane that drops self-igniting capsules Blackwood. over the land from a helicopter. “It’s a technology that’s come The process allows for precise down in the last five or six years burning of areas that are particu- and it’s great to see these guys get- larly remote or hard to access. ting the same opportunities...” Having access to a helicopter for The aerial burning took place as the burning also allows people to part of a combined family burn- visit remote country and sacred From left to right: Joy Maxwell. Josephine Napurrula, Rosie Corby, Aileen Napaltjarri, Jacqueline Reid, ing trip to Karrkurridintja (Lake sites. Obscured person – Helen Gibson, Tenisha Gallagher, Cynthia Multa, Sonia Jugadai, Jeannie Andrew MacDonald) in August. Rent money protects Mount Undoolya outstation Horses, land and infrastructure at Mount Undoolya outstation are in safe hands, thanks to the tradi- tional owners. A group of owners of the Kuyumba Nature Reserve planned with CLC rangers and community development staff to use $13,000 of their rent money to look after their outstation. They wanted firebreaks and bet- ter fences to keep out the cattle and feral animals that were damaging water infrastructure. In August and September the CLC’s Ltyentye Apurte Rangers, including two traditional owners, carried out a controlled burn at Mount Undoolya. Outstation resi- dents helped to complete the burn despite strong winds and thick buffel grass. The rangers also graded fire- breaks along the fence line and repaired the boundary fence. They strengthened and extended the fence an extra twenty metres up the boundary of the East MacDonnell Ranges to keep stock out of the park. Philip Fly, a traditional owner from Mount Undoolya who worked on the project, said the work was important for the ongoing sustain- ability of the outstation. “To live out here, we need more activities like this fencing work,” CLC ranger Gibson John tracks the burn at Mount Undoolya CLC ranger Malcolm Hayes burns off invasive buffel grass he said. “We need to get all the family members to work here.” Double honour for veteran cat tracker

Warlpiri ranger Christine Christine learned about being bilby, desert skink and mulgara. Michaels - Ellis made her family a ranger from going hunting with Christine wants her kids to in Nyirrpi very proud when her family. Her mother often become rangers and says they she cleaned up not one but two took her along on ranger trips. are already showing an interest ranger awards. “She and those Nyirrpi young in her chosen career. The CLC ranger and expert rangers were cleaning rockholes, “They learn from my mum cat tracker won the Minister’s getting rid of the camels from the and me how to get some bush Award for Outstanding Frontline rockholes. [My family taught me] foods so they can pass on our Achievement and Ranger of the tracking goannas and pussycat, knowledge to their kids. Year (Barkly, Katherine and even bluetongues and perenties. I am teaching my little son, VRD Region) in August. I grew up with bush foods, I love little Ringo, how to track. He “I got really excited, real happy eating bush foods.” keeps saying to mum: ‘You have inside me and my mum was Christine enjoyed quite a bit to stop and look for cat tracks really happy too,” said Christine. of pussycat, too: “We used to hit and scats so we can put it in the Her mother, Alice Henwood, them and cook them at home.” bag’.” is also a CLC ranger and She says killing feral accompanied Christine to the animals is important for the Christine Michaels - Ellis spots some cat tracks near the Newhaven award ceremony in Darwin. survival of native animals like the Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo courtesy Desert Wildlife Service. November 2015 11 EDUCATION School attendance up but results down: truancy measures alone won’t lift education outcomes Most Aboriginal students in the the government’s focus on school at- continue to look at it, and look at linked to improving results. delivers the worst education out- Northern Territory live in a remote tendance is not enough. the absence of kids and look at the This is food for thought for NT comes in Australia. It also leads the community. But despite increased “It is one thing to round them up appalling NAPLAN results and the Education Minister Peter Chandler, pack when it comes to education government spending on school in a bus and take them to school,” he poverty that follows.” who is counting on his Indigenous funding cuts. The NT News report- attendance their results are going told The Australian. “Unless there The chair of the Prime Minister’s Education Strategy to turn around ed that since 2009, successive NT backwards. has been a fundamental change in- advisory council, Warren Mundine, what he calls “unacceptably low” governments have ripped almost Early results of the 2015 NAPLAN side the classroom and inside the suggested the salaries of education NAPLAN results. $2,000 per student from the public (literacy and numeracy) test results school, then we’re not going to see an bureaucrats and ministers should be The NT government not only education system. seem to support those, including the improvement in learning outcomes.” CLC, who have said that focussing He called for a ‘cultural shift’ on school attendance alone is not in classrooms to build a partner- likely to close the gap in education ship between students, parents and outcomes. teachers to improve learning results. Test results show that fewer than Results in the 72 remote schools one out of three Year 9 students went backwards at the same time in the NT were hitting the read- as the federal government’s Remote ing target for their level. The more School Attendance Strategy in- isolated the student, the lower the creased from $282 million a year to performance. almost $330 in 2013. According to an analysis by The Yet while the number of students Australian, test scores in 72 remote going to those schools rose by about schools around the country have 10% over the past five years (4% in worsened in 15 out of 20 areas of the the NT during 2013/14), there has NAPLAN test this year when com- been no matching increase in the pared with national averages. number of teachers. Year 3 to 9 students in remote This has not stopped the govern- communities in the NT and four ment from committing another $80 other states performed 45% below million to boost attendance in these the national average. schools over the next three years. Darren Goodwell from the “School attendance is hardly a Stronger Smarter Institute, which Commonwealth matter,” Indigenous achieves improved results through Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion told Two way learning: traditional owners voiced their education priorities for their children at the its ‘high expectations’ model, said the ABC. “But we can hardly just Katiti Petermann IPA launch. See story p. 4. Secondary schooling out bush: no future? A 2013 review of Aboriginal children were worse than 15 years that all secondary students in The review suggests that by the department’s plans for four education in the Northern ago. remote communities come into 2019 all secondary education areas: early childhood, literacy, Territory found that the education The review made a very larger towns or boarding schools programs in remote schools will secondary education and outcomes of many Aboriginal controversial recommendation: to continue their education. be phased out. This means the community engagement. only choice for most bush kids In a submission to the Wilson over the age of 14 (year 9) would Review, the CLC raised concerns be to go to secondary schools with the government’s model of in towns and cities where they remote secondary education. It would live in boarding houses argued for the need for ongoing and hostels. support of bilingual education in Over time kids as young as 12 remote schools. The department’s (year 7) would be expected to join strategy does not address long them. standing community distress It would mean the end of around the lack of support for middle and senior classes in bilingual education. remote communities. The Wilson Review talks about The review, known as the providing ‘choice’ in secondary Wilson Review, also recommends education. The choice for remote students attend boarding schools, students to access secondary either in the Northern Territory education ‘at home’, however, or interstate. appears to have disappeared. Representatives from the The CLC believes that, at a NT education department minimum, all kids should have presented an overview of the the choice of attending middle Indigenous Education Strategy school (Years 7 to 9) in remote to the CLC’s council meeting and very remote communities. at Ikuntji in August. The 10 The NT’s Indigenous Education year strategy is based on the Strategy will be implemented recommendations of the Wilson through funding from the Review. The council heard about Commonwealth Government.

Not included in this map are the boarding facilities the Wilson Review has proposed for Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin (the review does not mention ‘growth towns’ such as Yuendumu, Students from remote community schools who attend the Kids in Town Ntaria and Lajamanu). This map is a work in progress. Please let us know if it contains any errors. Engaged in School (KITES) program enjoyed the launch of the CLC’s oral history book at the Telegraph Station.

12 November 2015 EDUCATION Direct Instruction is coming Ntaria principal backs to a remote school near you Direct Instruction The NT government is introducing a new way of Direct Instruction was developed in the USA in the teaching English. It is called Direct Instruction. It is a 1960s. way of teaching the most important skills people need The Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy to learn to read and write. It can also be used to teach (CYAAA) has implemented the teaching method in numeracy and other subjects. primary schools in the Cape York communities of The NT government is trying out Direct Instruction Coen, Hope Vale and Aurukun. It is very well funded in 15 schools across the NT and plans to roll it out to and part of the Cape York welfare reform. all remote schools. Later on, it also wants numeracy to Non-profit organisation Good to Great Schools be taught through Direct Instruction. Australia is working with CYAAA schools and other schools across Australia to deliver Direct Instruction. Direct Instruction works like this: The method is also being trialled in Western • All details of teaching follow a standardised (one- Australia, where the state government offered bene- size-fits-all) approach that uses ‘readymade’ literacy fits packages for remote communities willing to adopt programs. For example teachers use a set script. Direct Instruction in their primary schools. •The steps are review, presentation, student practice There are different views about how well Direct Team teacher Selena Malbunka and Ntaria School principal with the help of a teacher, corrections and feedback Instruction works. The Australian Council for Cath Greene go over some Direct Instruction lesson plans and practice without the help of a teacher. Educational Research report on the Cape York imple- • There are weekly and monthly tests. mentation of Direct Instruction in 2013 did not find Veteran educator Cath “It’s not just rote learning, it’s • Lessons move along at a fast pace and there is clear evidence of impact because the data and the time Greene is happy to be using making kids think,” she continues. lots of repetition. Teachers give students feedback were too limited. Direct Instruction (DI) at her “It’s full of little word plays.’” straight away on how they are going. Educators with experience in Aboriginal schools school. In Western Australia DI has been • Students work in groups based on their ability. have criticised Direct Instruction. On the other hand, Ntaria School, 131kms southwest introduced in over a dozen remote communities. • Teachers manage student behaviour through pre- John Hattie, a Professor of Education at the University of Alice Springs has been using the DI method of teaching since In September, WA Regional dictable consequences, such as rewards, corrections of Melbourne, looked at research on ‘what actually January. Development Minister Terry and sanctions. works in schools to improve learning’, and found But Cath Greene, the long-time Redman offered benefits packages • All students, teachers and parents understand the Direct Instruction, among other things, can lead to principal of Ntaria (Hermannsburg) for communities willing to adopt DI consequences of different behaviours. better and lasting student results. School wasn’t always a fan. in their schools. “I didn’t want to do it,” she says. In the Territory, DI is part of NT “I thought teachers wouldn’t be Education Minister Peter Chandler’s able to be creative, kids might get 10 year to improve plan NT education What the critics say: What the supporters say: bored and it would be just too full on. outcomes out bush. “But when you’re teaching it, it’s In a recent statement, Mr Chandler Direct Instruction narrows what is being taught Direct Instruction combines precise example sequenc- not like that at all.” said there are signs of improvements (the curriculum) and undermines Aboriginal culture es, fast questioning, feedback given straight away, long Ntaria School is one of 16 remote across the board. and languages in the classroom and across the practice drills and immediate corrections of mistakes. schools in the Territory currently “Early signs show that students are curriculum. trialling DI, and the only one in using English more frequently when Central Australia. speaking, conversing to one another Direct instruction does not fit in well with the learn- Direct Instruction is a model based on small learning Aimed at kids from preschool in English and in full sentences,” he ing aspirations and values of remote communities. steps (increments). Teachers can’t stray from clearly to primary, Cath and her team said. defined teaching tasks. have moved from using a variety “Students attention span has of different teaching styles to a increased, as well as their ability to completely uniform approach. stay on task in the classroom.” The evaluation of the Cape York trial had little to say Students are tested regularly and often. This makes “It’s incremental, it’s aimed at the According to Cath Greene it will about how well Aboriginal teachers were engaged in teachers more accountable for student results. students’ level and it reinforces prior take at least three years for any the school and about how it affected wider commu- learning,” says Cath. improvements to show up in Ntaria’s nity engagement. “I think the kids know what to NAPLAN results. expect every day when they walk in “I think in our ESL (English as a and our kids like routine.” Second Language) levels we’ll see a Learners take on a passive role. They are directed by Students learn to read and write one-and-a-half times “One of the things we did today difference. the teacher. faster than through other methods. was a little poem about American “Feedback from family is that the Indians,” says Cath. kids are practicing English outside.” “I was in church recently and one of Direct Instruction is unlikely to be engaging for older In Direct Instruction classrooms students achieve American Indians were what our little transition students grabbed students. It is not the best approach for very young more and grow stronger than in other classrooms. they saw. Some were Cree and my keys and started practicing what students or needs to be used with other ways of some Choctaw. she’d learned,” says Cath. teaching them. American Indians were what “She was saying ‘what is this, this they saw. Cherokee, Seminole, is a key, what colour, this key is and Chickasaw. orange,’ so she was practicing the Direct Instruction does not pay much attention to the Direct Instruction benefits all kinds of students: high- routine and being the teacher for social development of students. achievers, high-risk students, general education “The kids just loved saying it, me.” students, special education students, and from pre- it’s practicing English but can you school to middle school. see there’s a connection in how they remember it? Outstation starts two way learning school An Arnhemland outstation has the IPA has been working to set up opened its own school that blends the school so children can have an Aboriginal and western education. education on country. The school at Kabulwarnamyo, “We know our children are losing about 650 kilometres south of lots of understanding – family Darwin is starting out with 10 relationships, land ownership. A children. lot of kids don’t know their country Residents rejected the govern- very well,” said Mr Yibarbuk. ment push to send children to “We want to try to build that tra- larger regional communities and ditional education so that children ‘growth towns’ because they wor- are growing up to have a better ry about living away from their understanding of what’s out there. children. For western education, we want “We are also a bit frightened for to see our children get a proper our kids because of these influ- education and to have a path to ences (that) are coming real fast university.” and big and rapid, such as alcohol, The children will be enrolled such as drugs,” senior ranger and through the Katherine School of researcher Dean Yibarbuk told the the Air and are part of the govern- ABC. ment school system. A non-Aborig- Many Kabulwarnamyo resi- inal teacher has been employed to dents work for Warddeken Land live and work at the outstation but Management, a ranger group that local elders will play a critical role. manages the 1.4 million hectare “We will adhere to the Australian Warddeken Indigenous Protected curriculum but we will augment Area. that curriculum with a lot of cul- A trust set up by traditional own- tural activities,” a spokesperson for Arnhemland elder Mary Kolkiwarra Nadjamerrek teaches children about culture and country. ers to secure long-term funding for the trust told the ABC. Photo: Georgia Vallance

November 2015 13 Boys dance the Emu Inma [ceremony] in memory of a loved one Traditional owners made it clear they want their children to help look a er the IPA

u u ati a es and in u Kulit a at the A de la ation e e on la sti s set the tone fo the inma

and a A st on i es an inte iew to the A and Willie and u u ati a es si n the A a ee ent with the o onwealth

onnie atthew Allan uts the a e at the A de la ation e e on ud i e onne i a ti and a tha ott sin the u nma Katiti Petermann IPA declaration ceremony

a e ass t ees in sand lain ount nea Kaltu at a a in the Katiti ete ann ndi enous Kaltu at a a an e s leanin ud nests f o a o a t site at Wal a in the A ote ted A ea A

an e and t aditional owne ub a es told uests that lea nin f o elde s on the aditional owne al a ea a at Katiti a natu al s in that was edis o e ed in A was an i o tant a t of the hild ens edu ation Aust alia s newest A ta es a t of its na e f o this s e ial la e

uests and t aditional owne s listen to the s ee hes at the A de la ation e e on A ou nalist f o he Aust alian an e s and hild en at iltati EDUCATION Bilingual education Community creches re-open Schools in Atitjere, Yuelamu what the CDRC had rejected as poor attendance. Poor attendance and Nyirrpi have been funded to not enough. in turn results in funding cuts - a pioneers honoured run the communities' creches for The CDRC had been offered perfect vicious circle,” he said. the next eight months. $128,000 per year to run each Mr Ross said when community Mount Liebig community Papunya. Their work in the 70s The Central Desert Regional creche. Insufficient, it said, to based co-ordinators support has honoured bilingual educa- and early 80s led to the school Council (CDRC) closed the three employ creche co-ordinators local workers, centres are well tion pioneers with a memorial. at Walungurru (Kintore). creches in August, following a supporting local workers. attended, families are involved Around 100 family members Wanyima also played a sig- funding cut. The CLC has warned against and parents are happy to send and guests dedicated it during nificant role in the develop- Negotiations for an extra a race to the bottom in remote their children. a service at New Bore outsta- ment of the Pintupi-Luritja $55,000 a year per creche childcare. “Quality childcare services are tion in September. Dictionary and the translation broke down and local child care CLC director David Ross said it critical to achieving both school They paid their respects to of the bible. workers lost their jobs, along with is clear drive-in-drive-out creche attendance and employment the late Wanyima (Ginger) The CLC’s Anangu Luritjiku community based co-ordinators. support is unsuitable for remote outcomes.” Tjakamarra and other pioneers ranger group built the memori- The funding the Australian communities. “Communities certainly don’t of the bilingual education pro- al at the request of Wanyima’s government is now giving to the “Where it’s been tried families expect cut-price early childhood gram on outstations west of wife Wintjiya Napaltjarri. NT schools - reportedly around have lost confidence in their services. Our children deserve $120,000 per year - is similar to childcare centres. That’s led to better.” Aboriginal students celebrate graduation More than 100 Aboriginal stu- students which is a true reflec- CAAMA and the Koori Mail. dents from communities all over tion of Batchelor Institute’s ‘both- Business student Phillip Carter, Australia have celebrated their ways’ approach to learning,” said also from Alice Springs, was pre- graduation in September at the Batchelor CEO, Robert Somerville. sented with the NBC Consultants Batchelor Institute for Indigenous “‘Both-ways’ uses Indigenous award for most outstanding VET Education in Alice Springs. knowledge to interpret a Western student. The event was broadcast live on education system ensuring stu- Arrernte traditional owner and CAAMA radio. Education Minister dent success.” Lhere Artepe representative, Peter Peter Chandler also attended. Alice Springs media student Wallace, conducted the welcome “It’s a wonderful day to cel- Christine Williams received two to country. ebrate the achievements of our special achievement awards from

CLC rangers built the memorial Aboriginal history and culture lose out Aboriginal history is set to lose mention Aboriginal or migrant out to the teaching of Australia's stories. white Christian heritage as a Teachers can still chose to result of changes to the national include these topics in their curriculum. lessons but critics say that's not Under changes to the plan all good enough. teachers have to follow, students IndigenousX founder and former will no longer have to learn about teacher Luke Pearson told CAAMA Aboriginal culture. that some educators would only Year six students learning about teach about these contributions if the contributions of different it is compulsory to do so. groups to the nation, for example, He said the changes are Batchelor Institute graduates with their lecturers and Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan (right). could have lessons that do not politically motivated. Study guide brings oral history book alive in the classroom

Educators around the world and overwhelming," she said. have a new teaching tool using "We hope this guide will make the stories of some of Central their job easier, so that they can Australia's most eminent confidently teach the true story Aboriginal people. for Aboriginal people, using the The CLC has produced a study words and voices of Aboriginal guide for Every hill got a story storytellers." to give teachers ideas for activi- ties and in-depth explanations Download the study guide of the stories in its oral history free of charge at www.clc. collection. org.au/every-hill-got-a-story The free online guide is full of resources, thought provoking discussion topics and activities primary and secondary students can do around every chapter of the book. "It means teachers have a tool to help students gain a deeper understanding and deeper learn- ing about what is important to Aboriginal people in Central Australia," explained Josie Douglas, a senior policy officer at the CLC. She said the study guide can be used across subjects like history, geography, legal studies, English, science and health a priority for all schools. Batchelor Institute Conservation and Land Management students Farron Gorey, Lekisha Palmer, Georgina "Teachers can find including Yates, Reuben Cooper, Frazer Oliver (standing), and Ainsley Gorey use Every hill got a story in their studies. Aboriginal histories and cultures into what they teach complex Josie Douglas at the book launch 16 November 2015 NEWS Success training Barkly kids on Bluebush Station

Husband and wife team Harold the lifestyle, the land and making it ‘Chongy’ and Gina Howard know work. the meaning of hard work. “The cattle were bringing in in- They manage a small cattle come but it wasn’t enough as it was enterprise on Bluebush Station being put straight back into the near Tennant Creek and they also operation, we had to look at diver- train high school students inter- sifying to make more money” says ested in life on the land. Gina. “The kids start pretty basic “We needed another income with low stress stock handling,” stream to make the corporation says Gina. profitable and also to allow us to re- “And they work their way up side on country fulltime.” to actually being able to process The couple have signed a memo- cattle.” randum of understanding with the The program is part of a cer- NT Department of Education and tificate course in Rural Operations say it’s good to be able to give back and Agrifoods and Gina says the to the community. kids love the practical nature of the “The kids are learning how to training. work in a team environment, how Since 2012 about 60 students to be a good leader – they’re step- from Tennant Creek High School ping up to the plate,” says Gina. have taken part, learning skills that “We’re really keen on doing this could lead to local employment. sort of work, kids in the Barkly don’t “Barkly is right in the middle of have a lot of opportunities.” cattle country,” says Gina. Harold and Gina are both former “There are stations all around employees of the CLC – Harold us, there’s no doubt that we could worked in employment and Gina feed these young people out into the spent 25 years in areas including industry.” community development and re- Bluebush Station, about 120 km gional services. north-west of Tennant Creek, is Chongy says anyone considering Gina’s grandfather’s country. running their own business should The 5000 hectare station is lo- be prepared to work hard and focus cated on the Karlantinjpa North on what’s motivating them. Aboriginal Land Trust and operated “Gina and I always wanted to by the Bluebush Cattle Aboriginal show people that it can be done,” Corporation. says Chongy. Directors of the corporation, Gina “Our vision is to make the most of Chongy and Gina Howard are giving Barkly students real experience on the land and Harold are passionate about what we have to inspire others.” “Get it right” with black property rights The Expert Indigenous Working Aboriginal community is going to that recognises and sits with na- wrote in The Australian. Aboriginal people to make signifi- Group advising governments survive without being part of the tive title," Mr Bergmann told The “Remarkably, some govern- cant steps towards economic inde- about ownership and management economic activities of their re- Australian. ments do not understand this.” pendence," he wrote. of Aboriginal land has delivered gion,” said the businessman and He seized on the PM’s comments Mr Bergmann criticised the The working group was appoint- its report amid a climate of fresh former CEO of the Kimberley Land that Australians should be excited Queensland government for reject- ed after the Council of Australian hope. Council. about the future and the opportu- ing a proposal by a joint venture of Governments (COAG) agreed to Working group chair Wayne The working group examined nities it holds. the Wik and Wik Way people to de- a request by NT Chief Minister Bergmann warned the new Prime ways to allow native title holders to “If federal, state and territory velop a $20 billion bauxite deposit for an ‘urgent’ investigation into Minister to ‘get it right’ with prop- create subleases on their land for governments are to ensure that near Aurukun on Cape York. Indigenous land administration. erty rights and economic develop- their own development priorities. Aboriginal Australians are includ- The Queensland government The two big NT land councils ment if Aboriginal communities "You do not need to extinguish ed in these ‘opportunities of the fu- dashed their hopes when it chose met with the group and called on are to survive. native title to create economic ture’, it is obvious their first priority troubled Swiss mining company COAG to base the investigation on “Malcolm Turnbull has to get it development ... there should be should be to support the economic Glencore instead. fact, not ideology. right because fundamentally no a way of creating land tenure initiatives of Aboriginal people,” he "Here was an opportunity for Meet the new manager: native title Two decades after Waramungu leases using the NT’s Pastoral staff in the office have always been woman Francine McCarthy first Land Act 1992. committed to ensuring the CLC’s knocked on the Central Land “This job was the best functions are fulfilled, advocating Cadets wanted! Council’s doors, she is now introduction to the work of the on behalf of people in the region The CLC’s cadetship scheme for heading up the CLC’s native title CLC and an education about the and supporting and educating Aboriginal uni students is a chance program. struggle people had to go through other CLC staff working in the to gather valuable work experience Francine’s interest in working to get a piece of their country region,” she says. with one of the largest and most with the CLC started in late 1991, back.” “For me Tennant Creek and respected employers of Aboriginal after completing her first year “Now my working life at the CLC the Barkly is where I get my people in Central Australia while of an undergraduate degree in has sort of come full circle, I’m grounding – family connections, earning money. Canberra. working with a Commonwealth country and belonging. The An Australian government ini- “Over the Christmas/New Year law to ensure people’s rights variety of issues people face in the tiative that links Aboriginal stu- break I went into the CLC office and interests in pastoral leases region, whether it’s employment, dents with employers, the scheme to ask if there were cadetship on are recognised and they have housing, education, and allows the CLC to support cadets offer,” she says. an opportunity to become more development or mining, provides with a living allowance, study re- “When I was told the CLC involved in what’s happening on staff with exposure to the issues lated and travel costs and a wage. didn’t have a cadetship scheme I their country.” and a good working knowledge of The CLC currently employs decided that when I finished uni, Francine has worked in a how the issues affect people on three cadets in areas ranging from I would see if there was any work” number of positions in the CLC, the ground.” policy, law and information tech- she says. in Alice Springs and Tennant Francine attributes her long nology to human resources. It is In 1994, after completing a Creek, with most of her time tenure at the CLC to being ‘trained now looking for a communications Batchelor of Applied Science, spent working in the Tennant up’ by staff with experience in cadet. Francine was successful in getting Creek region. land claims, an exposure to a “We’re always keen to get ex- a three month job as a research Although now based in the variety of work and having the pressions of interest from school assistant in the excisions unit. Alice, Francine regularly returns opportunity to ask questions in a leavers who are interested in work- “I started in a unit which no to Tennant Creek to visit family, supportive environment. ing here,” said Human Resource longer exists,” she says. catch up on the news and enjoy Manager Leanne Nind. “The excisions unit helped the community lifestyle. For more information about people get a small ‘match box’ size “The people in the Barkly region CLC cadetships call 8951 6302. piece of their country on pastoral are wonderful to work with, the Francine McCarthy

November 2015 17 INTERSTATE Fears that tough new laws will worsen WA’s youth imprisonment crisis sexual or physical assaults dur- communities safe because it the victims of home burglary and ing a burglary will carry a manda- does not address the underlying home invasions,” he said. tory 75 per cent of the maximum causes that lead to the criminal “They ensure that the peoaple sentence. behaviour. who break into homes and terror- The new laws mean that a per- In March, Amnesty Inter- ise and attack innocent people get son who commits rape during national was one of 12 organisa- the punishment they deserve.” a burglary would go to jail for a tions who wrote an open letter to June Oscar, a community lead- minimum of 15 years, while a the WA Government saying the er from the Fitzroy Valley in the burglar who seriously assaults bill should not be introduced. Kimberley said the solution to someone would be behind bars “Serious and violent offences the problem won’t be found in a for seven-and-a-half years. committed in the course of an ag- ‘tough’ approach. Instead, more But Amnesty International’s gravated home burglary already engagement with Aboriginal peo- Tammy Solonec says the changes carry extremely heavy penalties ple is needed. will have a ‘disastrous impact on and we do not down play the se- “Taking a tough approach to Indigenous young people’ in pris- riousness of these offences,” it dealing with complex and gen- on populations. stated. erational issues is not a solution,” “WA already has the appalling “However the government has she told Amnesty International. distinction of having the high- provided no evidence that exist- “…clearly we need a different est rate of Indigenous youth in ing sentences given to 16 and 17 approach, a different way of en- detention in Australia,” she told year olds are inadequate.” gaging with Aboriginal people be- SBS News. But WA Premier Coiln Barnett cause we do hold the solutions to Human rights advocacy group violent home invaders in WA. “These laws will only add to has defended the bill, saying it’s many of these issues. Amnesty International has ques- The laws, which will come that terrible distinction.” proof that his government had Politicians can no longer think tioned tough new laws which into effect in November, mean She said mandatory sentenc- been tough on crime. that they hold the solutions for impose mandatory sentences on that convictions for serious ing was not the answer to keeping These tough new laws are about us.” Traditional owners turn to UN to stop country’s biggest coal mine Traditional owners of cen- and to free prior and informed con- tral Queensland’s Galilee Basin sent. Adani denies there has been a are taking their battle against lack of consultation. Australia’s largest coalmine to the Traditional owner families are United Nations, following the all also concerned about the envi- clear for the mine from the federal ronmental damage the mine will government. cause. Wangan and Jagalingou fami- “The Wangan and Jagalingou lies have asked the UN’s Special people rejected a land use agree- Rapporteur on the rights of indige- ment, we don’t want them to de- nous peoples to investigate wheth- stroy our country,” said family er Indian company Adani’s giant spokesperson Murruwah Johnson. Carmichael mine would break in- They have been joined by conser- ternational law. vation groups who are against coal The families want the UN to mining because it drives climate urge the federal and Queensland change. government to reject the proposed The Australian Conservation mine. Foundation’s Geoff Cousins said Environment Minister Greg the minister’s approval “blows Hunt has re-approved the mine, af- apart global efforts to cut pollu- ter setting approval aside following tion and threatens life locally and a legal victory by a local conserva- globally.” tion group. “It’s reckless and irresponsible The Federal Court had ruled the and shows a blatant disregard for minister’s earlier approval invalid the community,” he said. because the minister failed to con- “But most of all it’s senseless sider two endangered species. to prop up a dirty, dying industry Wangan and Jagalingou repre- while the rest of Australia and the sentatives say the mine would vio- world races to a bright future pow- late rights such as rights to culture ered by clean energy.” Wangan and Jagalingou spokesperson Adrian Burragubba (left) has written to the United Nations WA Aboriginal heritage fight widens The West Australian government protect their sites against devel- sites, except for Aboriginal sites. decides … the minister is the high- committing a crime of great se- has dismissed the heritage value of opment and sites continue to be Aboriginal sites fall under the est authority possible,” he said. riousness, just as if you damage a Noongar site where more than deregistered. Aboriginal Heritage Act (AHA) “We have watering down of the a piece of Australian heritage. 2000 artefacts were discovered. Archaeologist have joined the which is also undergoing changes. Aboriginal Heritage Act whereas It’s not how much you destroy, it The move has angered the lo- fight over WA’s heritage, saying the Professor Smith said in the draft we have continued strength of non- is the fact that you are doing it,” cal Noongar community, which is state protects non-Aboriginal heri- Heritage Bill, the decision to add Aboriginal preservation.” Professor Smith said. fighting for the preservation of the tage better than Aboriginal sites of or remove a site will stay with the The WA government also pro- The chair of the peak body of WA site. significance. minister for heritage, whereas un- poses a tiered approach to fines for archaeologists told the national Noongar community spokes- “There is a perhaps unintention- der the proposed changes to the damaging an Aboriginal site. First broadcaster all sites should be person Iva Hayward-Jackson told al but very disturbing racial dif- Aboriginal Heritage Act a senior offenders pay lower fines, while treated the same. CAAMA the state government ferentiation between the two types bureaucrat can make the decision. fines for damaging a non-Aborig- “We seem to want to protect must acknowledge the ongoing of heritage,” Professor Ben Smith “Where a site of state significance inal site attract the same level of white fella heritage better than we role of the Aboriginal custodians in from the University of WA told the is Aboriginal, it will be a civil ser- fines, regardless of whether it’s a protect blackfella heritage,” said protecting the site. ABC. vant that decides whether it goes first or second offence. Phil Czerwinski. “It’s all one thing. Changes to WA’s sacred sites His comments target WA’s draft on [or off] the register. If the site “Why would we want a tiered We all want to look after our places legislation earlier this year made Heritage Bill 2015, which oversees is non-Aboriginal – that is settler, structure? If you damage any of importance created by anybody it harder for traditional owners to the protection of all WA heritage colonial – it is the minister that piece of Aboriginal heritage, you’re who has set foot in WA.” 18 November 2015 NEWS Town campers say ‘NO’ to domestic violence explained how the program trains town camp residents to recognise and stop family violence. Seven members of the men’s group recent- ly graduated from the six week fam- ily violence prevention program and have joined the Women’s Family Safety Group. This year alone, 23 town camp women completed simi- lar training. We the Town Camp women They are preparing for a women’s forum on 27-28 October, called of Alice Springs have ‘Putting gender on the agenda’. The women have developed and distrib- uted promotional materials, includ- the RIGHT to: ing iTalks stories about domestic violence and child protection that encourage women to seek legal help. Tangentyere’s Shane Franey presents to CLC delegates at Ikuntji In August they met with anti-do- mestic violence campaigner, Rosie Have non violent relationships Tangentyere Council is making drew strong applause from delegates Batty. The women shared their re- great strides in its campaign to stop when they spoke up for their right to sources, stories and achievements. a safe home & community domestic violence. safe homes and communities. The Women’s Family Safety Group At the CLC’s council meeting in Shane Franey from Tangentyere’s is looking forward to working more privacy August at Ikuntji town campers 4 Corners family safety program closely with the Australian of the Year. be protected for our children to be protected Escaping partner abuse should say NO not mean leaving your home be free of sexual violence While community safety appears to be within reach of this year, while it had to turn away people on 1035 safe sex town camps women in remote communities still need to occasions. flee hundreds of kilometres to escape violence. Georgina Bracken from the Tennant Creek Women’s see family and friends Dale Wakefield from Alice Springs’ under-resourced Refuge said the town faced a lack of housing and ser- Women’s Shelter told The Australian a lack of safe vices for women in abusive relationships. socialise within the community houses meant she often had to move women to other She said although some women would leave fam- family members or friends interstate or to shelters in ily and friends to escape from abusive partners, many be respected as women Adelaide and Darwin. Aboriginal women were not willing or lacked the con- Despite the cost to the women and the tax payers, fidence to do this. she said it was often safer and easier to relocate wom- The federal government has begun to question why have a voice en to cities than to hide them in small towns. it’s never the perpetrators of domestic violence who Almost 300 women and 227 children reportedly have to move from the family home. make our own choices found refuge at the shelter in the first six months of follow our own dreams our own cultural beliefs FASD awareness needs to share our stories FREEDOM of choice grow: NPY Women's Council ask for help & Pauline Coombes reckons mental, behavioural and cognitive children. They need a good, clear Central Australians need to be- (thinking) development. brain in order to have a happy life." to support other women come better educated about what "It damages children's lives, There has been little research can happen when pregnant women when they are growing up. about how common FASD is in drink grog. Children on the spectrum strug- Central Australia, but in the Fitzroy Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder gle at home and at school," said Valley in the Kimberley a study has in an (FASD) is the leading preventable the long standing staff member of found that one in eight children brain injury. Babies are born with the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara was suffering from it. EMMERGENCY FASD when their mothers drink al- Yankunytjatjara Women's Council NPYWC held a stall on the cohol while pregnant. (NPYWC). Alice Springs Hospital lawns in call 000 or 131 444 No amount of drinking and no "No-one can have a healthy September to raise awareness type of alcohol is safe. and decent life. FASD makes life about FASD. For more information or FASD harms children's physical, harder to raise healthy and happy go to www.npywc.org.au/shop. Alice Springs periods of fewer than six months. continued from p.2 This happened despite warn- CLC 2016 Women’s Shelter there is a real potential that many ings that short term funding agree- ELECTIONS services could close their doors ments can make it very hard for or- COMING UP on 8952 6075 around the nation." ganisations to hire, train and keep "Our funding went into one huge Aboriginal staff and burden them Early next year the CLC big cauldron, with the consequence with too much red tape. will be holding elections in that closures could impact on gen- Despite promises that the IAS communities and homelands erations of Aboriginal children," she would deliver the opposite, many for the next term of Council. said. organisations were still hostages to All Aboriginal people An investigation by the newspa- bureaucracy, believes former Liberal living in Central Australian per showed that hundreds of mil- Indigenous Affairs Minister Fred communities who want to lions of dollars of grants listed un- Chaney. play a leadership role on land der the IAS did not go to Aboriginal "I'm despairing, quite honestly. In rights and other important organisations. a way I think the war is lost, because I issues are encouraged The money instead funded desk think politicians are so f...ing stupid. to consider becoming a jobs in government departments, lo- There's no interest in evidence in this member. cal councils, Commonwealth author- government..... This government will Please contact your ities and even at the ABC. regard a successful term as on where nearest CLC office for more More than half of all IAS funds were they're re-elected," Mr Chaney told information. for grants of less than $15,000 and for the paper in September. November 2015 19 OBITUARIES Bunny Nabarula friendship they formed with her. She was generous with her intimate knowledge of country acquired through a life lived on country, through song and through ceremony – Nabarula enthusiastically shared that knowledge, more often for the benefit of others and with- out the acknowledgement she deserved. Both the CLC and the NLC drew heavily on it in land claims, including for the Warlmanpa-Warlpiri-Mudbura-Warumungu Land Claim, the Kaytej-Warlpiri Land Claim, the Warumungu - Alyawarr Land Claim, the Muckaty Land Claim, the Kanttaji-Kanturrpa Land Claim, the Tennant Creek Native Title Claim and the Phillip Creek Native Title Claim. She helped to resolve uncertainties around aspects of these land claims. Myself and my partner Jane (Nungarrayi) had the great privilege of working extensively with Nabarula, her sister and other senior Warumungu people in fieldwork which contributed to the settlement of the Tennant Creek town boundary. Her intricate knowledge of the cultural land- scape in and around the town was critical to that process. She had a gift for bringing the landscape to life in the telling of its significance: ‘every hill got a story’ as they say. Nabarula was very generous with her time and energy and always ready to participate in the ongoing stream of sacred site clearances and consultations to make way for major de- velopments such as the Alice to Darwin railway, exploration and mining activities and local infrastructure projects. She was always clear in her understanding of what was at stake, She was the great motivator to have on board the Toyota to gain the participation of others. She was generous with her courage and determination, par- ticularly when the rights and interests of Aboriginal people and all that she and others had worked so hard for was un- der threat: In 1984 Nabarula travelled with others to the High Court to defend the Warumungu Land Claim which had been thwarted by the legal manoeuvres of the NT Government. In the late 80s and 90s she threw herself into battles to protect major sacred sites under direct threat from min- ing. Marlamarla (the Mount Samuel range) south of town Since Nabarula’s passing I have heard many people re- hallmark of her life. She shared some of these memories in was proposed to be open-cut for gold mining and Kunjarra call her generosity among her many other wonderful quali- the CLC’s book Every hill got a story. (Devils Pebbles) to the north destined to cut into slices to be ties. Not in any monetary or material sense because what Nabarula was generous with her languages and her great used on buildings in the cities. Both are now protected and on she contributed to her culture, her community, her country intellect – when I first came to Tennant Creek in 1983 she Aboriginal land. and the country of others were never matched or rewarded was already well-established as a teacher of the Warlmanpa Nabarula was also actively opposed what she saw to be not in that way. Nabarula was generous in so many other ways: and Warumungu languages. Not just for the linguists who just challenges to her own interests and those of the tradi- She was generous with her history and incredible memory worked closely with her but for newcomers and anyone else tional owners of this country but also to the quality of life for – a trip with her and her sister to the ruins of the Phillip in the Tennant Creek community who wanted to learn and the wider community. In the 80s she fought against an NT Creek mission always provided a privileged insight into chose to attend her night classes at the CWA hall. Government proposal to dispose of other unwanted waste of mission life and a period that affected the lives of so many She was renowned for her knowledge of the unique sign this country and others across south-east Asia in a toxic waste Aboriginal people who were taken from their families and language of the region which she recorded with American incinerator earmarked for the mothballed Warrego smelter. moved around at the whim of shifting government poli- linguist Adam Kendon in the 1980s. She shared her great She also became an iconic figure in the successful campaign cies. Even in that early period she was an advocate for other intellect and perspectives with many other such prominent against the proposed Muckaty nuclear waste facility. Aboriginal people, something that would continue to be a researchers, many of whom still warmly recall the lasting There is no doubt that Nabarula was a champion and Tjuki Tjukanku Pumpjack

Tjuki Tjukanku Pumpjack was white people living at Pukatja born sometime around 1926-28 (Ernabella) and giving away flour in Apara in the Musgrave Ranges so he decided that they were go- and was a wati papa [dingo man]. ing to walk there and get some His father’s mother was born for themselves. “Everybody was at Ulkiya and his father’s father thinking about the whitefel- was also from Apara. Tjuki lived las living in Ernabella!” Tjuki at Apara for the first few years of remembered. “I want them to stay there, to stay on, for my words to remain spoken.” his life. When he was just a young Once arrived in Pukatja, Tjuki’s boy, his tjamu [grandfather] father wanted to go and see his passed away where the houses are kangkuru [older sister] who was today in Amata. living on Angas Downs Station. Feeling sad, his family left that So his family set off and walked area on sorry business. Tjuki said via Atila and Wilpiya and finally that his father Tjukinytji knew arrived at Walara, the site of the a little bit about whitefella food original Angas Downs homestead, as he had been trading dingo sometime around 1939. His scalps in exchange for flour, sug- father’s older sister Mimiya ar and tea. His father said to his and her husband Tjtutjapayi, a family that he had heard about wintalyka wati [mulga seed man]

20 November 2015 OBITUARIES advocate in everybody’s interest. She was never intimidated Perhaps above all her contributions and achievements one of the leaders of a CLC-hosted project for the renewal of by such challenges. She was more often fired up and energised sits the legacy of her commitment to passing on knowledge Warumungu and Warlmanpa women’s cultural heritage. by them, and what she saw just had to be done in rising to to the next generations and securing a future that continues “It’s in my memory. I’m passing on the knowledge to you them. to have the extraordinary attributes of Aboriginal culture at young girls. I’m getting old now and sometimes I forget. When She was generous with the love and care she gave to the its heart. Over the last two-and-a-half years Nabarula was I leave you mob behind, I still got to leave something behind children, grandchildren and great for Warumungu, Warlmanpa, grandchildren of her extended Warlpiri, Kaytej and Alyawerre,” family. Always thinking of her There is no doubt that Nabarula was a champion she was recorded as saying. family, she also freely extended You have left that legacy, the concern and warmth for Nabarula, and much more in so them to the younger generations and advocate in everybody’s interest. She was many wonderful ways and all of us of other families. She supported and this country are the better for it. and encouraged them to assume Rest in peace. their roles and responsibilities never intimidated by such challenges. She was in the community. She was a Edited excerpt of the eulogy David warm and gentle mother figure more often fired up and energised by them, and Alexander gave at Nabarula’s funeral to many. Once she put our baby in Tennant Creek, October 25. son, distressed by tagging along on fieldwork, off to sleep with a repertoire of nursery rhymes. what she saw just had to be done in rising to them.

Photo supplied by Tennant Creek Times

from Docker River, were always stayed in that one place living at Walara with their three and I grew old and grey in the one daughters and son and station place, never leaving…I grew up owner William ‘Old Bill’ Liddle. there from a little boy to an old “We all lived there together then,” man, in that one single place. I Council NEWS Tjuki said. His family looked after am now nguraritja of that place… the sheep at Walara. They were So even though I was born else- paid in rations and clothes for where, from this point in my life their hard work. when my father announced we To find out what’s happening at Council, LISTEN After the Second World War Bill were all moving to where his old- Liddle sold Angas Downs to his er sister was living, we came here, download a copy of the latest Council sons, who moved the homestead and settled here and never lived News at: www.clc.org.au/council-news/ Anangu can listen to Bloodwood Bore and turned anywhere else.” to Tjuki Tjukanku it into a cattle station. Tjuki Tjuki Tjukanku Pumpjack wit- or pick up a printout at any CLC regional Pumpjack always said that Angas nessed incredible change in his Pumpjack’s oral history Downs is where he grew up; it is lifetime. Having recorded his his- office or at the head office in Alice Springs collection on Ara where he became a wati and the tory in great detail over a four on 27 Stuart Highway. place where his beard grew and year period, he leaves a remark- Irititja computers in where his hair became grey. It able legacy for future generations. Imanpa, Mutitjulu, is where he learnt to ride horses It is also a generous offering to and work with the bullocks. Tjuki our national history that may help Docker River, Utju, was number one stockman on the us come to terms with the realities Lilla, Titjikala and station and spent many years rid- of colonisation. When asked what Aputula or at NPYWC ing horses and trucking bullocks would happen to his stories in the Council to Aputula (Finke), Rumbalara future he said: NEWS

in Alice Springs [railway siding] and Deep Well. Q&A with Minister Scullion May 2015 “Don’t change horses in the middle of the race.” Tjuwanpa ranger co-ordinator Craig LeRossignol explains to the minister why the rangers want to stay with the CLC.

The C C and Rangersranger groups Future are orried He met both his wives at Angas “I want them to stay there, to about flagged changes to the ranger program. ndigenous Affairs inister Nigel Scullion told the Council meeting Warren Snowdon on bringing back a [www.irititja.com]. in April at ulara Pulka he as looking “non-gammon” CDEP. at splitting ranger groups into small He said CDEP workers would get top-up organisations that manage their o n which employers would have to pay back administration and commercial contracts. if they did not offer them a “real job”. Downs, his children were born He called it “more choice”. stay on, for my words to remain And that the workers, including those on angers dre lots of applause hen they outstations, would get Christmas, cultural presented to Council about their work and and sick leave. Empowered Communities then told the minister hy they ant to He promised to support more teachers Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council stay part of the C C. through the new CDEP because CEO Andrea Mason sought support for a new model for managing Tjuwanpa ranger co-ordinator Craig Aboriginal teachers with cultural Aboriginal communities called Empowered Communities. LeRossignol said: “The support for the authority and language skills are The NPY lands are one of eight regions across Australia where there and many of his walytja spoken. People can listen to the rangers from CLC is second to none. “fundamental” to better school attendance community leaders want to use the model to get more control over how Having a direct link to traditional owners and education outcomes. taxpayer funds are spent and how services are designed and delivered. ho drive the ork of the rangers means Four NPY communities are in the CLC region. it is more than a ob, it is a ay of life. Ms Mason told delegates Empowered Communities is “a self It’s working. Don’t change horses in the determination model where we take control”. It is being developed from middle of the race.” the ground up and would therefore work differently in each region. In [family] went to their eternal old people like me talking and The minister said there were “no changes the NPY lands the model is based on five ideas: on the table” for the CLC rangers. He 1. Access to quality educational opportunities and children ready, praised the C C ranger program and said Some of his stories are many kids no ant to be rangers. Safety2. and illing elfare and of able kids to and take vulnerable advantage people of them Delegates asked the minister to expand 3. Housing access and mutual responsibility the ranger program but he made no 4. Capable adults take part in economic and cultural opportunities sleep at the station. remember the stories of the old promises. 5. Tackle domestic, family and community violence and drug Other regionsabuse would be welcome to “opt in” if they liked the model. Minister ScullionA new discussed CDEP? his plans to Delegates had lots of questions and some asked to talk directly with the work with the CLC and local member CLC delegate Raelene Silverton elected leaders of the NPY Women’s Council. The federal government is yet to respond to the Empowered Communities report from the eight regions. also in the CLC’s new Indigenous Advancement Strategy For more information go to http://www.clc.org.au/publications/content/ “I am just like a nguraritja [tra- days…All our descendants can lis- inister Sullion also defended the empowered-communities-presentation-npy-womens-council/.

controversial Indigenous Advancement Strategy AS . e said more funding is going to Aboriginal organisations. Those which had not delivered good services ditional owner], having lived my ten to the stories of these old men had missed out. Aboriginals Benefit Account oral history book Minister Scullion said the Aboriginals No promises about new ranger groups: Benefit Account (ABA) members decided Minister Scullion to move away from funding ceremony over years and ant people to use their royalty money for it. “I am not dictating entire life in that one place,” he and their stories of even older to the ABA anymore.” e said it as up to ABA members to allow senior land council staff to observe Every hill got a story said of the station. “Nguraritja men.” ABA meetings. Andrea Mason, NPY Womens Council CEO [www.clc.org.au/every- purunypa [like a traditional owner] who lives their whole life By Shannyn Palmer hill-got-a-story]. in one place and becomes an old grey man in the same place…I

November 2015 21 OBITUARIES Kunmanara Tjilari

A well known and much loved health units in towns and cities. ngangkari [traditional healer], They were a much loved team, Kumanara was born sometime in great demand and welcomed around 1925, at Ngultu, near wherever they went. Kalka. His father and grandfa- Kunmanara and Rupert also thers, all ngangkari, gave him played an enormous role in ed- healing powers at an early age ucating people in the Western but throughout his life he never health system about ngang- stopped, he kept learning, prac- kari work. They travelled all ticing and teaching healing the over Australia talking about the Anangu way. importance of ngangkari and Kunmanara was only a child Anangu culture. Kunmanara when he met white people for was an inspiring, strong and the first time. They were explor- confident public speaker. Both ers on camels and horses and men had a huge impact on the also flew overhead. He was so way ngangkari are understood frightened he hid in a rock crev- and valued today. ice and got stuck. In recognition of this achieve- Around 1930, when his be- ment, Kunmanara, Rupert and loved younger brother was big the NPYWC ngangkari project enough to walk, the family trav- won many awards of which he elled from Aparatjara near Puta- was very proud, among them puta to to Ernabella Mission. the Mark Sheldon Prize from Their relatives were already the Royal Australian and New there. Zealand College of Psychiatrists His parents herded sheep and the Dr Margaret Tobin near Pukatja (Ernabella) while Award for excellence in men- the children went to school na- tal health service delivery. In ked. Kumanara received his first 2011 he won the International clothes there. During the holi- Sigmund Freud prize from the days the family walked home to City of Vienna, at the World Ngultu, where they hunted dingo Congress of Psychotherapy in for their scalps. Sydney. When Kunmanara was old- Kunmanara helped edit NPYWC’s er the family walked to Utju award winning ngangkari (Areyonga). He stayed there with books. It was very important his uncle’s family and went to to him that ngangkari speak the Lutheran Mission school at for themselves in the books. Ntaria (Hermannsburg). As he The most recent, Traditional couldn’t understand Arrente he Healers of Central Australia: returned to Utju, where he went Ngangkari, has been reprinted through the law and became a many times. wati [man]. Kunmanara had a long and He returned to Pukatja where special relationship with the he worked as a gardener, re- Australian Indigenous Doctors paired tanks, dug wells, sank Association. He travelled with bores, and worked with the worship services on Sundays, Kunmanara joined the land he took great pride in explaining them to Canada, New Zealand sheep. He married Kalkulya, a and frequently led the morning rights movement and fought Tjukurpa to visitors. and Hawaii and met indigenous Yankunytjatjara woman from prayers,” says Ms Sheppard. for self-government and the de- In 1994 Kunmanara was the doctors from all over the world. Mimili, who he met while work- “He was left in charge at velopment of the Pitjantjatjara lead singer of the Ngintaka He loved to support and encour- ing at Everard Station. They had Fregon when John Fletcher Council and many other Anangu inma at the Angatja Inma age indigenous medical students a daughter, Tjingilya Inawinytji, made the 100 mile round trip organisations. Festival where he, along with and doctors and believed they and a son, Paul Tjutjuna Andy. to Ernabella. Kunmanara was In 1980, he hosted the very other elders, recorded a CD of were on the same healing path as Another son, Kenneth, passed always a calm and wise counsel first NPY Women’s Council this song cycle. He cared deeply ngangkari. away as a young child and a Kunmanara lived through daughter died at birth. huge changes. He was very con- At Pukatja Kunmanara stud- cerned about the impact of these ied with Presbyterian pastor Kunmanara lived through huge changes. changes on young Anangu and Bill Edwards, his lifelong friend, felt that Anangu law and culture and became a church leader and He was very concerned about the impact provided a straight and guiding pastor himself. He recited and path. taught the catechism and bap- Kunmanara effortlessly bridged tised many Aboriginal and non- of these changes on young Anangu... many worlds. He had a big, Aboriginal people. He regularly generous, loving heart and was travelled to communities east when crises arose in our isolated meeting at his homeland. He about handing on knowledge deeply loved and appreciated, and west of Pukatja to celebrate location, and gave of himself loy- caught rabbits and collected and keeping tradition strong. wherever he was, by whoever he outdoor church services. ally in support of the teacher and firewood to support the women- In 1999, NPYWC employed was with. He was a kind, gentle, When Ernabella Mission be- nurse in hard times.” only event and remained a vo- Kunmanara and his late friend strong man, a wise leader and came too crowded Kunmanara Kunmanara was an extraordi- cal supporter of NPY Women’s and brother-in-law Rupert Peter mentor to many. Kunmanara was part of the first group to set nary and knowledgeable dancer Council. Kunmanara strongly to promote traditional healing. had a sharp and optimistic mind up Kaltjiti (Fregon) community. and singer. advocated for the women’s as- Both men travelled wherever and led an amazing, long and He helped to select and survey A great oral historian, he was pirations, especially their stand they were asked to go to treat rich life. He is always with us. the site, measure and peg the the custodian of an extensive against domestic violence, alco- Anangu in remote communi- sheep fences and paddocks, and archive of inma [ceremony]. hol and petrol sniffing. ties, and in hospitals, hostels, By Angela Lynch helped build the first houses in He knew Wati Kirkinpa (brown When Anangu won freehold jails, nursing homes and mental and Iniwintji Williamson 1962. He moved his young fam- falcon), Wati Wiilu (curlew), title to their country through the ily to Fregon when there were Wati Mitika (burrowing bet- Pitjantjatjara Land Rights Act in only three houses and a garage. tong), Wati Ngintaka (peren- 1981 Kunmanara was front and He set up the Kaltjiti garden near tie lizard), Wanampi (rainbow centre of this milestone for all Shirley Well in 1963 and built a serpent) and many others. With indigenous people. large church made of spinifex. his strong voice, he guided cer- In 1985 he danced Wati Nancy Sheppard, one of the emonies, leading the singers and Kirkinpa at the handback of first school teachers in Fregon, the dancers. He had enormous Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. remembers the enormous con- personal power and cultural Six years later he danced it again tribution Kunmanara made to knowledge. in front of federal ministers Gerry the community. As a member the Ernabella Hand and Robert Tickner, cele- “As well as working about the Choir he travelled by truck brating 10 years of land rights at station, bringing in the killer, at- around Victoria and South the new APY offices at Umuwa. tending to engines, water pumps Australia on the Singing During the the late 1980s and and bores, setting up windmills, Walkabout tour, and sang for 1990s Kunmanara helped his tanks and troughs and serv- the Queen in Adelaide in 1954. extended family at Angatja to ing in the store, Kunmanara He also visited Fiji with the choir develop Desert Tracks, the first participated in translation and in 1979. Anangu owned tourism compa- language projects, conducted In the 1970s and 1980s ny. As director and senior guide 22 November 2015 SPORTS Yuendumu Sports stands with a true champion Among the many tributes to Adam Goodes on his retirement few were more heartfelt than those from remote Central Australian communities. In the weeks leading up to his quiet retirement, fans in the bush overwhelmed the 2014 Australian of the Year and dual Bronlow med- allist with messages of support in the face of racist insults. "All that trouble" around Goodes had made Warren Williams from Yuendumu "feel no good", he told The Northern Myth blog. Mr Williams, one of the 24 wom- en and men who organise the lon- gest running sports carnival in the NT, was not alone. WYDAC chair and NT Senior Australian of the Year, Eddie Robertson from Yuendumu, CLC deputy chair Sammy Butcher from Papunya and Lance Turner from Nyirrpi also spoke up for many who wanted to stand with Adam Goodes. The Yuendumu Sports Committee Yuendumu Sports Weekend 2015. Photos courtesy Yuendumu Magpies. responded. "We are not ashamed to be Yapa," they declared and dedicated the 52 Yuendumu Sports agreed that we "This is an important thing for us mumbumanyi [respect] for Adam tough there are plenty of loyal sup- year old sports weekend to show- would do what we could to show and our kids. We can't let that hap- Goodes. porters he can turn to. ing the rest of the country that they our support and respect to Adam pen without standing up." The footy great may have left the "We want you to tell Adam Goodes take a strong stand against racism. Goodes and every Aboriginal sports- Jimmy Langdon from Yuendumu game but few doubt that a distin- that he is welcome in Yuendumu "All of the teams from across man and woman across the coun- told The Northern Myth that the guished role in public life awaits and anywhere in Central Australia Central Australia that come for try," the committee announced. sports weekend was a show of him if he wants it. And if things get anytime," said Mr Williams. Lightning Carnival 2016 called off The annual Alice Springs Easter Alice Springs News (published 14 number of organisational and lo- with the advisory committee, “Now we’re looking at what football carnival has been can- Oct), AFL NT General Manager gistical issues for communities which is made up of a cross sec- 2017 is going to look like and I’m celled for 2016 because of mainte- Anthony Venes said it was decided traveling in for the carnival and tion of local advocates including pretty excited at what that could nance scheduled for Traeger Park. that alternative venues and dates the town itself,” the letter said. Paul Fitzsimons, Damien Ryan potentially be. The decision to cancel the car- wouldn’t work. “A number of alternative venues and Michael Liddle. “We had some great ideas and nival was made by the Central “The alternative weekend put were considered but none were “We had a good discussion with concepts going forward about re- Australian Football Advisory forward, Alice Springs Show deemed suitable for hosting a the advisory committee and I ac- ally refreshing the carnival, giv- Committee and accepted by weekend, was deemed unsuitable large football carnival.” tually left that meeting saying it ing it a coat of paint and getting it AFLNT. [because] running both events Mr Venes said the decision came was a really positive meeting,” he back on track as a positive event.” In a letter to the editor of the simultaneously would present a out of a ‘very positive’ meeting said. First winter footy season coming up Plans for the first winter season Coming all the way to town for the Puyu Wanti tradition of nam- of the Willurrara Tjutaku Football the footy is expensive and danger- ing trophies and medals after local League got a big thumbs up from ous, Mr Anderson explained. It’s footy heroes. CLC delegates. hard to find somewhere to stay, Since his presentation Papunya Sid Anderson, a driving force cars and roads are in bad shape and hit the news because of a footy behind the bush AFL competition, fuel costs are high. Lots of people brawl that involved more than 100 told the Ikuntji council meeting in get stuck in town, where there’s too people in October. September the WFTL will launch much grog. Too many end up in One man ended up in hospi- its first winter season next year and hospital, jail and court. tal after being hit on the head. had come a long way. Mr Anderson also talked about Community elders and police de- For the past three summers the the history of the WFTL, from the cided to cancel the next day’s games. competition had allowed “everyone community scratch matches of the in the West” to play and watch AFL 1960s to the first Puyu Wanti [no Follow the Willurrara Tjutaku games in their communities instead smoking] competition of 2007. Football League on www.face- of having to travel into Alice Springs. He said the league is keeping up book.com/100010268177460.

Papunya Sports Weekend 2015. Photos courtesy CAYLUS

November 2015 23 ARTS Putuparri and the Rainmakers Kurtal, the ‘lost waterhole’ passage from rebellious young at the heart of this moving man to community leader. As documentary, has much in the narrator of the film he is common with Kurlpurlunu. laconic, funny and self-critical. Like the Warlpiri rain dreaming He doesn’t spare us the ugly site recently rediscovered by side of his life in town. He talks CLC rangers and elders in the honestly about the drinking Tanami, Kurtal has been the and the fighting that cost him subject of songs, stories and his marriage to his first wife dances as well as much worry Catherine. and longing. Director Nicole Ma met Wangkajungka and Walma- Lawford when she made jarri families never forgot a film about alcohol and the jila (living water) they domestic violence in Fitzroy left behind deep in the Great Crossing. In Putuparri and the Sandy Desert when they went Rainmakers Lawford’s sister, to work on the cattle stations actress Ningali Lawford and of the Fitzroy Valley. his eldest daughter Tamara, Over the space of 10 years the contribute revealing insights documentary Putuparri and into the price so many Fitzroy the Rainmakers takes viewers families are still paying for the on four trips to Kurtal, several town’s grog problem. days’ drive south of Fitzroy Her documentary also charts Crossing. the drawn out Ngurrara native To witness elders, led by title claim, for which the Snells custodian Nyilpirr Spider and more than 40 other artists Snell and his wife Jukuja Dolly collectively painted a giant, Snell, dig out for the first time vibrant canvas ‘map’ of their in decades what looks like a country in 1997. tiny soakage is deeply moving. Lawford spent several years So is the very frail Spider’s travelling with the artists farewell to Kurtal, his spirit’s and the canvas to exhibitions final resting place. around the country while The rich and emotional film, working for the Kimberley which won the Cinefest OZ Aboriginal Law and Culture prize and premiered at the Centre. Melbourne International Film The canvas locates all the Festival, follows the journey jila and significant sites and of Spider’s grandson Putuparri became a vital piece of land Tom Lawford as he negotiates claim evidence. his way between modern and The claimants won but, to traditional paths and the Spider’s distress, the claim expectations placed on him by area didn’t include Kurtal. As his elders. director Ma says: “The journey Each trip to Kurtal marks a isn’t over yet.” Putuparri Tom Lawford recounts his journeys to rain dreaming site Kurtal, deep in the Great Sandy Desert different stage in Lawford’s Hermannsburg potters share their tradition with kids Senior Arrernte women “All the kids need to learn,” the children to attend an exhi- “I can’t wait to go to [another SCfC project involving in the community of Ntaria says potter Judith Inkamala. bition recently launched by the Melbourne,” she says. kids riding horses from Ntaria to (Hermannsburg) are sharing “The pottery, the dreamings, Hermannsburg potters at the “I’m proud of them [the pot- Alice Springs] and we’ve got a lot their rich tradition of pottery the food, the bush tucker…we National Gallery of Victoria. ters], they help us, and they tell of stories about football, fishing, with local school children. can teach them to do pots and be Our Land is Alive showcases us what to do.” bush tucker. The well-known artists have strong and keep continuing it.” a range of football inspired pots Ntaria teacher Charlie Cooper “The plan is hopefully that the been teaching the Vocational The program is supported by and has generated national me- credits the program for helping five students that are coming to Education and Training students the federally funded Stronger dia attention since it opened in boost attendance. Melbourne will then come home how to make their own pots. They Communities for Children September. “It’s been fantastic to watch,” and make a pot around that are also sharing dreaming stories, (SCfC) initiative, operating in 16-year-old Cheyenne Driffer is he says. Melbourne story.” local history, bush tucker and more Ntaria since 2013. one of the five students chosen to “We’ve got a couple of students through the medium of pottery. SCfC will also support five of visit the exhibition in November . telling the story of the Anzac ride

Nita Coulthard helps Cheyenne Driffen put the finishing touches on her bush tomato pot Stanley Kenny ‘s creation celebrates his footy team

24 November 2015 ARTS Remote media festival rocks

The CLC’s North Tanami Rangers rubbed shoulders people working in very remote communities. Nigel Scullion with a copy of Every hill got a story. with 180 media workers from across Australia during Local leader Steve Wanta Patrick said the festival He also asked the minister to approve an ABA grant 17th National Remote Indigenous Media Festival in theme Wintaru Wangkanjaku Ngurruku [Speaking allowing the CLC to upload the original interviews for Lajamanu. to Country, Speaking from Country] described the the book on its digital archive so everyone can enjoy They took part in a packed program of industry role of indigenous media in creating networks that them. forums, award presentations, an array of skills connect people, places and stories across the country Lajamanu community members enjoyed the ICTV workshops and short courses led by inspiring trainers to strengthen culture, identity and wellbeing. Outdoor Cinema followed by two nights of screening from across the national indigenous media industry. Radio personality and performer Dr Mark Bin for young people. Co-hosted by the Indigenous Remote Bakar, aka Mary G, said broadcasting helped to break The closing night concert attracted over 600 people Communications Association (IRCA) in partnership down barriers, address social issues and empower for a fantastic showcase of local musical talent, with Pintubi Anmatjere Warlpiri (PAW) Media and Aboriginal people to tell their stories. including Lajamanu Teenage Band, North Tanami Indigenous Community Television (ICTV), the festival CLC and PAW chair Francis Kelly took the Band, Lazy Late Boys and the Warnayaka Band. plays an important professional development role for opportunity to present Indigenous Affairs Minister Ara Irititja wins Sally Scales (pictured centre) and it was quite distinctive wowed an eminent internation- from all the other projects and al crowd in Washington when workshops.” she accepted the Outstanding “It was amazing to be in a room Project award for Ara Iritija at with so many incredible indige- the International conference of nous leaders and groups from all Indigenous Archives, Libraries over America,” said Sally. and Museums in September. “We’ve been working on Ara Sally, a lifelong Ara Irititja Irititja for 20 years and we’re spokesperson and supporter, ahead of the game internation- received the prestigious award ally. We made them realise it is for the Anangu social history da- possible to use databases to look tabase from the director of the after our culture if we have the Smithsonian National Museum resources.” of the American Indian. Many communities have in- “The majority of participants vested rent money from the and presenters were members of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park North American tribal commu- in Ara Irititja (www.iritija.com) nities and were very welcoming through the CLC’s community to us,” said project co-ordinator development program. John Dallwitz. The CLC’s own digital archive “Thanks to Sally, Ara Irititja (www.clc.ara-irititja.com), sadly stood out as the strong com- on hold since last year due to munity based project that it is. lack of funding, is based on the We received many compliments successful project.

November 2015 25 SOCIAL

Storytellers Nyinku Kulitja, Martha Protty and Daphne Puntjina at the book launch

Four generations of the Mack women spoke at the book launch: Jean Mack (front), Dee Mack, Colleen Mack and Shaniah Satour. Photo courtesy The Centralian Advocate Storytellers Violet Downs and Mona Haywood enjoyed the book launch

CLC staff Dale Satour, Stephen Ellis, Charlie Maher and Woe Foster at the book launch Storytellers Tommy Thompson and Ned Kelly at the book launch

26 November 2015 SOCIAL

Willowra playgroup celebrated National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day with a Kathleen Bloomfield, Vicky Williams, Sheida Navidi and Annisa Ross-Holmes made picnic in the Lander River, where they built humpies, cooked in the sand and dug for healthy pizza at the first camp for the growing number of young girls living with Type 2 water and frogs diabetes at Hamilton Downs

2015 Preston Award Winners Simon Fisher and Rosalie Kumalie Riley and MK Turner at the Eye of the Agnes Abbott shared some of her stories at the Eye of the Elizabeth Katakarinja at the 17th Remote Indigenous Storm writers festival in Alice Springs. Storm writers festival in Alice Springs. Media Festival at Lajamanu Photo : Oliver Eclipse Photo : Oliver Eclipse

17th Remote Indigenous Media Festival at Lajamanu. Photo courtesy Wayne Quilliam

November 2015 27 what about language, what about culture? When we were een or sixteen we were sent down to Melbourne to boarding school so we could upgrade our secondary studies. e priest in charge and the nuns would highlight who were the most promising in the classroom and we were sent down there. A lot of us went down there for a while. I stayed with a couple of young ladies there that were Catholics and one used to work out at Santa Teresa as a missionary. I did year eleven then I stayed on to do a course. I wanted to do something with mothers and babies. e course I was interested in was mothercra nursing. So I did that in Melbourne at

Rosalie Kumalie Riley, 2013 Camberwell. ere were kids of dierent nationalities but I didn’t see one Indigenous child there. But they were great people I did that course with. By the time my kids started school, something was missing. What about language, what about culture? I used to go to school and help out as a teacher’s assistant, at OLSH [Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school in Alice Springs], with the Catholics. ey used to go and pick up kids from Charles Creek. at’s when I looked at the curriculum and how it was taught. I was teaching all that cultural stu at NAIDOC time. e main thing was when students had a multicultural day at school and all the other kids come in all dressed up in their traditional costumes and all the little kids came around to me and said, ‘Oh, what do we wear?’… ‘Oh, I know what I’ll do – if you boys just keep your short on I’ll do the body design on you mob.’ en, okay, they had little black shorts, and the girls had little black skirts and I would paint designs on them. And before long I had kids lining up, there was black and white, and I said, ‘What are these kids doing here?’… ‘Oh they want painting too.’ So I painted them mob, the white kids, and the little Indigenous kids there all painted up. Ah, they were in their glory. ey would run around: ‘Ahhh, we’re Australians, we’re Australians.’ at was a good feeling for those kids. en we started translating songs into Arrernte. Heads and toes and stu like that. ~ Rosalie Kumalie Riley ~ Excerpt from Every hill got a story - page 169

‘We was learning only our language - Aranda, Western Aranda - Molly Nampijinpa teaching the pre-schoolers yawulyu, Mosquito Morris (standing, with the stick on the right) and Harry never learn English’, grade 1 pupils of Hermannsburg school teacher Willowra, 1979. Photo: Geo and Elisabeth Gleave Collec- Nelson (sitting, with hands on his head) with class mates and Hilda Wurst, 1948. Albert Namatjira’s youngest son Maurice is on tion teacher at the Sidney Williams shed that served as a schoolroom, the le. Photo courtesy of Strehlow Research Centre, SRC Latz 001 1950. Photo : NTAS, Fleming, Tom (Rev), NTRS 1706, Item 41

Learn more about the book and listen to the stories online http://www.clc.org.au/every-hill-got-a-story