HSEMESTER ONE,oni 2016 • WEEK 8 Soit INDIGENOUS EDITION 2 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 3 LETTERS Acknowledgement of Country Letters Another Letter We, the Indigenous Collective ask you to join us in acknowledging the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation upon whose stolen land the University of Sydney is built. It is a privilege to learn and gather on Aboriginal land. about the EU

The Gadigal people are the traditional custodians and caretakers of this land but to fully express the complex and spiritual relationship Aboriginal and I am writing as the discourse person did not believe that the experience; and what’s more I Don't like the idea of Torres Strait Island people share with their sacred lands in nearly impossible. surrounding the Evangeli- goals of intersectional feminism believe that under the auspices cal Union’s status has been were worth promoting. Similar- of the Union people should be Autonomous Editions? We acknowledge that the Gadigal people and those of the greater Eora nation were the first to suffer, resist and survive the brutalities of White Supremacy led astray. Yes, Tony Abbott’s ly, I can sympathise with the EU allowed to express their beliefs in in Australia. The centuries long resistance of Australia’s Indigenous community endures as non-Indigenous Australians continue to benefit from the conflation of autonomous not wanting to elect someone a peaceful way that enriches their Are you a racist? colonisation of sovereign Indigenous land. SRC-funded spaces and reli- who does not endorse the cen- University experience. gious clubs in The Australian tral tenets of their religion to the Sincerely, Desperate to get Issy Hellig We acknowledge the atrocities of the Stolen Generations: the untold destruction it inflicted on Indigenous families through forced child removal, the was naïve at best and ridic- head of the organisation. While ulously misguided at worst I come from a club background Arts III, AUJS your name published identity struggles it gave rise to. The ongoing kidnapping of Indigenous children and calculated attempts to dismantle our families continue today, with – as the EU state themselves, where we do not have such a more children than ever being taken away by the colonial Australian government. With bi-partisan backing, the White Australian government’s legacy they try very hard to include provision – as people have many anyway you can? of disregard towards Indigenous people, land and culture continues. non-Christians in their events, different ways of expressing unlike the Wom*n’s Collective their Judaism – I would cer- We acknowledge the struggles of Indigenous wom*n, who face the highest rates of sexual assault and domestic violence in this country and Indigenous for instance, which is mainly an tainly not want the society to men, who experience the highest rates of incarceration and suicide in this country. We stand with our non-binary Indigenous family and acknowledge that autonomous organisation. be stacked by anti-Semites as Send a letter to our culture’s progressive stance on gender and sexuality was first suppressed by conservative settlers and their repressive laws. However, the points stands this would clearly be against the that SRC-funded collectives still agenda of the club. [email protected] do come with a certain agen- I also understand that there We offer our deepest respect to Indigenous leaders throughout history, who fought to defend our land, our culture and our people. We pay our respects da (one that I am happy to pro- is a feeling that Christians are a by Friday 5pm. to the brave warriors of the Frontier Wars who are continually forgotten in Australia’s war histories, to the scores killed by foreign disease, to every mote, but an agenda nonethe- part of a certain ‘hegemony’ in Indigenous child, adult and elder who has died at the hands of White Supremacy and to all those who continue to live in the face of it. less). Even if they identified as a our majority-WASP Australian wom*n themselves, it would be society, unlike other minority Indigenous sovereignty was never ceded. inconsistent with the vision of religions, but it bears reminding the collective to elect someone to that being Christian is not exclu- an Office Bearer position if that sive to the Caucasian Protestant

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL Georgia Mantle Hey you mob at Georgia Mantle Upcoming Events Contents CONTRIBUTORS Sydney College Mike Butler, Andrew Bell, Crys- tal Coelho, Sophie Gallagher, As I sit down to write this edi- have done to get me here; here Simone Armstrong, Barry Corr, torial the paper is all but fin- at this University, here at my 2 / LETTERS 12 / ART ished, a week’s worth of work job and here at this place in my of the Arts! Free University of Western Walk for Justice for Enoch Mailangi, Katerina Bam- Sydney Launch. Colleen, Evelyn and Clinton pos, Natasha Gillezeau, Students and months of planning lay at life where I can say I am happy. 2 / EVENTS 16 / LEARNING Support Aborignal Communties, my feet. I feel proud but main- The people I need to acknowl- We’re Mariko Smith (Yuin woman) and Janelle Evans "Joing us to launch the Free Uni- A Indigenous led walk to demand Shayma Taweel, Evelyn Aralu- ly relived, who ever thought edge the most are my par- (Bundjalung and Dharug woman), and we are the versity of Western Sydney and for justice for the unsolved murders of 4 / ANALYSIS 18 / PERSPECTIVE en Corr, Jodie Pall, Ellen Burke, I would be here editing a ents, for never giving up first Wingara Mura Indigenous Fellows at Sydney a panel discussion which attempts three Indigenous people in the ear- Kitty-Jean Laginha, Nathan Shel- paper? Not me that's for sure. on me and for sacrificing College of the Arts (SCA) on Rozelle Campus as to address the foundation of Aus- ly 1990's 6 / REFLECTION 20 / SRC REPORTS don-Anderson, Riki Scanlan I often get caught up in think- all you have to get me here. part of the University’s Wingara Mura Leadership ing about purpose and plans, Program. tralia’s racist architecture to aid ARTISTS the purpose of people, places I hope you enjoy this special A bit about us: we are both Associate Lecturers at in the development of a collective Thursday 5th May 10:30am @ Hyde 7 / PROFILE 21 / SRC CASEWORKERS and things and the plans the Indigenous Edition of Honi SCA. Mariko is currently completing a PhD about understanding of racial oppression. Park Fountain

Emily Johnson, Dean Cross, world might have for me and Soit, I urge you to delve into this Aboriginal cultural resurgence involving tied-bark Thursday 28th April @ Bankstown Keeping Kid Out of Gaol: 8 / POETRY 22 / PUZZLES Fatima Rauf, Georgia Mantle everyone else. This week I paper with an open mind leav- canoes and representing Aboriginal experiences of thought there was something ing preconceived ideas of what canoe making through visual sociology. Janelle is Arts Centre Indigenous Youth Rights 10 / PERSPECTIVE COVER out to get me, to ensure I an Indigenous Edition might starting a PhD about a First Fleet convict’s letters didn’t get this paper finished look like behind. This paper which explore first contact encounters and the search National Reconciliation Hosted by the Sydney University Week at SCA Amnesty International Society this I'm Aboriginal, this is my art. and that maybe it just wasn’t is multi-dimensional just like for the sublime in the Australian landscape. event will include a discussion pan- This is Aboriognal Art. Emily in my plan to do this. I began Indigenous people, we are not Alongside developing our own research and arts Thursday 26th May el and a craft event Johnson telling myself “the universe limited by our identity but rath- practice, we are here to provide academic support for isn’t out to get you”, a phrase er draw strength from it. SCA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, 10am: Welcome to Country and SPECIAL THANKS that a friend told me last year develop exciting Indigenous Units of Study like smoking Ceremony around Sydney Monday 9th May 4pm @ Isabel when I was getting overly dra- In love and rage, next semester’s elective unit of study CATE 2025: College of the Arts Campus Fidler Room Manning House 12pm: BBQ hosted by SCASS at Peter Walsh, Dominic Ellis, Alexi matic about the state of my Practising Contemporary Indigenous Art, and to 14 / FEATURE life. That became my mantra Georgia Mantle organise opportunities for both Indigenous and non- SCA Campus Scholarly Musings: Polden, Alex Downie, Sophie Indigenous Activism and Gallagher, Anna Hush, Andy for the last few days as time Indigenous SCA staff and students to interact with Evelyn Araluen Corr reflects on her double life as an Monday 30th-Friday June 3rd Social Media Spaces Mason, Max Hall, Sam Langford, after time something seemed Indigenous art and culture. Indigenous Academic as she writes on Decolonising Academia Students and staff install their own Andrew Bell, Michael Sun, Siob- to go wrong. Too often I It is so important to have an Indigenous presence designed Hands in SCA's "Sea of Scholarly Musings is a series of han Ryan, Courtney Thompson think I write my successes off and voice at SCA, and we hope to develop a robust and as chance, without acknowl- dynamic Indigenous research unit that incorporates Hands" installation on the lawn events that was established to facili- edging the work I or those Indigenous ways of knowing, cultural and creative near the SCA Auditorium. tate opportunities, and an environ- who have gone before me expression into SCA’s teaching, learning, research Cultural workshops at SCA may ment, for researches to exchange and service. be scheduled throughout the week: ideas and learn about some of the This is a call-out to mob to contact us if you’re keep an eye out for updates many other research projects being Disclaimer: is published by the Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney, Level 1 Wentworth Building, City Road, University of Sydney NSW 2006. Honi Soit a SCA student, or would like to learn more about pursued at the State Library of The SRC’s operation costs, space and administrative support are financed by the University of Sydney. is printed under the auspices of the SRC’s directors Honi Soit studying at SCA. Send us an email and we’ll have a Wednesday 1st June NSW of student publications: Tahlia Chloe, Justine Landis-Hanley, David Hogan, Michelle Picone, Siobhan Ryan, and Michael Sun. All expressions are published on the basis yarn: 1pm: Indigenous Artist Talk at that they are not to be regarded as the opinions of the SRC unless specifically stated. The Council accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the opinions or Mariko Smith: [email protected] SCA Auditorium Tuesday 5th July 11am @ The State information contained within this newspaper, nor does it endorse any of the advertisements and insertions. Janelle Evans: [email protected] Library of New South Wales 4 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 5 ANALYSIS ANALYSIS Remembering this Country's First War Golliwogs: How are Mike Butler is a Jagalingu man and is currently serving as SUPRA's Indigenous Officer

Last week little white crosses began appearing As I went back and forth past the Quad good thing to do, but that ANZAC Day would be he Golliwog doll is an infamous symbol around the Quadrangle, each one with the hand throughout the day, I saw people walk up and the perfect place to do it. Because if the carnage of of racism in Australia and around the they still a thing? written name of Sydney University person who down past the crosses stopping to read the names the landings at Gallipoli was the birthplace of this world. That’s why Sydney University stu- died in World War One. It was a humble and written on each cross. More often than not these nation, then Australia’s Frontier Wars were the rape T dent, Jonathan Zaharias, was shocked to fitting reminder of why we shouldn’t forget the people stopped to read the newly erected Frontier that led to it. And once we all face up to the fact, we spot several proudly displayed in a toy store in the Crystal Coelho explores the racist reality of a childhood toy affront to humanity that is war. Wars memorial too. as a nation will be better for it. Queen Victoria Building whilst shopping with his In a similar vein, and on behalf of other Indig- At around 1pm, I saw University security girlfriend last week. enous people, I thought it appropriate to remem- personnel stand by it the memorial and mum- “We were both very surprised that they still ber those killed on Australian soil in what is ble something into their walkie talkie. The next exist!” Zaharias said. now known as the Frontier Wars. The additional time I passed at 3.30pm the sign was gone. He began an online petition asking the iron- instalment was not to take away from what the By taking down the Frontier War memo- ically-named “Just White Toys” store to remove white crosses represent but rather an addition to rial Sydney University became the latest in the dolls, which was then shared by Greens MP the memorial to represent the lives lost in the vio- a long line of establishments to contribute Mehreen Faruqi and has ultimately been success- lence of the Frontier Wars to the whitewashing of this nation’s history. ful in getting the dolls taken down. But alongside The Frontier Wars is the collective term for the Acknowledging the Frontier Wars as part of hundreds of heartfelt messages received in sup- violent conflict that characterised the opening up ANZAC Day might just be the most important port, there was the expected outrage from (most- of Australia to white settlement. It was a grubby thing ever to happen to what we call the ANZAC ly) white Australians defending the dolls as a nos- and insidious form of warfare far removed from tradition. talgic symbol of their childhoods, and claiming the battlefields of World War One. Instead of When ANZAC Day began, well back before it that the petition signalled political correctness mass troops movements it relied on small-scale got the rancid tang of chest-beating jingoism that’s gone mad. terror of vigilante squads, emphatic reprisals and present today, there were no cheering crowds. Zaharias told Honi, “A lot of people didn’t real- ethnic-cleansing that decimated populations and The first marches were soldier-only affairs and ly understand, saying ‘I had a golliwog when I was traumatised survivors for life. while ostensibly they marched to remember the a kid, what’s the big deal, I’m not racist’ ...but that’s If you haven’t heard about it, that’s understand- dead, you didn’t have to scratch too deep to see very small compared to the number of people that able; the official history of Australia does not rec- it was their way of acknowledging that the ones are disgusted, outraged, and surprised that this is ognise it. Nevertheless, new historical research who made it out were the real casualties. The still happening... A lot of people thought this con- currently calculates that more men, women and dead were dead, but the living carried the mental versation had been had very long ago.” children were violently killed on Australian soil trauma of war, which spread into their lives, the “White people think racism is this thing of (67,000-110,000) during the Frontier Wars than families and the society they came back to. It is the past, so they have a doll like this from their Australians killed in World War One (60,000). because of that, the true essence of ANZAC Day childhood, or buy it nowadays, and think ‘Oh, Despite these facts the Australian War Memo- is a far more powerful and decent thing than mil- how funny and racist things were’, but are not rial and the Returned and Services League (RSL) itary glorification. It’s a way of seeing war for what acknowledging the fact that it’s actually still an refuse to recognise the Frontier Wars by falling is it – hell – and allowing the survivors to deal Photo: ongoing issue,” says Georgia Mantle, Indigenous behind the barricades of historical dishonesty with that with truthfulness and dignity. Mike Office Bearer at the University of Sydney. and obfuscation to find reasons why it doesn’t And it’s exactly for these reasons that recog- Butler Why is it so hard for white people to grasp deserve recognition nising the Frontier Wars would not only be a that during their happy racism-free childhoods, Indigenous Australians and people of colour endured oppression every day? White Australians celebrates the deaths of ten black children. Por- standalone incident. A quick mention of the peti- accept and normalise racism all the time, because trayed as stupid, incompetent, physically small tion to a few friends revealed that golliwogs are they like to think that it is no longer an issue. and thus controllable, golliwogs are a caricature still very much around. White Australians believe that ‘nostalgic throw- of the black and white minstrel performances Joel Davison, an Indigenous Sydneysider, backs’ to the good old racist days are acceptable of the 1850s, and rose to popularity around the recalls seeing golliwog dolls being sold at the because they kid themselves that we have moved same time as blackface - another hideously rac- Easter Show just last month. Show for Primary School Students criticised for beyond such racism and that we live in a post-ra- ist pastime that Australia can’t seem to leave in “At first I was surprised, though I quickly cial society where golliwogs should be viewed as a the past. Minstrel performances would ridicule remembered the demographic that the Easter product of their times, rather than a racist symbol POC, with performers wearing blackface, painted show appeals to and understood that I shouldn’t glamorising colonialism that continues to enforce racial stereotypes and clown-like lips, and formal wear meant to mock have expected more. There was still a feeling of uphold racism. African Americans by portraying them as inca- disbelief though, it doesn’t seem like it should Andrew Bell reports The recurring defence of these dolls seems to pable of imitating the ‘civility’ of white people. have any place in today’s society… Not only are be that they are simply dolls with dark skin. The White audiences wouldn’t watch black perform- they a shallow, degrading caricature steeped in problem, however, is that dolls with dark skin ers unless they were also in blackface makeup - racist history, but a lot of the justifications for An educational show aimed at educating pri- ulations, while erasing the deeply negative effects and golliwog dolls are not interchangeable, and it that is, making fun of themselves. Minstrel per- selling or owning golliwogs are either racist or mary school students, ‘The Colonial Show’ is colonisation had on Aboriginal peoples across should be painfully obvious why - golliwogs are formances were very popular in Australia, and apathetic to racial issues.” under fire for glamorising the process of coloni- the country. The show ignores Aboriginal per- grotesque stereotypes of Black people. blackface has historically been used to similarly People could easily research why Golliwog sation. spectives on colonisation by centering idealised “Yes, we do want black dolls, but the actual humiliate Indigenous Australians. In fact, the dolls are problematic. Anybody who knows of There is an absence of Indigenous people depictions of racist white colonisers,” she said. golliwog symbolises a clown,” Juanita Sherwood, arrival of minstrel performances in Australia is the doll’s history cannot deny that it is an endur- from the show’s online publicity materials, which “Revisionist narratives like this have no place the Director of the National Centre for Cultural listed on the Australian government’s website as a ing symbol of racial oppression. The obvious promise both an ‘authentic’ and ‘fun’ experience. in public schools. Students deserve to learn the Competence (NCCC), explains. “highlight” of Australian theatre history. conclusion is that people just don’t care. They In contrast, there are myriad children dressed real facts of colonisation. These might not be as “They [Golliwogs] are not an innocent sym- As Indigenous X founder, Luke Pearson, told don’t care that a doll makes people of colour up in the British red coat uniform, brandishing fun as comedic portrayals of convicts and cap- bol for those who’ve been oppressed, who’ve the Daily Mail back in 2013, “Golliwogs have feel uncomfortable and hated, and are happy to rifles in “almost never before seen access to the tains, but they are crucial for young people in inter-generationally had to pay the implications fucking paws instead of hands and feet ... they mock years of oppression if it brings them some nation’s fledgling beginnings as a penal colony”. understanding the founding of Australian settler for this innocent little symbol,” Sherwood says. come from a time when human zoos were a part mild pleasure. They don’t want to take the time to The program is being criticised for introduc- society. Without historically accurate education Mantle agrees, saying “You should definitely of reality - people would go to a zoo to see an understand why something is racially insensitive ing the process of colonisation as a fundamentally about how Australia was colonised, young peo- have black dolls, you should have dolls that repre- African person.” - they’d much rather not change their behaviour frivolous topic, and promoting the program at the ple cannot work to fight the colonial racism that sent all races, but this is very in line with stereo- Over the years golliwogs have been used as and instead complain about PC culture and how expense of representative still runs deep in our perceptions of Aboriginal types of black face, of minstrel shows, of America children’s story characters, as a distinctive mar- the end of the world is nigh because white peo- The online publicity asks, “Can they [the chil- p e op l e .” during the slave trade times.” keting logo, and as popular children’s toys before ple cannot say whatever comes to their minds, no dren] bear to hear the serious, yet funny stories A change.org petition has been started by the The golliwog has appeared in children’s liter- the offensive nature of this image led to its dwin- matter how rude, whenever they want. of the characters and the reason they were sent to collective Students Support Aboriginal Commu- ature time and again over the last 150 years, rep- dling usage after the 1960s. The name became an “The most important thing [in being an ally] the Colony of NSW?” nities, “to stop perpetuating revisionist narratives resenting people of colour in numerous, often insult comparable with the ugliest of racial slurs is listening. I haven’t been personally subjected Anna Hush, Student Support Aboriginal Com- that deny the colonial racism inherent in Austral- contradictory, but always negative and distorted and has been used to harass various peoples of to racism, but I can definitely listen to those who munities member, criticised the program for its ian history”. ways. From Florence Upton to Enid Blyton to colour for many years. However, since then the have,” says Zaharias. People of colour the world erasure of the violence and dispossession of The show is marketed at fulfilling primary Agatha Christie, golliwogs would steal, harm, dolls have continually been defended and are now over have spoken out against these dolls - it’s time Indigenous people. school HSIE syllabus requirements, and therefore and terrorise their white counterparts, or else considered something of a collector’s item. white Australians listened. “This is an extraordinarily inaccurate portrayal potentially displaces more holistic learning texts. act as their personal slaves. In one Enid Blyton In this particular instance, the store owner has of what was a violent and bloody period of Aus- The program was bred from the closure of Old book, The Three Golliwogs, the golliwogs sing stopped selling the golliwogs and the petition has tralian history. It glorifies figures who ordered Sydney Town, a colonially themed theme park in their favourite song, ‘Ten Little Niggers’, which served its purpose. Unfortunately, it is far from a and carried out the genocide of Aboriginal pop- the Central Coast in 2003. 6 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 7 REFLECTION PROFILE City to Country Sophie Gallegher with words from Simone Armstrong Symbolism will not

While many university students spend their sum- edging the importance of these animals to the com- mer holidays prancing around Europe or Amer- munities they live in. This is why Armstrong’s work, ica, second year Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and the efforts of other volunteers, is so important. get us justice student and Bundjalung woman Simone Arm- Compared to other animal and management pro- strong spent hers a little closer to home, and for a tocols, Armstrong believes that AMRRIC differs for much better cause. better, as they maintain a respectful treatment of ani- In the rural communities of Yuendumu, mals and the communities they are part of. “The pro- Yuelamy and Nyirripi in the Northern Territo- grams build trust and strong connections, which are Riki Scanlan speaks to Ken Canning about Constitutional ry, Armstrong volunteered as a veterinary nurse far more efficient in creating a healthier and happier as part of the Animal Management in Rural and environment for members of the community and the Recognition and Aboriginal sovereignty Remote Communities (AMRRIC) program. A animals themselves,” she said. non-for-profit charity, AMRRIC coordinates Even the minor challenges, which she regards as veterinary and education programs through- trivial, are little compared to the benefits these groups out Indigenous communities to help meet their receive from their efforts. “[The challenges were] needs. One such program, which Armstrong pretty much just flies and heat. Keeping adequately th NISE uses traditional media coverage, expensive eignty such as the mining companies, there is fear contributed to, aims to improve the health of pets hydrated and consistent swatting was tiring but didn’t May 27 next year is the 50 anniversary of cross-country tours for consultation conferenc- that the proposal will lead to a weakening of what within Indigenous groups in order to create hap- drive you away from the incredible experience.” the 1967 referendum that is often considered a es, and flashy branding. The counter-campaign slim rights Aboriginal people currently have to genu- pier communities. Indeed, giving back to the community and creat- watershed moment for Aboriginal justice. The uses social media and grassroots organising and ine self-determination and land rights. As a vet nurse, it was all hands on deck. Arm- ing lasting change is how Armstrong believes chari- preceding years saw a national grassroots cam- taps into actual issues around Aboriginal justice. At the core of the dissent campaign is a concern strong aided veterinarians in everything from ties such as these become instrumental to the wellbe- paign by Aboriginal communities and support Despite the disparity in funding, Ken tells me that around achieving justice for Aboriginal people, not having the animals prepped, ready and medicat- ing of rural Indigenous communities. networks to demand the Federal government support within Aboriginal communities for the mere symbolism. Ken believes that constitution- ed from parasite preventative treatments to pre- “Being able to make a difference, even a small take action for Aboriginal justice. Now we are dissent campaign has been growing. al recognition is a convenient whitewashing of the meds, anesthetic, antibiotics and post-surgery one, was extremely rewarding. Making connections one year out from the target date for a referen- He is also suspicious of the implications of the inequity experienced by Aboriginal people. He also analgesics. For volunteers with the AMRRIC, rec- with not only community members but other vol- dum on the constitutional recognition of Abo- constitutional recognition proposal – the details tells me that the idea of having “anything to do with a ognising the inextricable links between human, unteers and AMRRIC workers and hearing stories riginal peoples. of which are yet to be finalised. With support constitution that never included me in the first place. animal and environmental health and wellbeing is of other’s journeys, I found so valuable. These are The RECOGNISE campaign will be familiar to from corporations, many of whom have interests … I think the government should be begging [us] to vital. Indeed, by developing programs guided by experiences I will take away with me, and I look you. It is on billboards at sports games, brand- ed on airlines and shared by every major politi- antithetical to Aboriginal land rights and sover- recognise it!” Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities, they forward to the next time I can make some more.” create respectful and ethical practice by acknowl- cal party. It is a black circle containing a white ‘R’ framed by sparkling red. It has appeared in every major newspaper across Australia. And it is being quietly challenged within the Aboriginal community. Grumpy old man shouting at Reconciliation Australia runs the RECOGNISE cam- paign with the support of Federal and corporate fund- ing to the tune of several mil- Fata Morgana lion dollars – including support from mining companies, the big banks and Transfield, the compa- Barry Corr - Black Snake ny that ran the Manus and Nauru immigration detention facilities. The other side of the debate within the Aboriginal community receives no funding and no media attention. In Orientation Week 1964 I joined Student Action deal with those Aboriginal people who stubborn- rock carries an Aboriginal prophecy that when the Ken Canning, a local Aboriginal For Aborigines. Looking back I realise I am still ly refused to forsake their land and identity. The rock is covered by water the white people will go. The elder and activist who is running for on the bus; not in the sense of the 1965 Freedom late great Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Tony melting Greenland ice sheet will do for this rock and Senate, is furious about the unfairness of Ride metaphor, quixotically roaming the coun- Abbott, cut to the chase, and the funds, in describ- a lot more. the debate: “Why is [funding for] the Rec- tryside; that bus is long gone, just a fragment in a ing remote communities as “lifestyle choices”. I will leave the inland sea to Mad Max; my focus ognition campaign all, ‘Yes, yes, yes’? Where museum. My bus rolls on, chasing its headlights I am tempted to write a novel in the post-co- will be on the Eastern seaboard when the opera is the funding for dissent?” He opposes con- into the darkness of metaphor. lonial genre. It shall begin with Conrad’s boat house goes under. My Arthur will be true blue. Paul- stitutional recognition on the ground that Many metaphors are harmless. Alfred Noyes’ pushing into the darkness. But it will not be a ine would be proud of him. Unknowingly he will car- “symbolism will not get us justice”. The proposal “the moon was a ghostly galleon” was my first Roman galley bringing the light of civilisation to ry the blood of Ned Kelly from a one night stand in aims to include a clause recognising Aboriginal introduction to the literary form. Many other England; rather, it will be after the Romans have the Victorian high country. people as the First Nations of Australia, but Ken metaphors are smiling faces offering poisoned left. The boat will be full of smelly and dirty Jutes, In a stroke of genius my Arthur will take his peo- is cynical of real change resulting from a success- apples or quicksand that conceals its victims Angles and other lesser breeds. It will be a book ple to the only fresh water and build a floating town ful referendum. beneath an innocent facade. Metaphor is a mask. that draws upon the end-of-days world of Arthur. upon the waters behind Warragamba Dam. While He rattles off, from memory, a series of statis- The first sermon on Australian soil evoked the For me the most telling image of the Arthurian my Arthur is a military genius, like his mythical tics: Aboriginal people die in custody on average metaphor of the Promised Land, drawing upon cycle is Fata Morgana, the mirage of castles in the counterpart his personal life will be a disaster. Dis- once a month; Aboriginal people are 2% of the Psalm 116 which gave thanks to God for deliver- sky, which in medieval times were supposed to be cord and deceit will lead to his downfall. The dam population but one-third, and rising, of the pris- ing his people from the Egyptian yoke. The Rev- a glimpse of Avalon, the castle where Morgan La will be breached and a modern day Morgana La Fey on population; Aboriginal children are in the grip erend Samuel Marsden called his South Creek Fey took her dying half brother Arthur after his will guide a craft carrying the mortally wounded of a new Stolen Generation. Yet money is being property “Mamre” after the place where Abraham last battle. Significantly Avalon was supposed to Arthur into the darkness. slashed from Aboriginal services. Ken argues that was visited by angels. In the 1830s, bloated by be in the antipodes. And Baiame will wake the Spirit Ancestors and Aboriginal services are being blackmailed into government grants he preached that “Abraham Another motif will be a rock towering verti- they will sing the Land into being again. supporting the constitutional recognition pro- was a squatter on Government ground.” cally out of the water called by the early settlers posal: if their tender for funding does not include As the benefits of civilisation crushed Aborigi- the Looking Glass, because of the mirror image how they will promote constitutional recogni- nal people Nature was metamorphosed to explain projected by the early morning sun upon it. Upon tion; their funding request will be knocked back. how Aboriginal people melted away, faded away it I shall project the hopes and dreams of Anglo The comparison is stark between the campaign or were swallowed by the earth. Assimilation and Australia. Tempting as it may be there will be no tactics of Reconciliation Australia and that of Intervention were well-sounding metaphors to child climbing through to the other side, for this the grassroots Aboriginal community. RECOG- 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 9 POETRY ANALYSIS Increasing Indigenous Access A Blackfella walks to Sexual Health Natasha Gillezeau explores the implications of structural racism on Indigenous access to sexual health

into a bar Late last year, Professor George Yancy took to The HIV occurred in females, more than 31% of cas- Indigenous health as a priority. New York Times with a letter titled “Dear White es reported among Indigenous people occurred Yancy challenges the white population to accept America.” Amongst other things, he stated, “all in females. This speaks to how the experience of the truth about what it means to be white in a soci- white people benefit from racism and in their being Indigenous intersects with gender in rela- ety “created for you.” So what’s more uncomfortable? Enoch Mailangi own way are racist.” This made a lot of people tion to sexual health outcomes. Yancy’s statement that all white people are, in their very, very uncomfortable, angry, even. The right to sexual health involves the guaran- own way, racist? Or is it these facts? The “truth” of a The people who get to define what racism is tee of a number of things including availability, society created in favour of one race above others is When the constable cuffed my uncle and how it operates are those affected by it. The accessibility, acceptability and quality. When we not an outrageous proposition; when we look at the people who need to listen to those definitions are analyse how these four factors play out in relation statistics, it’s staring right at us. I didn’t think he did anything wrong. those directly or tacitly still benefiting from insti- to Indigenous Australians versus non-Indigenous tutions of white supremacy. Yancy’s definition Australians, the reasons behind some of these But as the copper left our house he told me: might be challenging for some because it forces awful statistics emerge. Healthcare accessibility them to consider not just positive acts of racism has multiple facets including both being physi- “Don’t worry I’ll look after him” (taunts, firing someone because they are Indig- cally accessible from where a person lives as well enous, hate crime), but all the acts of omission, as economically accessible. From July, our gov- the acts of ignorance allowing white Australians ernment is making women pay for their own pap to benefit from systemic racism and Indigenous smears. This is a bad enough as a message and as The next week he came home Australians to be hurt by it – again and again. a disincentive for non-Indigenous women, but One metric by which we can see how Indig- that $30 (putting aside the need to know about I didn’t think he did anything wrong. enous Australians still suffer from racism and pap smears or how to go about getting to a doc- colonialism is sexual health indicators. tor’s appointment) is not just a deterrent for some But as my uncle left our house he told me: In the Kimberley, the rates of gonorrhoea are Indigenous teens, it’s an utter barrier. 40 times higher among Aboriginal people. Rates The solution is not as simple as arguing that “If we didn’t exist the pigs wouldn’t either” of chlamydia are five times higher among Abo- Indigenous Australians require better sexual riginal people. If you thought gonorrhoea wasn’t education, although of course, that is one way of something people even contracted in the 21st addressing the problem. For instance, the Alu- Century, that’s probably because they shouldn’t. kura young women's community health pro- After that, me and mum moved out According to data released by Australian gram employs two educators who deliver sexual Indigenous HealthInfoNet, whilst notification health education to young women aged 12 to And I saw the constable on patrol. rates for HIV infection and AIDS are similar for 20 years. These community responses are great the Indigenous population and the non-Indig- on a micro level, but we also need a macro level But as I left to go to school I wondered: enous population, in contrast to the total pop- response from our government to implement sus- ulation, for which less than 8% of diagnoses of tained, intelligent policies and programs that put “If he knew who was looking after who?” Closing the Gap; Unlocking Data

Katerina Bampos: a Dunghutti woman looks at what is really causing the gap in Indigenous Health

The political dialogue that has dominated my best thing to inundate researchers with as much ications aren’t as effective in African communities lifetime regarding Indigenous Australians has information as possible? Whilst the USA has because predominantly European ancestry genetic seemed to be nothing but nuanced language. implemented policy to ensure that government is markers were taken into consideration when devel- With a carefully framed dialectic of espousing the responsible for collecting population data regard- oping the medications. It is important that the needs concept of 'closing the gap' in every relevant press ing negative side effects of medications on dis- of the entire Indigenous community be a consider- conference, is it the nature of the language being advantaged groups, the Australian government ation when deciding what to do with orphaned tis- politicised that is preventing the gap from being seems to remain unmoved about regulating itself sue samples, and there must be extensive discussion closed? or the pharmaceutical industry. Australia is home and consent with elders across Australia, alongside One of the most significant issues affecting to a variety of orphaned tissue collections from Indigenous health care professionals and clinical aca- Indigenous health is the lack of data. Tilenka Indigenous Australians taken, almost definite- demics. Thynne who is a Clinical Pharmacologist and ly, without consent throughout the mid to late Once these tissues are studied, it can be estab- Clinical Academic at Flinders University told me, half of the previous century. Ethical standards lished from which mob the donors descended which during a work call, that much about the issues of have evolved since then and now these tissue would then enable local indigenous groups to have adverse side effects to pharmacological drugs in samples cannot be studied without consent of an even greater pool of tissue being sampled for Indigenous Australians is speculative because of a guardian who has a documented relationship breakthroughs in Indigenous healthcare. This also the absence of data. She and her colleagues have with the donors. However, since we do not know enables the tissue to be returned to the families or access to case studies of individuals that have where the donors are from, no communities have communities after they have been studied to ensure reported adverse side effects, however, they don’t claimed ownership of the tissue samples. But that local customs are respected. The politicisation of know what that information means in terms of should the information contained in these collec- our health care has resulted in a fear of reform and Art: Fatima Rauf population. This is becoming an increasing prob- tions remain lost? as a result it is up to us to push for reform ourselves. lem as studies have begun to emerge that suggest The problem is a lack of data and that prevents certain medications disproportionately affect us from knowing what the gap is; genetic testing Indigenous populations. might be paramount to exploring this. For exam- If the problem is a lack of data, is it not the ple, we know that certain types of AIDS med- 10 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 11 PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE Beyond the Freedom Rides 200 Years On... Students Support Aboriginal Communities on the community networks that facilitate Shayma Taweel reports on the 200th anniversary of the Appin colonial massacre activism around the country or the past fifteen years, the Appin Mas- Photos: inal communities in NSW visited by SAFA in ing the expansion of CSG mining on their country, sacre has been commemorated on the Andy 1965 were communities in which the APA had and supported protests against Aboriginal deaths Sunday nearest April 17 at Cataract Mason been organising for decades. The APA supported in custody, the Northern Territory Intervention F Dam, just south of Campbelltown. This these communities in opposing the segregation and the forced removal of Aboriginal children. year, for the first time and on its 200th anniversa- of schools and hospitals, exclusion from parks, Last year, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal ry, the memorial service fell on its exact date as pubs and swimming pools, the lack of employ- students involved in these struggles formed Stu- recorded in the archives. This years’ service also ment opportunities for Aboriginal people in dents Support Aboriginal Communities (SSAC), a attracted the most attendees ever: over five hun- rural areas, and oppressive conditions on govern- space to organise student solidarity with Aborigi- dred Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people paid ment-managed reserves. Aboriginal organisers nal campaigns. We see the contemporary injustic- their respects to the men, women, and children Bert Groves and Pearl Gibbs met with Perkins to es experienced by Aboriginal people as rooted in killed by colonial troopers under the orders of ensure that there was local community support a history of colonial oppression, and seek to sup- New South Wales Governor, Lachlan Macquarie. for SAFA’s activities. port Aboriginal activism. Our non-Aboriginal After several years of peaceful relations The students’ solidarity with Aboriginal com- members feel that as the descendants of settlers, between the Dharawal people and European set- munities around NSW also continued long after we have a responsibility to support Aboriginal tlers, a severe drought developed between 1813 1965. Delegations from SAFA, along with APA people in their struggle for justice. and 1816. Conflict and violent retributive attacks organisers, Communist Party members and Abo- followed. In April 1816, Captain James Wallis riginal unionists like Chicka Dixon, continued to The first step towards justice and the 42nd Regiment marched west from Syd- he February 1965 “Freedom Ride” is Photo: support the attempts of community members to ney, with what Dharawal man Gavin Andrews, a rightly remembered as a crucial moment Freya challenge segregation in their towns. For exam- is non-Aboriginal people descendant of a survivor of the massacre, calls a in the history of relations between Abo- Newman ple, four students and two Murri women in Wal- carte blanche for violence. Captured in the letters T riginal people and colonial Australia. gett in August 1965 entered the “whites only” undergoing a process of dispatched between Wallis and Macquarie are the Aboriginal students Charlie Perkins and Gary section of the local cinema, and were dragged out instructions to take all Aboriginal men, women, Williams led a group called Student Action For and arrested by police after refusing to leave. Stu- self-education. and children beyond Sydney prisoner, that any Aborigines (SAFA) in a trip to a number of rural dents were also heavily involved in supporting the who ‘showed fight’ or attempted to flee were to be towns in NSW, exposing segregation and discrim- Land Rights marches in the 1970s. The first step towards justice is non-Aboriginal shot, and their bodies were to be hung conspicu- ination against Aboriginal people and the appall- History shows that student support for Abo- people undergoing a process of self-education. ously from trees in order to ‘strike terror into the ing conditions many communities were forced to riginal justice campaigns matters. This is true We acknowledge that the history we have learned hearts of the natives’. After attacking the men’s live in on missions, reserves and fringe camps. not only of rural towns in the 1960s, but also of through government education is inadequate, camp in the night, Wallis and his grenadiers pur- The controversy and publicity this trip generated the present-day and closer to home. The Red- and seek to learn from Aboriginal people the real sued a group of women and children, and under underpinned a new national conversation about fern Aboriginal Tent Embassy was established history of this country. We acknowledge that all the smart fire of their rifles, the troopers chased justice for Aboriginal people, and played a role nearly two years ago by Aunty Jenny Munro to non-Aboriginal people, especially white people, them off the edge of a ravine at Broughton Pass. in successes such as the 1967 Referendum and demand affordable housing for Aboriginal people have internalised deeply racist conceptions of Fourteen deaths were recorded; those who fell to self-determination policies. on the historic Block in the face of a commercial Aboriginality, and we are committed to overcom- their deaths were not included in this count. Of What is often forgotten are the activist net- development, which included student housing. ing these harmful misunderstandings. the few surviving children, those who were cap- works which made the “Freedom Ride” possible. Students from Sydney University supported the We currently organise film screenings and tured were placed in the Parramatta Native Insti- The trip was not a singular, spontaneous event - Embassy in large numbers, donating funds from reading groups in order to challenge non-Abo- tution where Aboriginal children were to be given After a walk down to the Dam, near where Australia’s potential to come to terms with its rather, it built on generations of political organ- student organisations, and helping with the day- riginal misunderstandings of history. SSAC also an Anglo-Celtic education and upbringing with the memorial plaque was erected in 2007, Uncle colonial legacy. Maybe Australians don’t want ising in rural Aboriginal communities all around to-day running of the Embassy. The Embassy was has plans to start up a blog, undertake more road the aim of incorporating them into colonial soci- Ivan Wellington led the commemoration with a to uphold all the happy lies about the history of the state. Heather Goodall traces these networks ultimately successful in securing the construction trips to visit rural Aboriginal communities, and ety. The Parramatta Native Institution was also of smoking ceremony. The commemoration includ- this place anymore. When I asked Andrews for in her history of Aboriginal activism, Invasion to of affordable housing for Aboriginal people in the consistently hold fundraisers to support grass- Macquarie’s design. ed singing, dancing, and a lot of speeches. Mayors his thoughts on the increased number of attend- Embassy. Organisers from the Aborigines Pro- opening phase of the Block’s redevelopment. roots Indigenous activism. of the surrounding councils (Camden, Campbell- ees and media attention, he said he believes that gressive Association (APA), initially established Students have also supported the protest move- town, and Wollondilly), the NSW Minister for people are more empathetic now. In the years in 1937 to organise the inaugural “Invasion Day” ment against the forced closure of remote Abo- Aboriginal Affairs, a fair few MPs, and represent- before the ceremony was held at Cataract Dam, protest the following year, were heavily involved riginal communities in WA, stood with Gomeroi/ Any who ‘showed fight’ atives of the Reconciliation Council of NSW were Andrews and his family used to remember the in the initial planning for the Ride. The Aborig- Gamilaraay people in north-western NSW oppos- among the guest speakers. Before the ceremony, massacre privately, laying flowers at the Brought- or attempted to flee Andrews told me that an ABC journalist had on Pass site. No one wanted to know about the asked him for a copy of his speech. He laughed massacre twenty, thirty years ago, he said. were to be shot, and their and said, ‘I’m a storyteller, not an actor’ - he hadn’t needed to write down what he wanted to say. What struck me most during the April 17 cer- bodies were to be hung emony was the strength and survival of the Dhar- STUDENTS SUPPORT conspicuously from trees in Combined with Wellington’s relaxed MCing awal people. The buzzing community atmosphere and another Elder’s laughter as she gave the Wel- of the event, complete with a huge supply of sau- come to Country in Dharawal language and joked sages, felt almost like a local footy match: kids order to ‘strike terror into about full stomachs, there was a noticeable con- were climbing trees and running around waving the hearts of the natives’. trast between Dharawal speeches and those of Aboriginal flags, some were adorned with paint ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES their parliamentary guests. The Minister for Abo- and feathers for dance, and all of this reinforced riginal Affairs gave a speech that was little more the centrality of family. Andrews strengthened The Appin massacre is one of the few record- than a collection of buzzwords: intergenerational this impression when he explained that the nature ed and recognised massacres that occurred in trauma, improving policy and programs, recog- of the ceremony ‘is all about family, not grieving’. We are a collective of students committed to Indigenous justice. We organise support Australian history. What is less widely known, nition, reconciliation. It sounded like it was lifted In the face of lost family through the massacre, as explained Andrews, is that in the years following straight from a government report on Closing the well as the removal of children and the ubiquitous for campaigns, raise money and participate in actions to support Indigenous communities the massacre, a group of local settlers went on a Gap, and while it was relevant to the issues fac- pressure to assimilate, strengthening family, and ‘black hunt’ - Aboriginal men, women, and chil- ing the Dharawal community in Appin, it came through it, culture, is at the heart of everything. locally and around the country. We also host reading groups and workshops to educate dren were killed wantonly. The actions of the mil- across as formal, disconnected, and rehearsed. Aboriginal people are often accused of living in itary, with the sanction of the highest authority in When the Mayor of Campbelltown stated that the past, of being perpetual victims; I’ve lost count ourselves and our peers about colonialism, Indigenous activism and solidarity work. the colony, implicitly gave license for this kind of Australia’s next step was to recognise Aboriginal of the number of times non-Indigenous Austral- indiscriminate violence. people in the constitution, sections of the audi- ians have suggested that they ‘move on’. You can To keep up with what we're doing, follow our Facebook page (facebook.com/SSACSydney) Macquarie’s legacy is undeniable - his name is ence broke out into applause. Looking around, hardly blame a population that lost so much to everywhere in the state, and he is often remem- I saw some Aboriginal members of the audi- colonisation for remembering its past in the face and join our Facebook group (search for 'Students Support Aboriginal Communities') bered as a benevolent governor who transformed ence shaking their heads, their arms crossed or of mainstream amnesia - but the Appin memorial New South Wales from a penal colony to a free motionless by their sides. ceremony showed that to acknowledge one’s past to find out about meeting times and events. settler society. Macquarie Street remains the seat The rhetoric gets better every year; but are they and to be comfortable with its difficult truths are of political power in New South Wales today. any more than symbolic gestures, empty state- not the same as dragging a dead weight, trying Listening to the personal histories of descendants ments, and self-congratulation? to force white Australians to feel guilty. Quite the at the 200th Anniversary as they spoke of beheadings, contrary: the Dharawal community is celebrating We are working on Gadigal land. Sovereignty was never ceded. hangings, and child removal, I could see that Mac- The sheer number of non-Indigenous attend- the survival of their people and culture. quarie had left his mark on Dharawal families, too. ees at the Appin memorial says something about 12 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 13 ART ART

Dean Cross, POLY AUSTRALIS (CATE BLANCHETT)

70 000+ years of strength, one of the oldest living human cultures in the world. My Mother's totem is a native bee (Biri Gubbi QLD) and my Father's is the Wedge Tailed Eagle (Barkintji NSW) and they will always protect and guide me. protect will always and they Eagle (Barkintji NSW) Tailed is the Wedge Father's and my bee (Biri Gubbi QLD) is a native My Mother's totem in the world. living human cultures one of the oldest of strength, 000+ years 70 Mum and Dad - For Dean Cross, POLY AUSTRALIS (NICK CAVE) 14 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS HONI SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 15 FEATURE FEATURE

tion and empowerment. those who hold and use the knowledge have of our own research." This Research Hub works with Last week I spoke to Dr Juanita Sherwood, a the power. She uses decolonisation as a criti- ongoing support from the National Drug Research Wiradjuri academic who has been working in cal teaching strategy to establish balance and Institute, the Centre for Remote Health, and the health, education, research, and management for connection in knowledge spaces, to say: "We've Centre for Social Research, and continues to conduct some thirty years. In 2010 she completed her doc- all been told different stories about each other, surveys on the eighteen Town Camps under its juris- toral thesis, Do No Harm: Decolonising Aboriginal its impacted our relationship, how we come to diction. Dr Sherwood is still in contact. "Our mob Decolonising Health Research, and she has published countless know each other, and this is still going on . . . know exactly what to do in this space," she tells me, chapters, essays, and articles on the need for a So you unpack that space. You unpack what you speaking of research and knowledge spaces. "I set up decolonial approach to Indigenous health and don't know, what you haven't had opportunities an Indigenous staff network to try and back us all up wellbeing. It combines a deeply personalised to learn about." so we actually have support across the whole country, voice with a deeply self-reflexive critical frame- Despite Dr Sherwood's extensive history with I did a whole lot of things as an Indigenous research- work. Her references and appendices are longer these ideologies and practices, decolonisation er so we could support each other. Because we're than the entirety of my supposedly half-complet- has only recently been brought onto the table often, like you, isolated, the one and only in a whole ed dissertation, and her work is ruthlessly precise as an alternative to "diversity", a notion which organisation, and we need the backup of each other, Academia: in supporting all its claims and recommendations is still being vehemently contested in institu- so networking together, getting to know who you can with carefully collected data on the centuries-long tions across the world. In an article published trust and who can back you up, is really important." history of ill-informed policy and practice. This earlier this month on The Chronicle of Higher The focus must be in not merely diversifying or is how you do Indigenous research. "I think we Education, Russell Jacoby compared diversity reclothing the same structures and institutions in Evelyn Corr's always know that we've got to do everything bet- enthusiasts seeking to furnish institutions with which our disempowerment was built: it is in creat- ter than anyone else. We've got to be the best, and an even dispensation of every axis of privilege, ing new spaces, new territories, new terrains, and in double life as we know that, and we work harder, which is prob- disadvantage, or allegiance, to rearranging deck doing so, reclaiming our ways of knowing, being, and ably why we die twenty years younger," she tells chairs on a sinking Titanic. Zoé Samudzi of doing. In this process, however, we need not deny an Indigenous me. "We have a lot of responsibility in our hands, Harlot Magazine sees diversifying educational those tools that we have gained from the academy, but on another level, I love researching around institutions as a hindrance to justice and qual- so long as we use them to empower our communi- academic community, I love being in community. I'm not ity. "The inclusion of marginalised identities ties. "I love our way of knowing and being and doing doing that enough; that's the problem. I want to and experiences without decentring dominant which is about balance and sustainability and about be doing more of that." narratives is an understanding of diversity that those particular issues that are about our survival," leaves oppressive structures intact, and in fact, Dr Sherwood tells me. "This Western way of knowing insulates them from criticism," she argues. is our road to despair, whereas there's other ways of "Diversity is very frequently the linchpin of knowing that are about caring for people and con- If you're Aboriginal and liberal racism in education, and inclusivity cern about people." becomes functionally useless if we do not also I leave Dr Sherwood's office and walk across the you want to study literature exclude via decentring violent normativities." campus. My friends have just finished up a meet- This debate has entered into a broader crit- ing for Students Support Academic Communities, a in this country, prepare ical conversation about the imperial allegianc- grassroots initiative we began last year after recog- es of universities and other institutions, along nising a need for ongoing dialogue with the com- yourself to be patronised, with the so frequently misunderstood Rhodes munities passed over in the memorialisation of the Must Fall movement (see Must Rhodes Fall? Freedom Rides. We're discussing another trip up silenced, misrepresented, in Honi Soit, 27/02/2016), which began in the country to protest mining and CSG, but soon the University of Cape Town last year. The Guard- Grandmothers Against Removal will be coming to and tokenised. ian's Amit Chaudhuri argues that the figure of Sydney, and we need to begin pasting flyers. From Cecil Rhodes, imperialist, racist, and architect Manning I walk to Eora College on Abercrombie St, of apartheid, is merely the interface of a much where I have been learning my father's language for more ambitious movement awaiting articula- the past six months. Tonight I will learn to count, and t was my very first literary conference. appropriate sting to demarcate the double life of of the dirtiest words in the indigenous world's tion: "that is, to bring out into the open institu- will discover with delight a triangulation between I was nervous, excited, and frantically the Indigenous academic. From microaggression vocabulary." This speaks closely to my own experience as an tional racism in university life in South Africa our numerical system, our bodies, and our cultur- unprepared. It was a long drive to Armi- to outright racism: if you're Aboriginal and you Decolonising Methodologies is the kind of book academic in the making. My academic work — and Britain, and to decolonise education." It is al practices. The class is boisterous and our teacher dale and we had arrived late on the first want to study literature in this country, prepare that changes worlds. As a young Indigenous aca- on methodologies for resituating Aboriginal lit- not a movement that will be satisfied with the ensures we are each learning in our own ways. On day of presentations. My friend? Alice yourself to be patronised, silenced, misrepre- demic and activist, it spoke to me with acknowl- eratures out of the constantly renegotiating settler removal of a statue, but rather, it seeks to decon- the weekend we will go out bush to learn weaving. and I joined the collective in a charming old sented, and tokenised. Increase this tenfold if edgement, ambition, and an almost painful sphere of Aus Lit into dialogues with other First struct the ethos that gives space and power to Tomorrow I will teach my own class at the univer- hotelI for drinks and h'ors d'oeurves, and shared you choose to study those disciplines in which awareness. Smith configures Indigenous research Nations across the world, and reclaiming our the legacy of a man so intrinsically embedded in sity, and tell my students of how we build our kin- anticipatory remarks with other presenters for our elisions and injustices are woven into the as an integral process in affecting change, and right to represent ourselves — feels frustrating- the oppression of southern Africa's Indigenous ship around the earth. On the train out to Dharug the next two days of Australian literature. When very fabric of the institution: health, law, ecology, demands a level of critical self-reflection that ly isolated from the lived realities of Indigenous peoples. country I begin making notes for the launch of the a very friendly postgraduate working on Richard psychology, history, the list goes on. Everything goes beyond mandatory inclusion and tokenistic Australia, and from the outcomes and objectives Even more radical than decolonisation, how- Free University of Western Sydney, a new initiative to Flanagan asked how I was finding things, I gave the West know about us — or rather, all the representation. Change must be systemic, and it of my work as an activist. "In a decolonising ever, is the notion of "Indigenising" the acade- generate a space for critical discussion and learning a nervous, self-deprecating laugh, I knew I really knowledge they have decided to give power to, requires time, collaboration, support, capability, framework," Smith writes, "deconstruction is part my. Mohawk Professor Taiaiake Alfred claims about the architecture of racial oppression in Aus- shouldn't be there. I was twenty one, and yet to be regardless of its veracity — is there to reinscribe compassion, leadership, courage, and determi- of a much larger intent. Taking apart the story, that "it’s impossible to Indigenise the academy. tralia. The organiser, Dr Omid Tofighian, tells me formally enrolled in the PhD I was due to begin its own hegemony. Recent debates over the Daily nation. And the research which generates this revealing underlying texts, and giving voice to Because the academy is the academy." Howev- this is an "emancipatory intellectual environment", the next month. In two days I was to present a yet Telegraph's discovery of a twenty-year old termi- change must be decolonised from the Euro-West- things that are often known intuitively does not er, just as Smith understands decolonisation as an imitative to rest radically different pedagogical unwritten paper on social media and Indigenous nology guide which rightfully suggests the term ern ways of knowing and inscribing, lest our role help people to improve their current conditions. It being a sight of both struggle and hope, he con- techniques that "deconstruct exploitative and hierar- resistance, alongside the astoundingly eloquent "invasion" over more peaceful notions, such as as academics becomes the mere replacement of provides words, perhaps, an insight that explains tinues that Indigenous intellectuals must take chical structures the patterns of exclusion entrenched Maori academic, poet, and author Dr Alice Te "settlement", "discovery", "friendship exercise", one corrupt knowledge practice with its newly certain experiences — but it does not prevent advantage of their space within the academy, in traditional university models." It is decolonisation Punga Somerville who was presenting her paper "he probably saved your lives", "you weren't even authored twin. someone from dying." I tell Dr Sherwood that I work with people who understand, of who have in practice, and one of the first projects of its kind on Aotearoa and the politics of Maori literary using all that land anyway" and "omg just please It is important to stress that decolonisation is feel we as Indigenous academics must not only be elected to learn about the problems and flaws of to hit Sydney: a welcome anti-capitalist strategy in scholarship. get over it and how could it even be genocide both an ideological and material process; states better, but that we must do twice the work: we are these institutions, and refuse to be undermined a time of increasing educational commodification. I Later, Alice took me aside, and told me never if you're still here annoying me?" exemplify the decolonise just as they can be colonised, and this constantly required to step between the worlds of by them. "You can’t Indigenise the academy, but know from friends and colleagues that this is not the to say I don't belong in an academic space again. reluctance for many non-Indigenous Australians means far more than the metaphor of colonisa- academy and community, and reconcile the two. you can create very effective spaces for mobilis- life of most academics, but this is certainly life for me. Never give them a chance to dismiss you, she told to come to terms with the bloody legacy behind tion so oft used to signify any form of adoption For her, particularly in her work in health, these ing indigenous people as decolonising agents by There can be little separation from my Aboriginality, me. It's not about proving yourself — it's because their culturally manufactured perception of or unbalanced dynamic of power. I recall with worlds will often bleed into each other. As a Fam- remaining committed to that.” my activism, and my academic work, but I know my you owe it to all the other female and Indigenous us. This ANZAC season, white Australians will horror listening to a story in which a middle aged ily Health Nurse in Redfern in the late eighties, Again, Dr Sherwood has a history here; in priorities, and I know what I will always put first. If academics who have come before you to make gather to celebrate their national identity; codes white woman felt "colonised" by the gaze of her her work in decolonisation began a good decade the early 2000s, while working for the Centre I achieve nothing more in academia, let it be this: I your being here possible, and all those to come. of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, and to com- equally middle aged white partner from across before the publication of Decolonising Methodol- for Remote Health, she helped train staff from know I have a right to be here. Be proud, be assertive, take no prisoners: you're memorate all those who have served and died in a pool. South Saami translator and academic J. ogies. In Redfern she observed high rates of otitis the Tangentyere Council in Alice Springs to here to talk about your people. You belong here. war. Unless, of course, you're Aboriginal. Unless, Sandberg McGuinne of Indigeneity, Language and media, the infection of the middle ear, and began conduct a research evaluation of the Northern A week later I'm standing on the outskirts of of course, it was a war fought on our own shores. Authenticity argues for an approach to decoloni- raising concerns with the Department of Health. Territory Liquor Commission's twelve-month a march to commemorate the 50th Anniversary It is no surprise that Aboriginal voices and per- sation which resists academic and political hijack- When it was suggested that she conduct some liquor restriction trials. After the research find- of the Student Action For Aborigines Freedom spectives so often slip between the cracks when ing which seeks to institutionalise resistance into research on the issue, despite her initial resist- ings and recommendations were presented to Rides in the 45 degree Walgett heat, watching a we are still struggling to convince the rest of Aus- the very system it is resisting. "Decolonisation is ance, she began to train, and out of her initiative the Northern Territory Licensing Commission young family approach the festivities with a hand tralia that we exist. frequently represented as something academic, came policies, support, and services. "And our the researchers from the Tangentyere Council drawn sign. "From the vantage point of the colonised," and often confused with a Western representation kids started getting support in classrooms, which Research Hub noted, "They taught us how to MISSION TUFF BLACK POWER DOCS writes Linda Tuhiwai Smith in her 1999 epic of postcolonialism, when the truth is that decol- was fantastic," she says. "They weren't getting conduct good research". Sherwood explained THIEVES KIDNAPPERS STILL TAKING OUR Decolonising Methodologies: Research and Indige- onisation is what happens in our communities thrown out of the classroom for being naughty, that "we needed support from the university KIDS nous Peoples, "a position from which I write, and on a daily basis, far away from an academic Ivory and people realised they just couldn't hear." researchers to ensure that our research was of And nothing is okay. choose to privilege, the term 'research' is inextri- Tower." He writes that the road to reconnect with For Dr Sherwood, decolonisation is more than high quality, but Aboriginal people like to have In sitting down to write this article, there cably linked to European imperialism and coloni- the culture from which Indigenous peoples have a methodology; it's a process. It's about acknowl- their own people conduct the research. The pro- were so many moments I could reach to for the alism. The word itself, 'research', is probably one been so violently dispossessed is self-determina- edging power differentials, and recognising that ject showed that we could indeed take charge 16 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 17 LEARNING LEARNING

day. Despite being exposed to intimidation tac- tics by police and security guards, Kristina, Peter and Lily ultimately felt positive about their direct actions, because of the co-operative support from Honesty About History the ASEN and the Pilliga Push activists. We left A learning environment the Pilliga on a high note after the successful Kitty Jean Laginha accepts the truth, you should too action feeling admiration for the skillful way that they liaised with workers and security guards, Jodie Pall and Ellen Burke reflect on learning and Indigenous solidarity and feeling empowered with new knowledge ide brown stretches of land, dense tionalist view of history was the media hysteria about the anti-CSG campaign. bushland and muscular rugged that erupted following UNSW’s publishing of uring the mid-semester break, the Like a coal train heading toward the Newcastle mountain ranges stretching along a terminology guide for Indigenous Austral- Australian Student Environment Coal Port, the momentum of NVDA was unstop- coastlines inspired the emergence ian studies. The guide, intended to clarify the W appropriate language use for the history, socie- Network (ASEN) took 18 students pable. In the wee hours of the following morn- of the archetypal battler embedded in the nation’s on a five-day road trip to Gamilaraay ing, now-legend Lily Matchett and ASEN activ- psyche, alongside a stoic masculinity, mateship, ty, naming, culture and classifications of Indige- D nous Australian and Torres Strait Islander people, country in northwest NSW. We visited and learnt ist Hannah Grant shut down and locked onto a xenophobia and philistinism. The scene is set for from diverse Indigenous and non-Indigenous coal conveyor at the Narrabri Underground Coal the struggle for white Australia to define itself in scandalised commentators, decrying the outra- people non-violently opposing the development Mine, stopping 6000 tonnes of coal from being a new and unfamiliar space. geous ‘rewriting of history’. What they fail to rec- of coal seam gas (CSG) and coal mining projects transported that day. This was on April 1st – an We often forget that white Australia is relative- ognise is that the accepted, popular, ‘neutral’ his- in what we know as the Pilliga and Leard State appropriate day to play a prank on Whitehaven ly ‘new’. And an offshore penal dumping ground tory is - as the adage goes - always written by the forests, and participated in some non-violent Coal, the fossil fools complicit in catastrophic for the great Motherland isn’t an encouraging winners, by those who dominate now. Indigenous direct action (NVDA) of our own. climate change, and to pressure Environmental recipe for a strong sense of identity and shared historian Jackie Huggins pointed out the injustice The trip took place over five days. After a Minister Greg Hunt to make a decision to recog- humanity. As members of this fledgling nation, of denying people the truth, saying “We cannot lunchtime tour of the Newcastle coal port we nise the cultural significance of Lawler’s Well to how ought white Australians relate and engage deny our history. It’s a history that’s never fully spent two days at the Pilliga Push Action camp Gomeroi Traditional owners and protect Gome- with the history of white Australia? been taught to us in our country.” and touring the Santos-owned gas fields, and the roi country from destruction. History is necessarily central to the politics The desecration of the relationship to country rest of the time at the Front Line Action on Coal It was mostly wom*n activists who engaged in of national identity. The dominant way histo- catalysed a history of violence, marked by acts (FLAC) camp close to the Leard. NVDA during the road trip. Wom*n also mostly ry is talked about, dealt with and taught belies of dispossession and the managing controlling Environmental destruction by CSG and coal facilitated action logistics discussions and took a rot that lies quietly beneath lies, evasions and and dispersing of Aboriginal peoples. Operating mining in the area has brought together a myriad on support roles during the actions. Wom*n silences. Until recently, the existence of Indige- under the belief that the Indigenous population of folks who have engaged in direct activism after were on the media team and took responsibility nous peoples in Australia’s history was not widely would eventually die out, they were allowed to exhausting legal avenues of protecting ecological- ing and poorly-constructed wells contaminate dense, they were often less than 80 metres apart. CSG for social media. They also took on roles such as accepted and discussed. History shows that Abo- keep small sections of their land seen as a tempo- ly and culturally significant land. They constitute the groundwater in expansive regional aquifers, wastewater spillages have caused mass die-outs of being drivers, setting up the tea station and bring- riginal peoples had appeared in Australian histo- rary measure to make life easier for the settlers. a mixture of Gamilaraay people and local and as well as downstream in lakes and rivers. As a plant life. Where ancient red gums, green cypress and ing food for everyone, waking people up at 5 am ry only as regrettable, but inevitable, collateral of Protectionist policies were attempted to smooth non-local environmental activists. Some have result, bore-water is no longer safe to drink. A grey ironbark trees once flourished, the land is now to get to the action, looking after children, liaising the colonial project. As J. A. La Nauze comments, the pillow of a dying race. Assimilation followed, been around for a while, permanently or inter- local astronomer, Peter Small, told us how the barren, even though eighteen years have passed since with police officers and workers and eventually Indigenous people’s claim to recognition is mere- where notions of inferiority and inevitable extinc- mittently. Others, like the ASEN crew, for a lim- gas flares and lights from coal mines cause light the spillage. Tall gas flares are lit 24/7 at many drill facilitating de-brief discussions after each action. ly as a ‘melancholy anthropological footnote’. tion influenced assimilationist policies. No mat- ited time, keen to learn and contribute as much pollution that obscures the night sky in Coon- sites, burning off a toxic mixture of gasses including It seemed that wom*n’s authority was taken seri- However, the traditional view of Australia’s histo- ter what names or packaging policy comes under, as they can. abarabran. This potentially renders the Siding methane and carbon dioxide that escape from the ously in these activist spaces. At the same time, ry as one of ‘white progress’ began to come under they are all methods of transferring Aboriginal Despite our freshness and lack of intimate Spring Observatory, one of the only “dark night” coal seam. The gas drill sites just scream ‘toxic’, if any the absence of cis-males taking responsibility was scrutiny and more critical perspectives began to land to white ownership. If you think about the knowledge of the contestation between min- spots left in the world, useless. politicians were around to hear the forest screaming. very apparent, with a few notable exceptions. This bleed into the collective consciousness. rights, opportunities, wages denied, you can see ing corporations, governments and community Ecologist Phil Spark expressed how flora and The ASEN crew engaged in NVDA during the seems to point to an underlying trend in the activ- The “Black armband” perspective describes the the pattern of deprivation continuing until the groups, the activists at the protest camps were fauna species endemic to northwest NSW are road-trip. Some of the crew led NVDA and ‘legals’ ist camps for gendered labour, and wom*n dispro- post-1788 history of Australia as one of dispos- present day. Intergenerational inherited traumas hospitable and had no qualms about sharing their being critically threatened by the expansion of training to create a safe environment for people to portionately taking on more traditional women’s session and desecration of Indigenous relation- and injustices manifest in conditions of inequality wisdom and experience with us. We were grateful mines and clearing of the Leard State Forest. He do so. On day two of the road trip, in coalition and labour while men strategies, plan for actions and ship to land and the violation of human rights. today - whether it be differential access to edu- that camp members took time and energy to tell also explained how mining companies can get with the support of other activists at the Pilliga, we expect women to do the thankless background Historians – often of a white nationalistic stripe cation, language loss, police brutality or dispro- the stories and history of environmental activ- away with clearing endangered ecosystems, such participated in two fun and successful actions. Syd- tasks that actually stabilise the protest camps and – were quick to chastise this view as decidedly portionate rates of domestic violence - and thus ism in the Pilliga and the Leard. They must do as Box Gum woodland, by reserving other patch- ney University student Peter Newall and University the campaigns. While the coalition of support by gloomy, belittling achievements and erasing the we must connect present conditions to history; an it all the time whenever someone new enters the es of forest for the animals to evacuate to. Unfor- of Wollongong student Kristina Markos locked onto all activists saw more wom*n being the engineers opportunity for pride and celebration of the great honest history. I wish policy writers, politicians camp, and it was a testament to their belief in the tunately these reserved patches are of completely a water pump at Santos’ Leeward wastewater treat- and spokespeople for the actions carried out dur- achievements of the Great Southern Land. Their and white Australian would look at social prob- strength of co-operative community-led activism different vegetation and support their own eco- ment plant, stopping activity for the morning. The ing our road trip, there was much to be desired in disapproval comes across as cries of “don’t be so lems such as these as phenomena that are a result and the campaign against the mining companies systems, so can't really take on the animals whose Pilliga and ASEN crew protested at the entrance of terms of dismantling gendered labour. negative!” of historical injustices, not as individual problems Santos and Whitehaven. forest has been cleared. It is a serious injustice Leeward, singing activist songs, playing cricket and There has been a long history of co-operative We ought to be sceptical about the place for that speak to some personal deficit or inadequacy. We spent our time at the camps swapping sto- that mining companies are permitted to destroy sharing bikkies and tea at the tea station that we set environmental activism between Indigenous and nationalistic pride whilst grieving, loss and injus- In the winter break I visited my mother in ries and planning actions. During the evenings, critical ecological areas, especially in State forests up to offer to potentially cranky Santos workers. On non-Indigenous groups during the FLAC cam- tice continues as a result of dispossession. Nation- Katherine, a small town in the Top End of Aus- we were lucky to have scientists explain to us the where their integrity is supposed to be preserved. the same day, Sydney University student Lily Match- paign. During the road trip, local Gamilaraay alism is a trouble-ridden and dangerous project tralia, 320kms south of Darwin. My mother ecological impacts of CSG and mining in the area. The effects of Santos’ CSG drilling became ett locked on with Indigenous activist Donna Bartlett people threw the Leard activists an appreciation for a nation that began as a colony, which, as it works for a government welfare program; she The verdict is that CSG is all bad news. Ecologist more real when we were given a tour of the gas to a flatbed truck destined for the waste-water treat- lunch to thank them for their ongoing efforts in turns out, was not uninhabited or unowned at all. likens it to putting tiny band aids on gaping and David Paull explained to us that the CSG drill- fields in the Pilliga forest where drills were so ment facility, holding-up activity on the site for the solidarity with Aboriginal people to protect the If we distance ourselves from shameful acts of the haemorrhaging wounds. In the suburban parts of Leard state forest from being destroyed by the past, how can we eulogise and celebrate prideful the town, two or three-metre-high fences wrap Whitehaven mine expansion. While we, the tran- parts? Endlessly chasing after the elusive ‘bal- around most houses. Why? “To keep the blacks sient road-trippers, hardly deserved such a hero's anced’ view of history is misguided. The quest to out” is the resounding consensus from white res- service (we’d only been around for a few days, see ‘both sides’, (as though there exists balanced idents. Such instances of blatant racism which unlike some who have intermittently been at the power relations), the good and the bad, is a quest we might usually expect to be relics of the past Leard blockade since 2012), it was reassuring to that risks not taking seriously the injustices that tend to pop up as everyday banalities. If seeing see that activism has happened according to what have occurred; the results of which manifest in the impact of stubborn racism and ignorance Aboriginal people need and want. Especially so inequalities we see today. was unsettling and confronting for me, I have no as relations between Aboriginal and green groups This narrative is far from new; familiar pat- idea how it would feel for those that experience in Australia have historically been terse due to terns of obstinately denialist attitudes to a violent it daily. Such a confrontation of the legacy of the cross-purposes and a lack of understanding on the history impedes reconciliation efforts in postco- past shows that history stands right in front of us, part of white, greenie environmentalists. Seeing lonial contexts around the world. A lack of gen- demanding that we listen and reflect. Gamilaraay folks in communication with FLAC uine remorse and acknowledgement of collective If we aren’t honest about history, we end up activists is a powerful reminder that relationships responsibility will hold Australia back. Perhaps paying lip service to Indigenous rights whilst built on trust and mutual understanding in activ- this unwillingness comes from clinging onto a perpetuating colonial relationships, which in ists communities are really empowering and nec- colonial mentality - that Australia was settled in many ways is what is happening now. Shame and essary in pursuing social environmental justice. an act of beneficence, to help the savage natives guilt might be challenging for a white Austral- The road trip ended up being a communi- and begin the prosperous Newfoundland. Pride is ia dyed in the blue with stubbornness, stoicism ty-building endeavour, blending old and new hopeful, effortless, and attractive. Shame is ugly, and hard-headedness, but a reluctance to accept activists, local and non-local and Indigenous and dark and confronting. But it is also a source of collective responsibility is a silent presence that non-Indigenous people. We met people who, reflection and a powerful motivator for change. hangs over further progress and tackling racial instead of crumbling in despair at the slow, vio- To shoulder shame with reflective humility is injustice. lent destruction of land, have enduring spirit a response that can acknowledge the pain and An honest history can bring people together in and determination to stop CSG and coal mining loss that has been wrought. To recognise, to then remembrance and speak in a language of respect expansion. The collaboration of all these activ- reflect and undo the past wrongs. To this, we have and admiration for the courage, resistance and ist groups is so essential in supporting Aborigi- to be honest about history. determination Indigenous peoples have shown as nal-led land rights struggles to secure their land, A recent subject of such a denialist white-na- they resist attempts at furthering colonisation. their community and their futures. 18 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 19 Dear racists, please stop. Anonymous Nathan Sheldon-Anderson Australia has a problem with racism. The fact that ple at my school who didn’t like Asians but they stating just how widespread this problem is in our this simple statement still shocks and divides peo- were never vocal about their distaste; they knew it society. I mention this because most discourse ver wanted to ask something but not sure how a somewhat better phrase as it also includes Torres 1. Firstly, it is probably best to know wheth- ple despite an almost non-stop stream of media was wrong and socially unacceptable, even if their on the subject matter seems to foot the blame to word it without offending? Of course you Strait Islanders. It is best to avoid tribe when look- er they are Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander. attention on the issue is, to me, rather astounding. attitudes weren’t likely to change anytime soon. entirely at the feet of white men. Racism towards have. Some of the most potentially awkward ing for a collective term for a specific Indigenous There is a difference, aside from geography. The Econversations can relate to ethnicity or culture. Sta- group as it has negative connotations. A lot of people of the Torres Strait are quite culturally However, in my experience the racism directed The most aggressive form of racism they’d ever Indigenous peoples in this country comes from towards Indigenous peoples is remarkably different really dish out would be to not invite those kids to people of all ethnic backgrounds, and of all levels tistically speaking, you have probably met one of Indigenous people use the term nation, as in Eora distinct from mainland Aboriginal people and from the racism directed at other minority groups. their birthday parties (honestly they weren’t really of privilege. those Indigenous Australians, despite any efforts of nation. But if you feel unsure about using nation, that should be remembered. This can probably be How do I know this? missing out on much, but that doesn’t make the Unfortunately I could not even begin to fath- governments to prevent it. You know, the ones that the general term group, is appropriate. Ultimately known quite easily if you know where there home Because I’m white would be the short answer. This exclusion feel any better). om how to change such a widely held and deeply ask you not to climb over or destroy their cultural though, a lot of Indigenous Australians prefer to is. is a fairly simple way of explaining that no one can People don’t seem to have this filter when it entrenched attitude. I’m no sociological or educa- sites. Indigenous people should not be feared or kept be referred to according to their own terms. For 2. Secondly, you could ask about which Indig- really tell my mixed race heritage because my father’s comes to Aboriginal peoples. The number of tional expert, and the older I get the less patience at a distance, so here are some helpful tips for better example, I am Biripi and grew up on Wiradjuri enous group or nation that they belong to. For English features are significantly more apparent in times I’ve had someone walk up to me at the I have for dealing with other people’s attitudes. communication. land. Or you could use more geographically based example, "Hey Nathan, just curious but which my appearance. A friend of mine in high school once supermarket and start talking shit about my own Just please stop being racist. I would really appre- I should specify, this is probably not all encom- terms like Koori and Murri. But for someone to Indigenous group do you belong to?" That's a described me as “lucky” because of my pale skin and mother is too high to count. There just seems to ciate it. passing. Some Indigenous people will have different know that, they would have to ask some decent good approach. straight hair – apparently my brother was “unlucky” be this general assumption that if you aren’t Abo- opinions, because people are diverse. This should be questions! 3. Finally, it can be appropriate to ask ques- due to his darker complexion and dark, frizzy hair. riginal, or rather you don't look Aborignal, you used as a rule of thumb, a general guide to not being 4. Questions to avoid. Never ask, "How much tions about their experiences and Indigenous Because of my unassuming appearance, people have must dislike them. People in Australia don’t feel an obnoxious dick. Aboriginal are you?...What side of you is Abo- issues. Don't rely on them to be the arbiter for been extremely candid to me with their opinions the same sense of shame; almost no one I know 1. Treat Indigenous Australians like human riginal?". Anything percentage wise. Addition- all of the Indigenous community. Just remember concerning “Aboriginals”– only to later get foot-in- would make disparaging remarks to a stranger beings. Because, news flash racist fucks: Indigenous ally, probably best not to start with "Were your like everyone else, you should not inundate them mouth syndrome when they meet my family. about a minority unless they were 100% sure that Australians are human beings. They were humans grandparents stolen?" That is incredibly personal with heaps of questions and talk over them. Dis- For the most part, no one likes to be labelled a rac- they shared the same bigoted opinions. before the 1967 referendum and still are. They are not and something that may come up eventually but cussions are good but arguing is not useful! Let ist. Personally I think everyone’s a little bit racist, but Furthermore, let’s be real– I’m not just talk- some evolutionary throwback either. They are like let that be natural or let them make the decision things come up naturally in conversation. almost everyone carries a sense of shame about their ing about white people here. To blame this racist you. You prick them and they bleed, you tickle them to share it with you. Also, never refer to an Indig- As previously mentioned this list is a general prejudices. For example, there were a lot of white peo- behaviour solely on white people would be under- and they laugh. Talk to them and treat them like you enous Australian as a 'good Aboriginal or one of rule of thumb. Moreover, some of these tips can would talk to anyone. The fact this even had to be on the good ones'. It’s just plain paternalistic and a be generally used when communicating with any- the list is a testament to how racist Australian still is. fucked thing to say to anyone regardless of iden- one regardless of identity. Individuals and their 2. Skin. Don't make presumptions based on tity. Such questions can be traced back to policies experiences can vary greatly in any group. Treat skin colour. Indigenous people can have various skin of past governments that amount to genocide. people with respect, don't make assumptions or tones, from pale to black. Skin tone does not deter- Furthermore, don't even think of referring to use offensive terms and when conversing, listen to mine who is and who isn't Indigenous. End of. Indigenous people as 'half-cast' or anything even what they have to say. As long as you remember 3. Terms. Aborigine or Aboriginal? Tribe or remotely similar. to treat people how you would like to be treated, Social Inclusion at University nation? Generally best not to use Aborigine as it is Better Questions. Say you are genuinely inter- things will probably work out no matter the dif- considered offensive based on historical usage. Abo- ested in knowing more about your Indigenous ferences. riginal while an adjective can be used as a noun. Abo- friend’s background, what sort of questions would Bianca Williams is a Barkindji women and Project Officer riginal Australian is also apt. Indigenous Australian is be best? with the Social Inclusion Unit at USYD

Suma Nona is a second year Bachelor of Health students with a week-long intensive academic Pictures: July this year. Science student who is living in college and lov- enrichment program to prepare them for their Bianca These tangible impacts of Social Inclusion ini- ing the Uni student life. He’s originally from Badu senior exams. Over these six engagements, we Williams tiatives on the campus of Australia’s oldest Uni- Island in the Torres Strait. Suma decided the Uni- have hosted over 950 Aboriginal and Torres Strait versity demonstrate the ongoing commitment of versity of Sydney was for him after he “came on Islander students from all over this Great South- the University to engage Aboriginal and Torres the first summer and winter programs here along ern Land. Strait Islander communities, by creating a ‘think- with other students from AFL House in Cairns. These programs have seen up to 20 students’ ing path to make tomorrow’. The time we spent here doing different things with transition from the summer and winter programs faculties and the Compass people made me feel into studying here at the University of Sydney. like me and my education is valuable. I originally The subject areas students are studying range wanted to go into the military as a lot of people from Arts, Education and Social Work to Health from the Torres Straits do, but after attending the Science. For the students who didn’t directly tran- first summer and winter program’s I decided that sition to the University of Sydney, the majority University was for me.” have gone on to study at other higher education Since 2013, I have worked as a Project Officer institutions or into work-based training pro- for the University’s Social Inclusion Unit – more grams. affectionately known as “Compass” - to support For students already at uni, Compass employs the creation of the pre-tertiary program that Abo- enrolled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Uni riginal and Torres Strait Islander students includ- students as peer mentors and students leaders to ing Suma have attended. The large summer and work on our pre-tertiary residential programs. winter residential programs are called Wingara This gives WM BB the ability to build a commu- Mura – Bunga Barrabagu residential programs, a nity of both high school and University Aborig- Gadigal phrase that translates to ‘A Thinking Path inal and Torres Strait Islander students who are – To Make Tomorrow’. connected through their culture and their com- The WM BB summer program allows Aborig- mon interest in higher education. inal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years This program has had considerable impact on 9-12 from across Australia to see the University the mentors themselves. Wiradjuri woman Brit- of Sydney as a place that has a welcoming space tany Coe, a University student originally studying for them. While students are here, they get to live nursing, worked on the 2016 WM BB Summer the life of a University student by staying at a res- program and as a result realised she has an innate idential college on campus. They attend lectures, passion for teaching and working with young seminar workshops, and interactive faculty activ- people. Brittany has now transferred to complete ities while also getting the chance to explore some a Bachelor of Education with the aim of eventu- of what the beautiful City of Sydney has to offer. ally teaching English and Drama in high school. Since the program’s inception, we have held With a strong connection to the University of three WW-BB Summer Programs at the Univer- Sydney, Brittany is joined on campus by her older sity of Sydney and we’re coming up to our third brother Liam who is studying Architecture. Their year 12 Bunga Barrabuguwinter program. The younger sister Dharni is now preparing to attend year 12 BB winter program is designed to provide the Year 12 Bunga Barrabugu Winter Program in 20 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 SRC REPORTS The SRC is responsible for the content of these pages. SRC CASEWORKERS

of Aboriginal people as ‘noble whether protecting jobs and ed on and passed moratorium given any counselling despite President savages’ with inherent biolog- knocking back proposed cuts. placed on the facebook group. her trauma in recounting her Chloe Smith ical differences to white Euro- They want to silently cut back! Our main focuses for this assault onscreen. peans. Botany and agricultural But we have our ears to the semester will hopefully be the Although Marlene’s story is Ask Abe research played a pivotal role ground. We suggested that the creation of a constitution and one of inspiration and strength This week’s edition of Honi Soit in establishing settlement in restructure and faculty mergers regulations so that future OBs for all Wom*n, support for her is the autonomous Indigenous Australia, providing the knowl- was a way for management to can adequately navigate the col- story cannot just be empty rhet- edition and I strongly encour- edge and techniques necessary cut down on the courses offered lective in the right direction. oric: experience teaches us that age everyone to read through for foreign crops and livestock at USYD and this reality is now The Women of Colour Col- we must prioritise the services SRC caseworker HELP Q&A and think about the articles to be grown here. The knowl- proven with restructuring in lective has also discussed run- available for Wom*n, especially and stories contained in these edge produced in academic biology well underway cut- ning a sexual assault campaign Indigenous Wom*n, in order pages. Whilst we have come disciplines is not politically or ting down the first year cours- in the latter part of this year in to create a supportive network some way in terms of recog- socially neutral – it is created to es offered from four to two. conjunction with other collec- for those who have experienced Dear Abe, nising the role of Indigenous fulfil specific purposes dictated While cutting back in some tives within the SRC. sexual assault and harassment. Special peoples within the university by larger realities of structural areas the University’s plans A Race and Sensitivity work- We need to give agency to I am a student in the Faculty of *. My community, through symbol- racism. As students, we should also threaten to increase the shop is also in development in Wom*n whose voices are over- grandmother died and the funeral is in *(rural arrangements may ic actions such as Welcoming learn and remember this histo- work load of its staff. The Uni- conjunction with the Autono- shadowed, listen to their stories NSW). I will be away from Sydney for about 2 and Acknowledging Country, be made available ry. versity has been unable to mous Collective against racism and support them. As Celeste weeks. While I’m away I’m going to miss a quiz devoting a week in semester to Despite the lip service paid to respond to critiques made of and will hopefully take place at Liddle wrote last year, “Aborigi- worth 20%. I can’t afford to lose those marks, but to any student Indigenous culture, and (final- ‘diversity’ and ‘cultural change’ the new B.Advance Studies the end of semester. nal women are strong. They are ly) having the Aboriginal flag I really have to go to the funeral and be with my who is unable to in the University’s 2016-2020 from the with the Arts faculty. Overall the collective has survivors who have borne the family. What can I do? flown permanently on main Strategic Plan, university man- Not only is the new degree been through quite a difficult brunt not only of all policies meet assessment campus, there are still so many agement is not sincerely com- program designed to decrease time and is learning how to of colonisation enacted upon Grieving questions and challenges to face mitted to supporting Indige- enrollments in current three implement regulations and our people in this country, but requirements or when it comes to reconciling nous students. Gutting almost year programs inorder to justi- changes to ensure that breach- also the ripple effects and trans- attend examinations *details deleted to maintain anonymity Indigenous and non-Indige- half of the units comprising the fy future moves a compulsory es of autonomy do not occur generational trauma for sev- nous members of the university Indigenous Studies major last four year degree structure, but again. eral decades. They need to be because of … community. It is important to year indicates the University’s its associated new 4000 lev- If you want to get involved given the space and support to essential religious think about the rates of Indig- lack of support for Indigenous el units place a huge burden with the Women of Colour address issues of violence with- enous enrolment and reten- education. DVC (Indigenous on smaller and medium sized Collective, you can find us on in communities. Continuing commitments or tion at Sydney Uni, and what Strategies and Services) Shane departments. They simply ask facebook at facebook.com/ the discussions on gender, and essential beliefs lengths the university goes to in Houston’s decision to fragment ‘how can we provide 4000 lev- usydwomenofcolourcollective/ how this intersects with racism ensuring Aboriginal and Tor- support services for Indigenous el units with the current fund- or come along to our fortnightly and poverty making Aborigi- Dear Grieving, (including cultural res Strait Islander students and students, moving them from ing and staffing arrangements’? meetings held Monday 4-5pm. nal women more vulnerable is and ceremonial staff feel welcomed on campus. the autonomous Koori Centre History suggests the likely imperative to tackling the prob- This was identified as a key goal I’m very sorry for your loss. Please consider commitments) to the general Student Services solution will not be to increase lem of Violence Against Wom- talking to someone in Counselling and of Vice-Chancellor Michael Centre, undermines the history the amount of staff and fund- Sexual e n”. Spence when he took on the Psychological Services (or another counselor) and value of the Koori Centre as ing for the departments but to If you need help, advice or about your feelings of grief. It is understandable role, and yet alongside this we a safe space for Aboriginal and shift full time workers to casual Harrassment support or know someone who to be upset, and it would be helpful to have some have seen funding cuts and Torres Strait Islander students. and teaching only positions. does, call 1800 Respect. techniques to deal with that. attempted closures of Indige- Creating safe spaces and pro- So what can we do about it? Officer nous learning and cultural cen- viding support for Indigenous We do what we always do, we Talk to the subject co-ordinator to see if tres on campus. Non-Indige- students within an institution stand up and we fight back! Olivia Borgese you can informally arrange to do the test at nous members of the university that has historically marginal- With our education under another time, or to do some other assessment community must ask ourselves: ised and excluded them takes a attack by both management instead, or to have your other assessments what does reconciliation really When we talk about sexual lot of hard work, and does not and the liberals, the Education harassment and assault, we reweighted so that it won’t matter that you miss look like? How does it play out happen overnight. It is the task Officers have been busy plan- that 20% assessment. If that doesn’t work, or if Notice of Council Meeting in our lecture theatres, class- have an unfortunate habit of of students, as well as univer- ning the May 11 post budget you don’t feel comfortable doing that you can rooms, and boardrooms? Just universalizing, and therefore sity administration, to foster rally, holding working bees reducing, the quality of the apply for special arrangements. The University’s how much are we prepared to a safer environment. You can and handing out flyers. But challenge our prejudices and discussion. We often fail to Coursework Policy section 69 (1)(a) says join the group Students Sup- we need your help so make acknowledge the diverse and “Special arrangements may be made available 88th Students’ ignorance in order to achieve port Aboriginal Communities, sure you get over to the Edu- true reconciliation, rather than individual nature in which to any student who is unable to meet assessment who work on various issues in cation Action Group weekly sexual harassment and assault requirements or attend examinations because of just a feel-good newspaper Sydney and around the state to meetings 2pm Tuesdays on affect us all differently. … essential religious commitments or essential headline or advertising cam- provide funds and support for the Law Lawns (if lost give me Representative An alarming amount of beliefs (including cultural and ceremonial paign? Hopefully, this week’s grassroots Indigenous projects. a message on 0432 236 668). edition will take us further research highlights the dispro- commitments)”. You will need to provide Keep up with the great work the While the University has its portionate rates of sexual har- towards that goal and under- Indigenous Collective is doing spending priorities subordi- documentation to support your application. Council, University standing. If nothing else, I can assment and assault amongst You can also apply for Special Consideration through the SRC. Think about nate not to education quality Indigenous Wom*n. In 2012, it guarantee you’ll learn a thing how your studies can challenge, but a competition for budget for the classes that you will be missing. or two from reading it. Enjoy was estimated that an Indige- of Sydney rather than support, the rac- surpluses and prestige we need nous Wom*n was 6 times more Unapproved absences from class can lead to an and remember - always was and ist legacies of academia; and to be clear that the problem Absent Fail grade even if you complete and pass always will be Aboriginal land. likely to be sexually abused than always remember that you are stems from federal policy. The a non-Indigenous Wom*n and all other assessments. Remember to keep copies walking on Aboriginal land. government should provide 34 times more likely to be hos- of everything that you send the University, Vice Presidnet a fully funded education sys- pitalised as a result of domestic including email conversations that you have tem and needs to move away when making these arrangements. Anna Hush violence. Education from neoliberal measures like Sensationalist media head- Being away from university for two weeks fee deregulation, funding cuts lines feed us these statistics may cause you substantial stress when trying to Officers and hiking up student contri- The University of Sydney stands as a‘national crisis’ –but their catch up from missed work. Consider applying DATE: 4th May on the stolen lands of the Gadi- bution fees. On May 11 get to Dylan Griffiths and reports frequently erase the for a Discontinue grade for one or more of gal people of the Eora nation. fisher library and march with Liam Carrigan multifaceted nature of Indige- your subjects to enable you to keep up with the Although we hear this phrase us against fee deregulation’s nous Wom*n’s lived experienc- TIME: 6pm - 8pm often in obligatory acknowl- $100,000 degrees, against a required workload. If you are on a Centrelink es. In ‘Black Panther Woman’ payment and you are dropping below 18 credit edgements of country, it is Another dire week for high- reduction in the HECs thresh- (2014), Marlene Cummins points talk to an SRC Caseworker before LOCATION: Professorial worth pausing and reflecting er education in Australia. At old and demand a free and shares her experiences on what this really means in the USYD the forces of evil continue fully funded education system! of sexual assault as a young dropping the subject. There may be a way to context of our learning and our to press for staff and curriculum woman, not wanting to report receive an “incapacitated” payment as a part Board Room (Quadrangle) relationship to the University as cuts. With the federal Budget the crime in fear of fur- time student. students. approaching and a 20% cut to Wom*n’s Officer ther demonising the Indige- higher education funding, uni- The academy in general, nous men in her community. Note: Abe versity management’s corpo- Vanessa Song and USyd in particular, are Although this documentary is These pages belong to the rate agenda is only encouraged. implicated in long histories of amongst the few platforms that Office Bearers of the SRC. colonialism. Disciplines like The Women of Colour Collec- have given a voice to someone They are not altered, edited SRC Caseworkers offer advice and support anthropology and human biol- Management is cautious of the tive is currently in discussion Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney who might otherwise remain or changed in any way by the on a range of issues including: Academic p: 02 9660 5222 | w: src.usyd.edu.au ogy were integral to the colonial wins made by student and staff upon whether or not to tempo- unheard, Cummings has said editors of Honi Soit Issues, Tenancy issues, Centrelink and more. project, legitimising discourses united campaigns over the years rarily lift the unanimously vot- post-release that she was not 9660 5222 or [email protected] 22 HONI SOIT INDIGENOUS EDITION SEMESTER 1 • WEEK 8 PUZZLES

Cryptic Crosswords by EN ACROSS DOWN 8 Who might adjust locks' first combination or 1 Trick me thrice in odd vote to be useful (10) BUY locks up, if and only if, setup not odd? (8) 2 Half-loaf and roam initially at a distance (4) WRITE 9 Ethically-deficient morning exam (6) 3 Editors, after bell, almost regularly solve for sweet- 10 Purchased, in excessive quantities, wings off ies (8) doves, rib skirts, roughy guts and, say, tea (10) 4 Eastern craft or MIG initially lost a homing core 11Art retrospective: middle display for net game (7) (4) 5 Lunatic act usually involves, say, peyote (6) BOOKS 12 Yeah, second ones queried losing odds for 6 Dealer of illegal goods or reverend's requester of guarantee (6) stolen goods (10) 14 Refined malt ryes for expert (8) 7 Epic mass hysteria following NBA finals (4) FOR 16 Entice without excess limits to commotion (7) 13 Rough turn: even odd people essentially against 17 Small movable bridge leads to George and release (10) north Goulburn street (7) 15 Starring male playing game inland (7,3) CHEAP 20 Perhaps law, in beginning, was strong (8) 18 On, following last tip-off, middle of fish shop's 22 Erotic, perverse or dirty—not close to sexy (6) second floor (8) 23 Counter-argument for strikes (4) 19 Futile, off-limits half of equity service (7) 25 Things that are owned by everyone: for start- 21 Tab set/organised under the most favourable cir- A·STAR ers, extended trendy games' case (10) cumstances (2,4) Buy for 70% An online magazine with an Indigenous 27 They may be pearlers, not quite different? (6) 24 Hear idea's somewhat dry (4) focus that’s for and by students 28 Offset square edges without Times Square 26 Initially infuses chocolate éclair: sugar-coats in of retail value* pieces (8) frosting (4) Get paid to write about Arts, Music, Culture, Study, Careers & Sports

ACROSS DOWN Send ideas to 8 Study of change, in mathematics (8) 1 Egg yolk, sugar and sweet wine-based dessert Quick SELL [email protected] 9 Cicero, for example (6) (10) 10 Offerings from France that are scallop-shell 2 Soreness (4) shaped (10) 3 Ethanal, vanillin or furfural (8) 11 Underdeveloped (4) 4 Natural disaster involving a large volume of / we.are.astar 12 Not transparent (6) water (7) 14 The composers of verses (8) 5 Torso-restraining garment (6) 16 Raised (7) 6 Advocate (10) BOOKS 17 Yellow card indicates this (7) 7 Natural satellite of Earth (4) 20 Physiological response to a stimulus (8) 13 Distant (10) 22 Attends to (6) 15 Factions within a political party (10) 23 Sheep or goat milk-based cheese (4) 18 Using repetition of vowel sounds (8) 25 Turnout (10) 19 The rules for drama as per Aristotle's Poetics 27 Pepper (6) (7) FOR 28 Raises to the peerage (8) 21 Upwardly sloping to the right (6) IN A PICKLE? 24 Reverberation (4) 26 Elevated platform where litanies are said (4)

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rate on campus! Criminal Charges Quiz Get 40% of retail Motor Vehicle Accidents Fines Duh: 27 1. When was National Indigenous Television (NITV) publically Meh: 54 launched? value paid in CASH!* Yeah: 66 2. Who are the traditional custodians of the land Sydney Uni is built Insurance Woah: 78 on? Debts 3. What is the name of the Aboriginal man on the $50 bill? * Conditions apply, see details in store 4. Who designed the Aboriginal flag? 5. In what month is Mabo Day celebrated annually? Immigration ...and more 6. How many islands make up the Torres Strait Island? 7. Who was the first Aboriginal person to graduate from USyd? 8. Who was the first Aboriginal member of Federal Parliament? Week 7 quiz solutions: 1. D) 2. 74 3. The 9. Name the Indigenous Australian who currently plays for the San If You Have a Legal Problem, respiratory system 4. Aphrodyte 5. Sidere Antonio Spurs in the NBA? mens eadem mutato (“though the stars have 10. When did the stolen generation end? Level 4, Wentworth Building, We Can Help for FREE! changed, the disposition is the same”) 6. University of Sydney Michael Rees 7. $1025 8. Armenia 9. Parlia- (Next to the International Lounge)

ment House 10. UNSW (425,000; Sydney has We have a solicitor p: 02 9660 4756 法律諮詢 who speaks Cantonese, 272,000) 法律アドバイス Mandarin & Japanese w: src.usyd.edu.au/src-books Level 1, Wentworth Bldg, University of Sydney p: 02 9660 5222 | w: src.usyd.edu.au Liability limited by This service is provided a scheme approved to you by the Students’ e: solicitor @ src.usyd.edu.au under Professional Representative Council, Standards Legislation. University of Sydney ACN 146 653 143 | MARN 1276171