ISSN 1839-5279 WORRIES ROYAL COMMISSION November 2016 P.22

volume 6. 6. MARLENE’S FUTURE number 3. .4 P. IS IN HER HANDS WIYA! WATARRKA POKIES? PG. # .5 P. PRISONER TEAM BREAK OUTYEARFOR PG. #

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NEWS EDITORIAL Want our trust? This time, keep your promises. Land Rights News Central Australia is published by the Central Land Council three We’ll hold you to these election promises: times a year. Aboriginal Hand control to local organisations, develop The Central Land Council workforce training plans and leadership courses with 27 Stuart Hwy organisations them and provide “outposted” public servants to help. Alice Springs Housing $1.1 billion over 10 years for 6500 “additional NT 0870 living spaces”, locally controlled tenancy management and repairs and maintenance, tel: 89516211 capacity development support for local housing www.clc.org.au organisations. email [email protected] Outstations Increase Homelands Extra funding and work with outstation organisations to provide jointly funded Contributions are welcome new houses. As opposition leader, Michael Gunner pleaded with CLC delegates to give Labor a chance to regain their trust. Education Create community led schools with local boards, plan education outcomes for each school region SUBSCRIPTIONS THE MOST extensive return recognises the critically with communities, back community decisions about bilingual education, expand Families as Land Rights News Central of local decision making to important role that control Aboriginal communities since over life circumstances plays First Teachers program, $8 million for nurse Australia subscriptions are self-government, overseen by in improving indigenous home visits of pre-schoolers, support parent $22 per year. choice about secondary education, $80 million for Aboriginal leaders, is some peoples lives,” the Labor Herald more teachers, $32 million for behaviour support, It is distributed free of pledge to live up to. announced after the election. $8 million for recreation and health curriculum charge to Aboriginal Aboriginal voters are putting The newsletter committs Divert offenders with drug and alcohol and mental organisations and Chief Minister Michael Labor to “put the Intervention Justice Gunner’s pre-election plea to and its top down policy making health problems or disabilities to treatment communities in Central and rehabilitation, bring back the banned Australia. give Labor another chance to approach well and truly where regain their trust to the test it belongs: into history”. drinkers register, invest in early childhood, To subscribe email following the party’s landslide The promised shift is as huge youth engagement and primary health services [email protected] win. and welcome as the details are and address the underlying causes of crime, or call 08 8951 6215 Labor promised to hand scant. scrap paperless arrests and mandatory alcohol control over housing, local Some of the government’s treatment. clearest commitments relate to Jobs Expand Aboriginal business grants and skills “Put the Intervention Aboriginal rangers: training in schools, use schools for adult ADVERTISING education, develop an Aboriginal-driven economic and its top down policy • $4.1 million for ranger jobs prospectus for regions, fund Aboriginal enterprise Advertise in the only on country; newspaper to reliably making approach development, give infrastructure contracts to local • $2 million per year for a organisations, support Aboriginal rangers, employ reach Aboriginal people where it belongs: new land management more Aboriginal health and education workers. in remote Central and conservation fund for Australia. into history.” Aboriginal lands and sea Sacred sites No change to the Sacred Sites Act without agreement from the land councils and the board country; government, education, of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority. Next publication date: • $500,000 per year for a new training, health, child April 2017 government unit delivering welfare and justice to remote carbon abatement and more funding security for the He offered to share the lessons communities, guided by a 10 Rates are available online economic development on successful program (see p. 18). the CLC has learned through year “road map”. at www.clc.org.au/land- Aboriginal land; and CLC director David Ross has its successful community Bush voters expect the new rights-news OR email: • Legal changes such as written to Mr Gunner offering to development program (see p. government to hit the road [email protected] OR enforcement powers for work with the new ministers on 10 – 11). fast and to let their peak Aboriginal rangers. the shared goal of empowering “We have been implementing call 8951 6211 organisations keep it on track. Aboriginal communities. our community development “Labor will be guided by The Central Land Council is “Achieving this vision requires framework for 10 years now the principles outlined in the keen to join forces with the new sustained and considered and have developed a useful COVER Aboriginal Peak Organisation’s government to lobby Canberra development work and capacity evidence base about what Partnership Principle, which for more ranger groups and Marlene Rubuntja from building,” Mr Ross said. works.” the Yarrenyty Arltere Art Centre won the Vincent Lingiari Art Award for her Communities are waiting for housing reform sculpture My future is in my hands. REMOTE communities have “There are a lot of problems been promised nothing less with the remote housing than self-determination when management system across the CORRECTION it comes to the management of Territory, and we hope that the THE AUGUST issue of Land public housing in the Northern Santa Teresa case will get to the Rights News attributed Territory. bottom of a lot of the issues. information about penalties Residents are waiting to This can then be applied have a say about “how housing to Yuendumu, and other for CDP participants to is to be devolved, when and communities having problems the federal Department of to whom”, as Labor said they with housing,” Mr Kelly said. Human Services. It should would if the party won the Central Land Council chair have been attributed Northern Territory election. Francis Kelly is one of the to the Department of Before the election, Labor Yuendumu tenants considering Employment. promised to replace the failed Yuendumu tennants such as Francis Kelly received some rushed repairs legal action. system with one where tenancy after they threatened to take the NT Housing Department to court. “This thing has been going management, repairs and (Photo: ABC) on for a long time,” he told the Housing, hearing, maintenance would return to ABC. “People have been singing or local or regional housing They said unless the repairs community control. out for repairs and all that.” associations,” Labor told Land were done they would take jail link Reinvigorated housing “They’ve been delaying us Rights News. the cases to the NT Civil and reference groups and local back and back all the time. It’s DID YOU know that almost “We will provide support for Administrative Tribunal housing officers were among really urgent because … some all adult prisoners in the those organisations to have (NTCAT) following the example the few details known about of these things give us sickness Territory (95 per cent) the capacity to undertake this of tenants in Papunya, Santa Labor’s plan, which came with like blocked nose, sore ears suffer from hearing loss? work.” Teresa and the Yarrenyty a very welcome $1.1 billion and especially our kids who Yuendumu tenants received Arltere (Larapinta Valley) town commitment over 10 years. want to have a shower and go The Royal Commission into some rushed repairs after they camp. It is the first significant to school,” Mr Kelly said. children in detention has threatened legal action just Daniel Kelly, from Australian injection of NT funds into Other residents told the heard there was a strong before the NT election. Lawyers for Remote Aboriginal community housing. ABC their employer, a federal link between overcrowded Lawyers acting for tenants in Rights, said Papunya and Santa “Locals will determine government agency, did not Yuendumu had served notices Teresa were awaiting the houses, chronic ear infec- housing arrangements in their allow them to talk to the media on the NT Housing Department outcome of NTCAT conciliation tions, learning problems area - whether it is to regional about their repair issues. that listed hundreds of urgent hearings in November before and jail rates. councils, local authorities repair and maintenance issues. considering their next steps. 2 November 2016 NEWS

Report warns CDP does more Does the work for the dole program harm than good help or hurt the community? NORTHERN TERRITORY Labor senator Malarndirri McCarthy wants an Gus George independent review of the community development Daguragu program (CDP) while fellow Senator Patrick It’s hurting communities. Dodson wants to reform it. You should work for the Former Prime Minister community or a company Tony Abbott wants to get and get full wages. That’s around accusations of why we walked off 50 years discrimination by rolling ago - for proper wages and it out to all job seekers. for working for a proper All three were reacting company and get full wages to a report showing the from that company. Federal Government slapped more than 46,000 financial penalties on 34,000 people since the Ethan Godfrey controversial work-for-the- Marlinja dole program started. A draft report by non- profit employment body It is not good enough for the Jobs Australia warned the community. It is hurting in CDP is doing “more harm a way that is not supporting than good”. any family. If we don’t get Jobs Australia reported paid, it is the whole family that it is far stricter who suffers. than similar programs in towns and cities and Elenor Dixon punishes people in remote Douglas Crowson communities more for Marlinja failing to undertake “work- Kalkaringi like activity”. It’s not helping the community in any way. Its analysis of Department Communities should have more say when programs are The work for the dole of Employment figures being put together because they know what is good for program doesn’t help in any found the “skyrocketing” them. If the government wants to do something, they way. It’s a step backward penalties for non- should put more effort into it and build something long bringing us back to the past, compliance, especially the bringing us back to slavery. eight-week non-payment term. It is just another ticking the box thing! periods, were particularly harmful for individuals, their children and families and extended communities. Tracey Patrick “Reports have already Lajamanu emerged of families going without food and some It’s hurting. If you don’t turn community stores have up for work you have to wait confirmed that food sales for eight weeks to get paid. have dropped since the Working for the dole is not a introduction of CDP,” the good thing. I want to see good report said. jobs for the young people, not “The most disadvantaged just working for the dole, so people have critical they can help the community. problems with health, housing, family and domestic violence. We don’t need to dump this Rodney Bernard on them as well,” Senator McCarthy told The Kalkaringi Australian newspaper. It’s hurting. I have got no Senator Dodson warned money and can’t afford to CDP will see a bad situation buy any tucker for my kids. get worse. I turned up all the time and “If CDP continues put in my report but got in its current form we suspended for eight weeks. will continue to see Now I have to wait until eight deteriorating health and weeks is over and then start all over again. They didn’t employment outcomes give me any chance. in remote indigenous communities,” he said. Jobs Australia found the Andrew Johnson scheme failed to consider the challenges they face, Lajamanu Samantha Smiler including the lack of jobs, Daguragu health problems and It’s not satisfying the community and it’s not helping us cultural issues. get decent jobs. It is seriously hurting the community. People really want a good “Because the They’re forcing Aboriginal people to work for four hours job but they can’t because requirements in CDP are so a day to earn that Centrelink pay. If you don’t turn they need to turn up at the much more onerous than up they cut you off for eight weeks, which really hurts appointment and if they for other programs, people with children. How are they going to survive? don’t, they lose some money (continued on p.9) They should treat us equally. from Centerlink.

November 2016 3 NEWS Royal Commission: missed opportunity in the making? FORMAL hearings of the Royal announced the inquiry in July after Commission into the Protection and the ABC aired footage of boys being Detention of Children in the Northern tear gassed at Don Dale, has signaled Territory have begun amid concerns it it will be extended if requested. was set up too quickly, with too short Mr Morrison told ABC Radio this is a time frame, and may fail to protect necessary in order to “get to the root witnesses and address the youth causes of why so many of our young justice crisis. kids are getting incarcerated”. First to appear before the Much more investigative work needs commission were some of the authors to be done, and Aboriginal people of more than 50 reports into youth from remote areas need to be able to detention, child protection and contribute, he said. indigenous incarceration. “There are some serious issues that Government child abuse reports need to be dealt with and we don’t want were dismissed without investigation to see it as a missed opportunity,” said or ignored, and there is an “inquiry Mr Morrison while calling for “real mentality” about youth detention and achievable” recommendations to that substitutes for real action, the reduce the number of youngsters in commission heard. jail. National Children’s Commissioner Ms Mitchell echoed concerns that Megan Mitchell said children’s rights vulnerable witnesses, such as detainees were still being routinely breached in the care of the government, may be when she visited the Don Dale reluctant to testify. detention centre in May, with inmates “They will be punished,” she told the telling her they felt like caged animals. commission. Northern Land Council CEO Joe The mother of Dylan Voller, who Morrison said the Royal Commission featured in the ABC program but Valerie Martin and royal commissionner Mick Gooda spoke about alternatives to jail. whose subsequent parole application National children’s was refused, told supporters her son concerns about the process, but Kirra told The Guardian. was “really scared”. fears that witnesses will miss out on NAAJA has been funded to help commissioner says “When he gives the royal commission psychological support remain. the commission but only three staff evidence he still has to go back to jail. The Guardian reported there was members will be based in the CLC Don Dale kids feel like I’m really fearful that I’m going to “no therapeutic follow-up with people region. lose my son. Is he going to be the next who shared their stories during the The royal commissioners will not “caged animals”. person who passes away in custody?” commission’s community meetings attend all of the meetings scheduled is too rushed and risks becoming Ms Voller said. in Alice Springs, Santa Teresa and in the Centre while Top End residents a “feel good talkfest” and a missed Commissioner White said vulnerable Tennant Creek, an experience worry that community meetings may opportunity. witnesses will be able to give evidence described as traumatic for some”. not happen because of the forecast Mr Morrison doubted any real in sessions closed to the public. The short notice given for community wild wet season. change would come out of the inquiry, But the short time frame of the royal meetings was criticised amid fears the Commissioner Mick Gooda told a given the “impossibly short” reporting commission means the law can’t be commission wasn’t taking into account public consultation in Alice Springs time. changed to allow for private sessions the problems people from remote in October he did not want to be He said only 25 formal hearing such as those held by the child sex communities face in getting to the remembered for a report “that is going days would make it one of the fastest abuse royal commission. hearings. to sit on a table somewhere.” inquiries in recent history and The travelling legal advice and “There’s people from out of town, called for an extension to the “overly referral service of the Northern from out bush, whose kids are in Don A public royal commission ambitious” deadline of March 2017. Australian Aboriginal Justice Dale, in welfare, [who] wouldn’t have hearing in Alice Springs is The federal government, which Agency (NAAJA) aims to reduce a clue what’s going on,” Voller’s sister scheduled for 5-9 December. Land councils plead to keep youngsters out of jail “FIND alternatives to prison for young Nigel Scullion told the meeting the offenders.” commission would get an extension if That was the clear message from it is required. delegates of the Central and Northern Mr Gooda has since indicated Land Councils to politicians and Royal the commissioners will take up the Commissioners Mick Gooda and extension after spending “sleepless Margaret White at their historic joint nights” thinking about the tight meeting in Kalkaringi in August. deadlines. When land council members pleaded for ‘low risk kids’ caught in Report casts doubt over the detention system to be returned Senator Scullion’s word to their communities, the co- Following the joint land council commissioners asked them “what is meeting, a Freedom of Information working in communities?”. request revealed that Senator Scullion Central Land Council delegates had been briefed several times in the highlighted the success of Yuendumu’s months before the Four Corners Mt Theo program in helping ‘at risk’ report about what he now calls the youth. “Don Dale Disaster”. Over the past decade communities Francis Kelly fought back tears as he talked about his young grandson in detention. The Crikey online news service has invested millions of dollars in royalty, claimed the minister received five rent and compensation income in government is discussing the idea with kids behind closed doors”. briefings and took part in a meeting the Warlpiri Youth Development the federal government. “Move detention centres back to about the incident before the program corporation, the community CLC chair Francis Kelly fought back community where we can keep our aired in July. organisation that runs the program. tears as he talked about his young eye on them and occupy them with That’s in contrast to the minister’s “It’s our responsibility, too. They are grandson in detention. our law too, not just government law claims that he didn’t know about the our kids”, delegates said. “These guards have been bullying ... our law has been here for centuries,” tear gassing scandal. However, the idea of turning him and when I saw him last time I Mr Kelly said. After the Four Corners story Mr Mataranka Station into a prison farm saw a black eye ... those people need Delegates also said the commission’s Scullion said: “I wish I knew what I for young offenders, first suggested at to be sacked because they’re being too March reporting date was too soon. know today yesterday afternoon or the meeting by former Chief Minister rough,” Mr Kelly said. “It will take a bit longer than that to some time ago, but the facts of the Adam Giles, failed to engage the He said Aboriginal youth needed collect evidence and talk to witnesses,” matter were I didn’t know, I had never delegates. to be detained on country “because Northern Land Council member John seen the vision, it hadn’t come to my Chief Minister Michael Gunner they’re [being abused] behind our Christophersen said. attention, hadn’t piqued my interest, has since confirmed that the NT backs, these guards are slapping our Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister well, sufficiently.” 4 November 2016 NEWS Pokies unwelcome at Watarrka CUSTODIANS and residents of which is the most accessible hotel for Watarrka National Park have spoken Aboriginal communities in the south- out against the Kings Canyon Resort’s west region of Central Australia, cannot plan to install poker machines. get the license it needs to introduce The park’s traditional owners and gambling machines. residents of outstations near the resort The CLC’s objection states that the have told the Central Land Council impact of gaming machines would be they worry gaming machines will hurt far reaching. Aboriginal families in the region. “Once people get hooked on gambling One of them is Bruce Breaden, whose they are worse than people who smoke outstation Wanmara is inside the park. and drink. The former CLC chair is visiting his They spend all their money, more daughter in Alice Springs and knows the money than what that poker machine problems poker machines wreak there gives them, and the kids will suffer,” first hand. says Michael France from Ulpanyali, The CLC has lodged an objection against the Kings Canyon Resor’s pokies plan. “I won’t go near the casino. Give an outstation only three kilometres from me $1,000 and I wouldn’t,” says Mr the resort. Half already goes on the Basics near and far, even more so than the Breaden. “Kids starve because of the “I don’t want to see my people go to Card. Some would blow the rest on restricted availability of alcohol at the the machines and the children would resort currently does”. go hungry and wouldn’t get clothed. It Residents told the CLC they would “Kids starve because of pokies gambling. would have a huge impact on the whole be expected to support and house community,” Mr Impu says. those who travel to the resort to play It brings trouble, fighting and humbug.” The CLC objection cites research the pokies, leading to overcrowding, showing that Aboriginal people are more pressure on family budgets, reduced pokies gambling. It brings trouble and s...t,” says traditional owner Anslem likely to experience problem gambling school attendance and health and fighting and humbug.” Impu Jr., who lives in the park and than the non-Aboriginal population and hygiene problems. The CLC has lodged an official works at the Mereenie oil and gas field. prefer the continuous type of gambling Mr Impu says humbugging for money, objection against changing the resort’s “Pokies are addictive and it would that gaming machines offer. already a problem at the resort because liquor license from private to public be really hard for families to manage It states poker machines would it sells grog, would escalate because hotel. their money because the majority get “attract people from other Aboriginal poker machines would attract more Without the change, the resort, Centrelink. communities to the area from both humbug. (continued on p.16) Fracking stop takes pressure off custodians PRESSURE on traditional owners to make decisions about fracking is set to ease after the new Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner put the controversial practice on hold. The moratorium is expected to slow new gas exploration applications while a panel of experts investigates whether there should be a permanent ban. The moratorium came as traditional owners were experiencing increasing pressure to take sides on fracking, including around the proposed Jemena gas pipeline. Some custodians from the Barkly region and environment groups want to halt the pipeline, which may be used for unconventional gas. Mr Gunner, meanwhile, has come under fire from within and outside his party for saying the moratorium Jimmy Wave Hill and Barbara Shaw raised their voices against fracking at the Kalkaringi joint council meeting. would allow companies to explore for communities and people’s ability to “Disappointingly, there is no formal gas - as long as they don’t use fracking traditional owners to make their live on country,” Ms Telford said. process of community consultations. to do so. own decisions about the use of their Naomi Hogan, from Lock the Gate Just a web page people can visit.” “You cannot hydraulically frack land and waters “without outside NT, told the Crikey news service Under the draft terms the panel unconventional gas reserves for interference”. Labor’s policy was clear: “a full will investigate the scientific evidence exploration but general exploration After hearing about the science of moratorium on all unconventional activities, that’s all fine,” he told fracking and the regulation of the gas extraction activity and an inquiry an oil and gas industry meeting in “The NT is already seeing, and industry from NT public servants, the into all unconventional gas extraction September. will continue to experience, the Environmental Defenders Office and activity. Environment groups have accused the CSIRO, some delegates spoke This hasn’t been delivered and is a worst impacts of climate change.” Labor of breaking its election promise passionately against the practice. broken promise,” she said. to halt “all unconventional gas The CLC’s Jimmy Wave Hill and Ms Hogan understands the expert about the impact of fracking on water, prospecting exploration and extraction Barbara Shaw and the NLC’s John group’s terms of reference, rumoured rocks, the health of country and people activities”. Christopherson were among the to have been drafted with the help of as well as current and future land uses. “Gas companies will still be able to delegates who pushed for a resolution the Australian Petroleum Production It will also look at how fracking carry out risky exploration activities opposing fracking. & Exploration Association, mean contributes to climate change, how the that will see huge impacts on water They were worried about the weak landholders will still need to deal chemicals it uses affect plants, animals and country,” said Amelia Telford regulation of the industry and its heavy with land access agreements covering and people and how to best regulate it. from the Seed Indigenous Youth use of water mixed with chemicals. surveys, land clearing and core hole The Cental Land Council has called Climate Network. The meeting acknowledged their drilling and testing. for the terms of reference for the “The NT is already seeing, and will concerns but agreed that the job of “They’ve decided to focus on the act expert panel to be widened. continue to experience, the worst the land councils is “to support and of the frack when it’s the action of the A joint meeting of the NT’s biggest impacts of a changing climate, a huge respect the decisions of traditional drilling that has been found to cause land councils reaffirmed in August threat to the long-term viability of owners for the area in question”. environmental concerns,” she said. that they will continue to support

November 2016 5 The five Aboriginal Members of Parliament – a record number – share a vision of a united Australia. Liberal frontbencher Ken Wyatt, Labor frontbenchers Pat Dodson and Linda Burney, Labor Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and independent Senator Jacqui Lambie have promised to work across party lines to change the way government treats Aboriginal people. Here we feature some of the highlights from the first speeches of the three newest MPs. Standing up for all and against division WHILE Queensland’s Pauline strife-torn lives that offered “I think of the women in my Racist laws Hanson used her first speech no future, I stand here for you life struggling just to survive. of the new term in the Senate too,” she said. I call them my mothers, my to divide and stoke fear, new As she had done at the sisters, my friends, who endure “must not return” Northern Territory Labor joint meeting of the Central tremendous acts of violence senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Northern land councils against them,” Ms McCarthy chose a starkly different at Kalkaringi in August, Ms said. approach. McCarthy also spoke about “With broken limbs, busted Speaking in her mother’s the history of land rights and faces, amputations and sexual language, Yanyuwa, Senator constitutional recognition of assaults - I stand here with McCarthy opened her maiden Aboriginal people. you.” speech with: “Yuwu bajinda She compared the two She also made it clear she nya-wirdi kulu kirna-balirra movements, encouraging those is standing with sister girls yinda nyawirdi nyuwu-ja fighting for constitutional and brother boys everywhere, barrawu, bajirru yiurru wiji recognition not to give up. coming close to tears as she marnajingulaji ngathangka, “The Yanyuwa are a people recalled the suicide of a young bajirru yirru li-wirdiwalangu whose struggle for recognition relative, who she said had ji-awarawu li-Ngunawal took almost 40 years. So struggled with her sexuality. Ngambri barra jina barra many elders died well before “Her outward spirit was full

Malarndirri McCarthy and Pat Dosdson at the joint land council meeting.

THE boy who once hid in and richness of our various the long grass as his mates cultures in Australia,” he were taken by government said. authorities now has a say Senator Dodson also in how laws are made in the recalled the Royal nation’s parliament. Commission into Black Born before Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, in which Australians were counted in he served as commissioner. Pat Dodson has told the Senate his family still carries the pain of laws that were founded on racism.

the census, newly sworn in The Royal Commission’s Senator Pat Dodson has told recommendations are yet the Senate his family still to be implemented, 25 years carries the pain of laws that later, and Senator Dodson Pauline Hanson and Malarndirri McCarthy. (Image: Matt Roberts - ABC) were founded on racism. has promised to work hard The Labor senator for to reduce the number of awara yirrunga, bajrru li- such recognition and, most of fun and laughter, but inside Western Australia has used Aboriginal Australians in ngaha li-malarngu marnaji importantly, before any respect she was suffocating from the his maiden speech to argue jail. anka nya-ngathanya bii, li- took place. inability to find balance in her against the return of biased Building consensus on the ngatha kulhakulha, li-ngatha “Such long, drawn out legal cultural world view, and that of laws. need for a treaty (or treaties) li-nganji karnirru-balirra.” battles have wearied many the expectations of the broader “In times past, people is high on the agenda of the Ms McCarthy spoke after families of first nation peoples, Australian society around her,” of different race, different man known as the “father of Senator Hanson who used the constantly trying to defend Ms McCarthy said. colour, different religion, reconciliation”. different sex, were subjected He said having indigenous to exclusion, oppression or colleagues in the Lower and “I think of the women in my life struggling even discrimination under Upper houses is a positive the laws made in this place,” step along the road to just to survive. I call them my mothers, my Senator Dodson said. having Aboriginal people “Such laws cannot and participate directly in the sisters, my friends, who endure tremendous must not return.” process of making law. The Central Land Council’s “This was not the case at acts of violence against them.” first director said although the time when our founding many of his colleagues had document, the Australian occasion to claim Australia has their sense of self and identity She then asked the Prime been elected on platforms Constitution, was drafted,” been “swamped by Muslims”. and country,” she said. Minister not to go ahead with he would “undoubtedly find he said. In contrast, Ms McCarthy “Maybe that was the the planned plebiscite on gay challenging”, he would not “The only two express welcomed im- migration and intention - to battle fatigue. marriage. be opposed to argument and references in the refugees. But we’re still here, and we’re “Prime Minister Malcolm debate. Constitution (to the First “Whether they live on the not going to go away.” Turnbull, please re-consider “The debates will, however, Australians) ... (are) both vast cattle stations or whether Ms McCarthy also touched your plebiscite bill, please need to be informed by the related to our exclusion.” they have travelled from on homelessness, a lack of pull back from this brink fundamental principles of countries like Asia, Africa, or public housing and domestic of public vitriol and make respect for the diversity the Middle East to forge a new violence in the Northern marriage equality a reality in life for their families away from Territory. this Parliament,” she said. 6 November 2016 NEWS “You can’t whinge if you don’t participate in the political process” LABOR’S Linda Burney, the first She used her speech to warn Aboriginal woman elected to that plans to water down the House of Representatives, Australia’s race hate laws come was welcomed into her seat from people who have never by Lynette Riley singing in the suffered from it. language they share - Wiradjuri. “Too often these calls to amend “I will bring the fighting the Racial Discrimination Act Wiradjuri spirit into this place,” come from those for whom this Ms Burney promised in her first kind of discrimination is totally speech to Parliament. alien,” she said. “Well I can tell Ms Burney presented her them it’s hurtful.” speech wearing a cloak made by She also spoke about Ms Riley that shows Ms Burney’s recognition of Aboriginal peoples clan totem, the goanna, and her in the nation’s birth certificate, personal totem, the “very noisy” the Constitution. white cockatoo. “Recognition is the next step in Both cloak and speech featured the path we are walking towards the story of her life. a country that can look itself in “I was born at a time when the the eye, knowing that we have Australian Government knew come of age,” Ms Burney said. how many sheep there were, “Perhaps another great act but not how many Aboriginal of honesty and healing will be people,” Ms Burney said. a permanent remembering of “I was 10 years old before the those Frontier Wars, just down ‘67 referendum fixed that. The the road at our National War first decade of my life was spent Memorial.” Linda Burney delivers her first speech at Parliament House. (Photo Andrew Meares) as a non-citizen.” Ms Burney said she was proud of the cultural diversity of her and becoming the state’s first New South Wales seat of Barton. Indigenous MP. “It is one of the greatest “I came into parliament ironies that the seat named 13 years ago with a strong after the architect of the White understanding of what was Australia Policy has become one involved. I came in from a high of the most multicultural in the profile anyhow, I worked really do you need support for: country,” she said. hard to get where I was. My “[It] couldn’t be a more shining experiences have been very example of what our modern positive,” she told NITV after her Australia looks like. We are a maiden speech. youth stronger community because “But sometimes when you’re of this diversity, we are better an Aboriginal person it is for our differences and we are isolating. I’ve always had support education richer for all the broader cultural from different groups of people, “Recognition is the next step health issues in the path we are walking towards a country that can look school itself in the eye, knowing that excursions we have come of age.”

experiences that it offers to us.” but you do have the expectations The most experienced of of the Aboriginal community and youth leadership the new crop of Aboriginal sometimes you try really hard, politicians in Canberra, Ms but you just can’t meet them.” & role modelling Burney promised to push for Ms Burney told NITV she education, a reduction in the rate wants to make a “massive of juvenile imprisonment and an difference” for her people. end to domestic violence. “I want to make Australia sporting She made it clear she would more egalitarian, to be a beacon stand up for her beliefs. for young Aboriginal women in “I wish in this House ... to be particular and also for men, to events respectful, to be gentle and be show them being involved in polite, however I say to my elders parliament is achievable. You that the last bit may not always can’t whinge about decisions apply in question time.” if you don’t participate in the cultural matters The former teacher made political process. Your vote is history after winning a seat important,” she said. in the 2003 NSW election

may be able to help. contact us for an application form on 8952 5827 or go to our website for information & application form www.centrecorpfoundation.com.au

November 2016 7 NEWS Kalkaringi Statement 2016 marks land rights anniversaries

Back together at Kalkaringi, 18 years on: Central Land Council and Northern Land Council delegates developed the Kalkaringi Statement 2016.

THE MEMBERS of the Eighteen years after the the Northern Territory with no insisted Aboriginal ranger constitutional Territory’s largest land 1998 Kalkaringi Statement role in decision making from jobs “are ‘real jobs’ and are recognition and councils have placed greater the delegates developed shared the Minister,” the statement just as important as teachers, treaty, the Aboriginal control over the positions and questioned declares. nurses and parks and wildlife NT housing Aboriginals Benefit Account politicians about how they Members resolved to jointly rangers”. crisis and (ABA) and more ranger jobs are advancing Aboriginal develop a detailed model to They called for ongoing outstation on the top of their agenda. aspirations. achieve this vision and rejected funding and an expansion funding. The historic joint meeting Among their priorities was a Indigenous Affairs Minister of ranger groups into new of the Central and Northern more transparent ABA under Nigel Scullion’s proposed areas, for rangers to be given land councils near Kalkaringi Aboriginal control. changes to the fund. monitoring, compliance and in August celebrated two “ABA funds are generated They called governments enforcement powers and for Illustration by Nick Bland significant milestones, the 40th by mining on Aboriginal to make resources available greater links between ranger anniversary of the Aboriginal land and decisions about the to help Aboriginal people and youth diversion programs. Land Rights Act (ALRA) and management and allocation of out bush with their ABA The statement also deals the 50th anniversary of the funds from the ABA must be applications. with the development of Wave Hill Walk Off (see p.13). made by Aboriginal people in CLC and NLC delegates also Northern Australia, fracking,

The NLC’s Sammy Bush-Blanasi and the CLC’s Francis Kelly chaired the meeting together. CLC delegate Ngarla Kunoth-Monks makes a point. Central Australians to meet about recognition referendum ABORIGINAL Central Australians facilitate the best mix of ages, genders anniversary of the 1967 citizenship suggests there is fertile soil for are waiting to find out who will and regions.” referendum in May. opponents of recognition to cultivate get a say about the referendum on The meeting’s “deliberative process” The delays come amid fresh opposition, particularly around the constitutional recognition of is more than a consultation because it concerns about whether a recognition spurious arguments about indigenous indigenous peoples. is “aimed at delivering a decision on referendum would even succeed, with separatism,” the Crikey online news Central Australia’s so-called First preferences for recognition without support among the general population service commented. Nations Regional Dialogue about requiring a definitive decision to be for constitutional recognition of In August delegates of the Central the referendum will be scheduled in made”, a Referendum Council briefing Australia’s first peoples falling to and Northern land councils called March or early April next year. explains. below 60 per cent in September. for constitutional reform to “deliver One of 12 invitation-only meetings Each regional dialogue will be asked An Essential poll showed that more meaningful and enduring benefit for across the country, it will debate what to send five participants to a proposed than a quarter of voters are not sure our people” and to keep the door open the referendum question should cover. National Indigenous Convention at whether Aboriginal people should be for treaties. The Central Land Council wrote to Uluru in late April next year. recognised in the constitution. “Progress towards constitutional former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in The convention will consider It found a solid number of people, recognition must not put in danger 2015, asking for an Aboriginal meeting the referendum proposal and seek mostly conservative voters, are against our rights to negotiate treaties to in its region. consensus on the referendum question constitutional recognition. finally achieve self-determination,” The Referendum Council has now to be put to all Australians. 58% of voters said they would vote they resolved at their joint meeting in asked the CLC to help organise the The proposal follows the indigenous for recognition, 15% say they would Kalkaringi. meeting in Alice Springs and draw up leaders’ meetings in Broome, Thursday vote against it and 28% were unsure. Following the joint land council a list of 100 invitees. Island and Melbourne in the middle of The poll put a question mark over the meeting independent NT election Some invitees will also be asked to the year that came up with the process successful passage of a referendum, candidate Yingiya Mark Guyula won chair the meeting and lead workshops. for the regional dialogues and the which needs majority support in a the previously safe Labor seat of “Traditional owners, Aboriginal convention. majority of states and territories. Nhulunbuy on a platform of treaty, organisations and individuals all need Feedback from the leaders not Previous polls showed support for winning the vote in every Yolngu to be represented,” said David Ross, to rush the consultations killed off recognition at 80% or more. community. the CLC’s director. the government’s plan to hold the “While 58% support is still strong, He called his win “a great victory for “We are also working out how to recognition referendum on the 50th the high “don’t know” response our Arnhem Land call for treaty”. 8 November 2016 NEWS Stolen wages court battle “as important as Mabo” Hans Pearson’s story HANS Pearson, 77, has lived in public housing all his life. As a stockman during the 1950s and 60s he wanted to buy a house in North Queensland for his young family. He believes he earned up to 7,000 pounds, but when he went to collect his money, he only received a fraction of that amount. “When the police called me up to the police station, me and the wife went up and he had a cheque waiting for me for 28 pounds,” Hans Pearson told the ABC. “I said: ‘Is this all I’m getting?’ and he said: ‘Well, that’s all you have after 10 years of working’.” “It set me and the wife back. The first 10 years of your life you’re working to Stockmen are among the groups whose wages were stolen. (Photo: John Tanner - National Archives of Australia) buy yourself a home, you know, to set your family up. That’s every person’s THE QUEENSLAND government is in paid for years of labour as stockmen similar action could be taken on behalf the dock over stolen wages, the West or domestic workers. of people or their descendants in WA, Australian government could face For almost 80 years, the state NSW and the NT. unprecedented legal action for treating government controlled the wages of Shine lawyer Rebecca Jancauskas Aboriginal workers like slaves and Aboriginal people, but much of the has told NIT the situation in the NT, New South Wales and the Northern money was lost or stolen. which was at the time governed by the Territory may be next. Lawyers have accused the Queensland Commonwealth, was similar to QLD. The law firm behind the Queensland Government of breaching the trust of She said the wages of stockmen, case is investigating whether their clients by failing to protect their labourers and domestic servants were government-sanctioned working money. paid into a government trust. The conditions akin to slavery operated “We’ve got to have justice. We worked workers were given an allowance, in Western Australia more than half a for over 10 to 12 years for nothing,” Mr which was allegedly a fraction of their century ago. Pearson told the ABC. pay packet (see also p.28). Law firm Shine is looking at adding “They’ve got to pay for what they’ve But in WA there was no law at the claims from WA, NT and NSW to legal done, we’re not asking for their money, time that said Aboriginal people must action being taken in QLD to recover it’s our money.” receive a wage. wages for Aboriginal workers. QLD alone may owe Aboriginal “So long as there was board and food Hans Pearson (Photo courtesy ABC). “The arrangements in place in WA people $500 million, according to provided there was no requirement for for a period of time were akin to historians such as Rosalind Kidd a wage to be paid,” Ms Jancauskas said. dream, but it didn’t happen,” he said. institutionalised slavery,” the firm’s and figures cited in state and federal She said WA landowners or In 2002, the Queensland lawyer Rebecca Jancauskas told the inquiries. individuals needed a government Government set up a reparations National Indigenous Times. permit to employ Aboriginal people. scheme paying each person up to The first hearing of a class action NT situation similar to QLD “That permit or that agreement $4,000 in return for waiving their by 300 Aboriginal Queenslanders “I would say too that Indigenous mandated the conditions of that legal rights. to recover wages the Queensland people are very good record keepers employment,” she said. Hans Pearson signed up because government held in trust on behalf of of their own history, so I think that Ms Jancauskas said in NSW it was he was desperate. His payment has the indigenous workers has been held stands them in very good stead in terms Aboriginal child workers who were recently been topped up and in total in the Federal Court. of being able to demonstrate what’s affected. he has received $9,000. The group, led by Hans Pearson, the rightfully due to them,” Ms Kidd said. Noel Pearson praised the bravery of He feels conned into signing up. uncle of prominent Aboriginal leader Since Shine launched the QLD action the claimants. “That’s $9,000 for 10 to 12 years Noel Pearson, wants the government to the firm has been contacted by dozens “Uncle Hans and all of those who of work, you know? That’s not right, pay the wages allegedly placed in trust of other individuals and groups, Ms come behind him have got to fight this that’s not justice,” Mr Pearson said. on their behalf over four decades. Jancauskas said. one,” he said. The claimants say they were not It was now investigating whether “This is as important as Mabo.” “$9,000 for 10 - 12 years of work? That’s not right, (continued from p.3 ) it is much better that all should face tougher It suggested empowering easier for participants to fail to meet rules than just have obligation free communities to make decisions about that’s not justice.” them,” the report said. welfare for fit, working age people,” how the program worked in their own Jobs Australia CEO David Mr Abbott said. community and rewarding people for Noel Pearson told the ABC it was Thompson told the ABC people in But Mr Thompson said there were seeking unsubsidised work. a source of deep pain for his family remote communities were getting simply not enough jobs in remote It said the government should bring that his Uncle Hans was still living in penalised at 70 times the rate of the communities. back CDEP and reform the program government housing in Townsville. rest of the community. “Even if every job being performed along the lines of a proposal by “For him to be still living in social “It’s because people are being in those communities was being Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT, housing, 50 years later because of that required to undertake longer periods performed by an Indigenous person, which includes the Central Land thwarted ambition, it’s like a great per week and per year of work-for- there would still not be enough jobs Council. bitterness inside me,” Noel Pearson the-dole,” he said. to go around. APONT’s 2011 plan, which told the ABC. “So 25 hours a week for almost the “The arrangements for CDP need combined basic services for welfare “You want to understand Indigenous whole year, as opposed to 15 hours a to take account of that, rather than recipients with better support, wage disadvantage in 2016, it has its roots week for six months for the majority pretending that by requiring people subsidies and rewards for taking jobs back then. of people in mainstream Australia.” to turn up for five hours a day for five outside the community, was the best “Where would he and his children Mr Abbott, part of the government days a week, it’ll get them ready for developed and most comprehensive and his grandchildren be if that that killed the previous Community work that actually doesn’t exist.” proposal, the report said. virtuous cycle had taken place — Development Employment Program He said a lot of activities reported A spokeswoman for federal namely he had a house in the 60s?” (CDEP), told The Australian he were “not meaningful or in any way Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Hans Pearson said he hoped the regrets that decision. fulfilling” and just required people to Scullion told the ABC that CDP legal action would see him realise his “Abolishing CDEP was a well- “do stuff for doing stuff’s sake”. had achieved “a fivefold increase in dream of home ownership. intentioned mistake and CDP is our The Jobs Australia report also found the number of jobseekers engaged “We will just keep fighting, they’ve attempt to atone for it,” he said. participants in some communities in training or worklike activities”, got the money to fight us, but I hope His solution: impose CDP on all job could not get medical exemptions adding the scheme was “delivering that justice will be done, that they’ll be seekers on Centrelink payments. when needed, despite the higher rates the employment services that remote compassionate with us and just give us “If there’s an issue of discrimination, of illness. communities have been calling for”. what they owe us,” he said.

November 2016 9 NEWS Mutitjulu oval promise honoured Most of the stage one work is now than $100,000 of its lease money complete with only one change room and project partner Tangentyere and the scoreboard still to be finished. Constructions employed six local men If local workers are available those to complete the works. jobs will be finished before the end of The upgrade had been a goal of the the year. community for a long time. The working group also wanted to “The years before when people connect electricity to the oval, put came to Freedom Day we had a lot of up flood lights and build an ablution complaints that the oval was too small, block, but the community had other now it’s bigger and we are proud of it,” ideas. said Marjorie King. “After so many years of encouraging governments to meet communities half way when they invest their collective income for community-driven projects it looks like the penny has finally dropped.” Ernest Frank and Junior Bird working on the Daguragu oval. It directed the working group to use “We had a plan for a long time and the rent money to continue operating now it’s happened,” said Elmore the swimming pool and set up projects Anzac. to strengthen Anangu culture. Yuelamu (Mt Allen) has brought the Thanks to the minister’s $500,000 training ground of the Mt Allan Eagles commitment for stage two of the oval up to scratch. upgrade, Mutitjulu will be able to The community invested almost finish the oval work and launch other $130,000 of its compensation money rent money projects. from the Granites Mine to resurface “It’s good news that Mutitjulu stays and extend the footy oval. in control,” CLC director David Ross Eagles player Nehemiah Long, who said. has also played for Wests Football “After so many years of encouraging Club in Alice Springs, hopes the governments to meet communities upgrade will see more games played half way when they invest their at home in Yuelamu. collective income for community “That’s a good oval,” said community driven projects it looks like the penny sports club director Fiona Kitson. has finally dropped.” Ms Kitson said the upgrade allows the community to organise Left to right: Future Eagles stars Adam Hagan, Reagan Stafford, Zachariah Hagan, a local sports weekend with other Jordan Patterson, Wendell Patterson, Zac Stafford, and Jarrod Pepperill at Yuelamu. Oval upgrades are a compensation money it has put aside. She also suggested changing local ALMOST a year after he promised Back in April 2015, residents gave up popular investment match schedules. to fix up Mutitjulu’s dilapidated oval waiting for governments and started to “Mt Allen travel to Yuendumu, we federal Indigenous Affairs Minister upgrade the oval themselves. Meanwhile, Daguragu and might get Yuendumu to travel here!” Nigel Scullion has honored his After planning the project with the Yuelamu communities have also used Yuelamu’s Granites Mine Affected commitment. Central Land Council’s community compensation income to upgrade their Area Aboriginal Corporation The community is now planning development team elected members of ovals. committee planned the upgrade with stage two of the oval upgrade, with the Mutitjulu working group used the The 50th anniversary celebration the CLC’s community development the Mutitjulu Community Aboriginal community’s park rent money to hire of the Wave Hill Walk Off was the team. Corporation (MCAC) firmly in charge. Tangentyere Constructions (see p.27). first major event in Daguragu to The committee chose the Central The minister made the promise last The working group spent more than benefit from the graded and extended Desert Regional Council to manage the October during the 30th anniversary $300,000 to clear and fence the oval, grounds, new solar lights and project and was pleased the council celebrations of the handback of Uluru build change rooms, grandstands and scoreboard. threw in new goal posts as a bonus. Kata Tjuta National Park. install a score board with local labour. The community invested more From junk to jobs and bush mechanics NEWS of a recycling business starting manager of the outstation resource up in Yuendumu has bush mechanics organisation Yapa-Kurlangu Ngurrara across the Tanami revving with (YKNAC). excitement. YKNAC has partnered with the The enterprise, the region’s first of Central Land Council to take the new its kind in community hands, aims business under its wing. to create Yapa jobs and keep the Mr Wall believes it needs to offer a community and surrounding roads broad service if it’s to succeed. tidier. And it needs to be quick. Left too The project is the brain child of long by the roadside, abandoned cars the community’s Granites Mine are quickly stripped of all valuable Affected Area Aboriginal Corporation parts. committee. With 28 outstations, 22 Aboriginal Committee members invested workers and plenty of contract work $140,000 of Yuendumu’s compen- on YKNAC’s books, Mr Wall expects sation money in a tilt-tray truck, a the new recycling operation to grow forklift and storage for recyclables. ongoing local employment. YKNAC wants to recycle parts before car wrecks are stripped. (Photo: Maggie Kavanagh) They set their sights not just on cans “Ideally we’ll have two people doing and bottles, but also car parts. the recycling alone,” he said. jobs for locals, it’s great news for all an example other communities can That is where the new truck comes He already sent a load of recyclables us bush mechanics,” said CLC chair replicate. in. into town to be sold, more than Francis Kelly “When other communities [see] it, “So that we could recover Yapa covering the cost of the trip and the Mr Kelly has championed the idea they’ll follow on!” he said. vehicles on the Tanami whenever they employee’s wage. of a recycling business for a number get broken down,” said Malcolm Wall, “This means not just more real of years and hopes it will become 10 November 2016 NEWS Alpurrurulam puts its money, heart and souls into new church

Mitchell Mahoney and Eddie Rusty put up the church framework. Don Courtney, Mitchell Mahoney, Eddie Rusty and Greg Turner worked on the church.

“THE CHURCH is why this community Mr Olschewsky says there was no marking out, digging footings, boxing The Warte Store is supporting the is strong. It keeps us together.” shortage of willing participants to the slab, placing steel, pouring and church by managing the water bills. Alpurrurulam resident John Percy work on the project. finishing the concrete slab, cutting, Community leader Maxie Ray says said the importance of its church to “We thought we already had a welding and placing the structural the church is vital to the health of his community can’t be overestimated. relatively healthy local employment steel, fitting panels and flashings and Alpurrurulam. The community near the Queensland target of 30 percent,” he said. “So much more.” “It means everything to the border has opened a new church after we were pleasantly surprised by the The result of all the work and the community,” he said. commitment of $495,000 worth of “The new building means that we “Six local men were involved in the build, including five year lease money is an impressive can have church and funerals out of building that includes a kitchen, the rain and away from the sun.” surveying and marking out, digging footings, boxing the storerooms and wide doors fit for a Mr Ray said community members large congregation. also gained a lot through the church’s slab, placing steel, pouring and finishing the concrete The local church group and the construction. slab, cutting, welding and placing the structural steel, Warte Store organised an official “It was good having local people church opening in July. building the church,” he said. “They fitting panels and flashings and much more.” Community members Frank Billy stuck at it, learned a lot and are proud and Michael Teague cut the ribbon that they have done something big.” spending half a million dollars of its additional enthusiasm once things got with gold plated ceremonial scissors Planning is now underway for rent money on its construction. going. on loan from the Mayor of Mount Isa landscaping and fencing of the church Local builder Ben Olschewsky drew “Six local men were involved in while local and interstate speakers grounds, as well as more seating and much of the workforce from the the build, including surveying and featured along with the Steve Gray a stage. community. band. Imangara workshop repairs community pride Spotlight on the “IT’S GOOD that local people worked fixing up that shed,” said Ned Kelly. Kaltukatjara court “We gotta do things for ourselves.” The Imangara resident said the THE KALTUKATJARA (Docker benefits of spending $55,000 of his River) basketball court has been lit community’s five year lease money on up and not just by the talent of the repairing and stocking its workshop go players. beyond just new tools and equipment. The community near the They had power connected to the West Australian border used its workshop and bought tyre repair community lease money to install equipment, lawn mowers, and whipper six floodlights so it could enjoy the snippers. The shed also has a secure court in the evening. cage for jerry cans and a variety of More than $35,000 of the funds safety gear. paid for the 100 watt LED lights “We never had anything like this which are connected to a power before. We feel proud of what we’ve card system. done with our lease money,” Mr Kelly The community’s working group said. prioritised the project because it “We never got much help before, but knew it would bring widespread now we’ve got our own workshop and benefits. we use those tools for our community.” Kaltukatjara now has a lit space The project was inspired by for evening events, particularly for community concern about the lack of young people. jobs for young people and the need to Jonathan Wickham, Robin Morton and Matthew Ladd repaired the shed. “Palya, its really, really good. The clean up around the community. kids are playing under [the lights] at The community has also planted the workshop for the community and the level of activity the project has night,” said working group member fruit and shade trees and installed having our own equipment.” generated. Selina Kulitja. irrigation to help them grow. Sammy Ladd is in charge of the new “People have been fixing their motor “The working Robin Morton and Matthew workshop. cars there,” said Billy Pumper. group members Ladd from Imangara and Jonathan “Setting up that workshop made Another resident, Linda Dobbs, are all really Wickham from Hatches Creek worked me happy and I’ve been busy cutting says the workshop has energised happy with Tangentyere Constructions on lawn,” he said. “We share all of that community members. with the the project. equipment, I hold the key and people “We’ve got rakes and wheel barrows project.” “We dug trenches and set up the come to ask me when they want to and people have been doing lots of irrigation for the trees,” Mr Ladd said. borrow some equipment.” work around the place,” she said. “I liked doing that work, setting up The residents are happy with November 2016 11 NEWS Tony’s team brings out the best in people TONY RENEHAN is for money, development or to create something solid, from Alice Springs. His personal gain, just think what a good foundation and mother Doris Stuart is a the old people would have structure for the next mob of prominent campaigner said or done. people who will be working for the protection of If there is one thing I’ve in this unit. Also travelling sacred sites and his older learnt over the years, it’s that through a beautiful country brother Peter chairs the you can’t fool the old people, and meeting amazing people. Centre for Appropriate even if some may have passed Interacting with people of all Technology (CAT). on. They are still watching different backgrounds because For the past two over this country. you are learning from them decades Tony has What are you trying to all. Getting phone calls on worked for CAT and the achieve in your work? Christmas Day. Central Land Council. We’re increasing Aboriginal What’s your biggest He started at the CLC employment in pastoral, goal? in 2004 as a property mining, tourism and other Become a better leader and officer, then moved to industries so our mob can public speaker. To do the best the rural enterprise unit. determine their own futures. I can in this unit because it’s Since last October he We’re supporting Aboriginal a privilege and an honour to has co-ordinated a team enterprises to strengthen their be in a leadership position. of seven in the CLC’s governance and capacity. Coming from an operational new employment and What are some of the background, to be part of enterprise unit. hard things about your a team that is putting the job? strategy together - it’s a big Finding time to see learning curve. It can be very What do you enjoy doing everybody and dealing with intimidating when you’re outside work? Tony Renehan co-ordinates the CLC’s new employment and enterprise unit. negative people. Managing dealing with people with Listening to music, playing time, keeping up with the PhDs. When you first step music with my sons, reading emails. The land council’s role into the role it is a big step and catching up with my “We’re increasing Aboriginal in administering Aboriginal up. Lot more responsibilities, friends out bush. land is more critical than more accountability. You also What are you most employment in pastoral, mining, ever. There is a push from have to be able to translate or proud of? tourism and other industries government to reduce our adapt what is said in meetings Having children, being a role so they and others can to mob out there for them to parent and my older people so our mob can determine get easier access to Aboriginal understand. who come from this country. land under the guise of What’s your leadership They did all the hard yards their own futures.” helping Aboriginal land style? back in the old days. We get How did they influence the importance of protecting owners benefit from economic I get on with everybody. it pretty easy now because our you? and looking after country. development. You can be a good leader and parents and others struggled. One value my mother and No matter what What are the most a good manager I guess. I see Pretty proud of these old ones other senior custodians of governments and other rewarding things? a leader as a good coach able who made us who we are Alice Springs who have passed ‘creative’ people may tell Being part of a good new to get the best out of his team today. It is our role to do the on, including my late uncle B. you about benefitting from team and being able to members by communicating same things for our children. Stuart, have instilled in me, is damaging sites in exchange bring out the best in people well. Troy’s belief in himself inspires his daughters “MY FAMILY love it, it’s training position in a pre- inspiring for my daughters. vocational program. My job is giving them a high The program allowed spirit to strive to achieve their Aboriginal employees to rotate goals,” says Troy Erlandson through a range of operational when asked how his work at departments and contractors The Granites gold mine has to gain on the job skills and a affected his family in Alice deeper understanding of the Springs. types of work available on the Troy has been working mine site. at Newmont’s mine in the Troy tried cleaning, Tanami where he has been an maintenance and core Underground Truck Driver for sampling but what he enjoyed six of the past 11 years. most was earth moving with “This job came from nothing Cardinal Contractors. and I achieved something that It allowed him to spend I’ve always wanted to, drive the next three years working heavy machinery. I can say above ground, learning the proudly that I did achieve it,” tools of the trade and getting says Troy. tickets for excavators, trucks, Troy Erlandson has worked at Newmont’s Granites Mine for more than a decade. Troy’s work ethic seems graders, loaders and dozers. to have rubbed off on his When Cardinal left the night shift. Two weeks on, through the work and site.” footsteps. one off. Absolutely it was Troy puts his success down “He has been in the job “I’m trying to be a role model. hard to adjust to and it is still to self-belief, as well as a little for the long haul. Anyone challenging even now,” he help from old and new friends interested in mining jobs When new Aboriginal staff start I’ve says. and family. should contact the CLC “My family have been “Steven Collins and Richard because we can put them in also been really happy to help out.” supportive and helped me get Mack have been an inspiration touch with opportunities to through the 11 years out there. to me, plus there are heaps of pick up knowledge and skills. daughters Georgie and Lacey. Granites operation Troy It’s something my family are friends and family there that If they are ready to back “One has completed year transferred into a position proud of. help keep your spirit alive. It’s themselves we’ll support them 12 and is working now and with Newmont. I’m trying to be a role always good to see familiar like we supported Troy.” the other is completing her Along the way there have model. When new Aboriginal faces and I have made friends schooling, too.” been many challenges. staff start I’ve also been really now from all over.” For more information In 2007 the CLC’s “It can be hard work. happy to help out. They ask The CLC’s Tony Renehan contact Tony’s team on employment and enterprise Working 12 hour shifts for me to spend a bit of time says his team is keen to help 8951 6211. team helped Troy to land a 14 days, half day shift, half off the truck and I talk them others to follow in Troy’s 12 November 2016 NEWS Bookie business legacy lives on TANYA DIXON has kept her father after the country, its history, and how Lindsay Bookie’s 4WD tour business to talk with tourists and make them going after the former Central Land feel comfortable, sharing stories. Council chair passed away in 2014. This year has been a pretty good In the last decade of his life Mr season. Bookie had worked hard with his The tourists came from everywhere friend and business associate Jol – New South Wales, Victoria, Fleming to create a campground Queensland, Tasmania, overseas. along the banks of the Hay River in Most are really good. Sometimes the northern Simpson Desert. we’ll have dinner together or have They turned the camp and the a cup of tea by the campfire in the 4WD tours through surrounding evening. See how they are going. country into one the Northern We also take them on 4WD tours Territory’s best known remote into the hills or Goyder’s Pillar and tourism and adventure activities. share stories. We tell them about bush Ms Dixon told Land Rights foods and the country. News how her family looks after One of us will go if there are only Tanya Dixon (right) is passing on her know how to daughter Katrina: “ Dad did the same for me.” the business during the March to four people, or all of us with a big November tourist season. group. We go turn and turn. “I have been running the bush camp This year my daughter Katrina has after my Dad passed away. been coming along and learning to I wanted to keep the campground drive the bush tracks. Dad did the going for the family and show people same for me. I still remember being you can run your own business. scared going up the big hill. Also, I like learning from the visitors “He told us it was our - getting ideas about the camp, what they need and don’t need. job to take it over when They always say they like the bush he retired.” camp and to keep its character. They also tell you something different, It has been a really big learning about what they do. experience for me, James, and our Some visitors offer help to make daughter Katrina, having to jump in things, especially the ones who met Mr Bookie’s family improved its popular Batton Hill tourist camp with the help of the CLC. so unexpectedly. Dad. They keep on coming back and From the start when Dad ran it I say it’s good that I am taking it over. This year the CLC helped to get It is good to see the little fellows, went out on weekends and school I get good help from Jol Fleming, tourism money for improving the Isaac and Rekai, my father’s great holidays to help. Most of the family too. He has been a really great friend camp. We added toilets, graded tracks, grandsons, enjoying being out there would help. of my father and the family for a long made a new rubbish pit, signage and on school holidays. They get up early, He told us it was our job to take it time. water pump. go looking for lizards, happy playing. over when he retired. He helps with organising the CLC For me it’s important to be out there. That’s what Dad said: ‘we gotta pass Every time I went out I learned more transit permits, tagalong trips, and It is something to do instead of sitting it on’. He was really proud of this from him. Learning about looking bore and equipment maintenance. around at home, bored. business for the family.” More support for Aboriginal uni students FEDERAL Indigenous Affairs Minister Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nigel Scullion has said the Australian people have increased by 70 percent government is investing in better over the past decade, but those Ring road education outcomes for Aboriginal students are two and a half times more and other disadvantaged university likely than non-indigenous students students. to drop out of university in their first Senator Scullion said legal changes year. diverts tourists introduced to Parliament in September “These reforms mean that aim to help universities to tailor universities can tailor scholarships, assistance so more of these students tutorial assistance and other support graduate and take up professional and to address the needs of each student,” academic careers. he said. from Watarrka He said university enrolments by outstation Huckitta steers sell TOURIST coaches headed the Abbott and Breaden for an Aboriginal tourism families. business in Watarrka “The road is a blessing for National Park are no longer our business”, said Karrke’s disturbing an outstation. director Peter Abbott. A new ring road is bringing “It is going good, even peace and quiet back to the after all the late rains we residents of Wanmara, a had, it has held up well.” small outstation off the The Watarrka traditional Luritja Road, with its own owner group invested tourism business. more than $18,000 of their The new road connects national park rent money in the dirt road to Wanmara the road. with the site of the Karrke It planned the project with Aboriginal Cultural the Central Land Council’s Experience, bypassing the community development outstation. team and partnered with The development improves Tangentyere Constructions, access for the tour groups who employed Aboriginal Mustering success: Huckitta Station’s Jeremiah Webb and the team sold 192 milk tooth visiting the enterprise of staff to construct the road. steers at the Roe Creek Sale.

November 2016 13 40 YEARS OF LAND RIGHTS FREEDOM DAY& 40th LAND RIGHTS ANNIVERSARY 40 YEARS OF LAND RIGHTS NEWS Dialysis patients return from medical exile DIALYSIS patients from scheme that pays for patients family, all my grandchildren.” Kalkaringi living in ‘medical to travel to Kalkaringi on Hilda’s daughter Christine exile’ in faraway Darwin or the Bodhi Bus and use the Alec is happy about spending Katherine can now return home for part of the year and “I’m really glad when I come here. When get their dialysis treatment in nearby Lajamanu. I’m in Darwin I have no family, nothing.” Community lease money committed by Kalkaringi Gurindji Corporation’s patient more time with her mother. traditional owners is allowing transport service for the “I follow my mum to dialysis patients to be reunited 200 kilometre return trip to Lajamanu for dialysis,” she with their families for longer Lajamanu’s dialysis facility. says. periods. “Dialysis in Lajamanu is “If she couldn’t come here Traditional owners have good for me,” says Hilda Alec, she would still be staying up committed $88,000 through who gets lonely when she has in Darwin. the Western Desert Nganampa to travel for treatment in Now she gets to spend four Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Darwin. weeks at a time at home in Aboriginal Corporation to “I’m really glad when I come Kalkaringi every four weeks. make it all possible. here. When I’m in Darwin I In Lajamanu, [dialysis The Central Land Council’s have no family, nothing. No nurses] Chris and Noelene are Patrick Jimmy regularly drives Kalkaringi patients Carol Cook, community development Christine and Hilda Alec to the Lajamanu dialysis centre. family visits me. When I am doing the best job.” unit helped them plan the in Kalkaringi I am with all my Watarrka pokies? Wiya! Colouring towards clear thinking (continued from p.5) the framework relevant to “Most people hanging any installation of gaming around the casino in Alice machines.” Springs don’t have any He said the resort would money. All they do is wait for adhere by “stringent controls family so they can humbug and regulations … to both them,” he says. mitigate and minimise the Residents also worry that potential social and economic gambling visitors will bring impacts” of gambling trouble to Watarrka or cause machines. new disputes that impact on CLC director David Ross community safety. says that gambling machines “If something happens are a bad fit with the nature it would be too late for the and culture focus of the police to come from Yulara,” internationally significant warns Mr Impu. conservation area. Mr France is upset that the “There is also something resort has not spoken to the really off about being unable community about its pokies to enjoy the spectacular plan. living landscape of Watarrka “It’s making them more without needing to gamble,” Mamie Butler, Karen Cook, Nora Davidson, Sylvia Benson, Roslyn Yiparti and Margaret Smith (front row) launch the NPY Women’s Council’s colouring book. Their CEO Andrea Mason is the NT’s 2016 Telstra Businesswoman of the Year. money but what do we get Mr Ross says. out of that? We really need “Most visitors from around MANY people find that achieve a state of balance.” The project shares the them to talk to us.” the world don’t miss the ‘doodling’ helps them to focus It’s a view shared by fellow knowledge that comes out A spokesman for the Kings pokies when there’s so much in meetings, but it takes the ngankari and artist Tinpulya of these workshops with Canyon Resort says the natural beauty to explore. entrepreneurial women of the Mervyn.“Colouring it in will mainstream health service resort wants to “work with Do we really want those who NPY Women’s Council to turn make you happy,” she says. providers as well as Aboriginal traditional owners to create do?” doodles into book sales. Many of the book’s unique families and communities The senior Anangu women and elaborate designs are a in the cross border area driving the NPY Women’s by-product of the meetings of the Northern Territory, Council’s innovative mental and workshops Uti Kulintjaku South Australia and Western health literacy project Uti organises for Aboriginal Australia. “Out of control” domestic violence crisis triggers action Kulintjaku are cashing in on a and non-Aboriginal health “I don’t know of a colouring colouring-in craze with a book workers to develop a shared in book by an Aboriginal A SPECIALIST domestic courts and the government they say will “help you move language for mental health. organisation and it’s violence court in Alice was working to trial this “as towards clear thinking”. Uti Kulintjaku (Pitjant- fantastic that the first one Springs, a volumetric grog soon as possible”. “Each design is intended to jatjara for ‘to think and has been done here in Central tax and a register of repeat “I think a separate court is take you to a better place,” understand clearly’) Australia,” NPY Women’s DV offenders are all on the a lot better than just giving it said ngankari (traditional brings together ngankari Council CEO Andrea Mason table following harrowing a priority within the courts healer) Maringka Burton, and mainstream health said at the book launch. findings from the Northern themselves,” Territory whose designs feature in the professionals who are opening Colouring Towards Clear Territory coroner. opposition leader Gary book. up mental health concepts Thinking is for sale through Following a report Higgins agreed. “Colouring and focusing from both Aboriginal and the NPY Women’s Council’s into the deaths of two The family violence on our designs will help you western viewpoints. online shop. Aboriginal women in prevention program abusive relationships, manager for Tangentyere coroner Greg Cavanagh Council, Maree Corbo, has described domestic violence also backed the trial. Central land CounCil online as a “contagion” that was She told the ABC the “literally out of control” in existing court building ClC digital photo archive: http://clc.keepingculture.com some NT communities. lacked space for the Mr Cavanagh’s call for domestic violence support ClC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CentrallC domestic violence matters worker to have private to be fast tracked and conversations with women land Rights news Central Australia prioritised in court has before they give evidence http://www.clc.org.au/land-rights-news/ received wide support. against their abusers. NT Families Minister Dale “Men and women are ClC website: www.clc.org.au Wakefield said research often in the same court ClC FReeCAll 1800 003 640 backed the use of special DV room. Those things are

16 November 2016 NEWS Men move to change their own bad behaviours CONTACTS

Men’s Behaviour Change Program 8952 1430 1/39 Elder Street Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

NPY Cross Border Indigenous Family Violence Program 1800 733 577 or 8951 5437

Women’s Family Safety Group 8951 4222 Women’s Family Safety Taking responsibility, not judging: Program participants David Long, Jaiden Miller, Franklin Brokus and Ronald Hoosan show there is a better way. Group “I DON’T want to go to the “Being violent is about talk about what we’ve done. “Men learn how to speak to work with town camp women. murder stage, I want to talk having power and control,” Fearing others judging.” women, how to be respectful “It is not about shaming, about my feelings,” says program manager Maree It’s a lack of finger pointing and to see what is a respectful disrespecting, putting men Sylvester Hayes. Corbo says. “Men need to from other group members and equal relationship down or influencing the Mr Hayes knows that work out their need of control however, that contributes to between a male and a female family to finish a relationship. family violence starts with and need to start making the participants feeling “more because sometimes they’ve It is about educating men and controlling behaviours such right choices. confident and stronger”. never seen it before,” says women to have a happier and as stopping a family member facilitator Eliza Arbaci. healthier relationship,” Ms from going out or owning A similar program operates Corbo said. their own mobile phone. “I am proud, [the program] in 24 remote communities Hoppy’s Camp now has It can be emotional, in South Australia, Western a women’s committee that psychological, social, spiritual, Australia and the Northern was established by Shirleen financial, sexual and – once makes me see things and life Territory. Campbell after her aunty controlling behaviours have More than 500 men have Kwementyaye McCormack become normal for the family in a different way. I reckon completed the NPY Women’s was killed by her partner in – physical. Council’s Cross Border 2015. And too often, it leads to it’s a better life, and happier.” Indigenous Family Violence Ms Campbell said the prison, child removal or the Program since 2007. women’s committee has death of a loved one. An evaluation of the witnessed a drop in violent Mr Hayes has been attending “It’s actually liberating to Mr Hayes hopes speaking program by the Australian incidents at Hoppy’s. Tangentyere Council’s Men’s think that you’ve got a choice out will “give confidence to Institute of Criminology has Meanwhile, Helen Gillen, Behaviour Change program about your behaviour.” other men to be part of the shown that over a five-year another town camp resident, for four months. Mr Hayes agrees. group”. period, almost eight in 10 has invited the Prime Minister The program, run in “I am proud, it makes me see Weekly sessions are run by men who participated did not Malcolm Turnbull “to come partnership with the Alice things and life in a different both men and women and commit a violence offence. and see what’s happening Springs Women’s Shelter, way,” he says. “I reckon it’s a while men are often sent to The Women’s Family here”. helps men understand why better life, and happier. the program by the court, Safety Group at Tangentyere “With his own eyes he can they use violence and to help “The first time, it was hard every man who is ready to Council also carries out early see what’s going on with the them adopt better strategies. to bring out feelings. Hard to change is welcome. intervention and prevention women’s group,” she said. “Out of control” domestic violence crisis triggers action unacceptable for women,” Ms and not just isolated to the with Aboriginal women,” she the banned drinkers register domestic violence. Corbo said. victim”. said. and keeping police outside “Mr Mundine oversaw and Ms Wakefield had no Mr Kershaw said a register The police commissioner bottle shops. endorsed a half a billion dollar time table for the trial and would support the evidence revealed that almost 75,000 Meanwhile, academic reduction in the Aboriginal said changes needed to put police officers will collect with cases of domestic violence Marcia Langton said the Affairs budget and funding domestic violence victims first. body cameras, a new measure were reported in the last three next Aboriginal and Torres cuts to crucial programs that “We’re trying to get an designed to reduce the years and that in eight out of 10 Strait Islander social justice address domestic violence, outcome that is meaningful commissioner must be a including defunding the and effective rather than Aboriginal women and men have been working woman in order to arrest Aboriginal child and family following a drum beat down a against family violence at the community soaring rates of violence centres right across Australia; path that’s easy to sell to the against women and children, reducing legal services to public,” she said. level “without any funding and support and of children being removed Aboriginal women and the Chief Minister Michael for a very long time.” from their homes. complete withdrawal of federal Gunner promised to work Professor Langton has sent funding from community- with the South Australian pressure on victims in court. of these cases both perpetrator the federal government a list based programs that directly government on another of the Ms Wakefield said the and victim were Aboriginal. of female candidates to fill the address domestic violence.” coroner’s recommendations government was looking at Every one of the 23 domestic role recently vacated by Mick “Work has been going on in - a register for repeat DV how to implement such a violence deaths during that Gooda. the Aboriginal space on family offenders. register and how DV victims period involved alcohol, he Domestic violence survivor violence by many women and NT Police Commissioner would benefit. said. and Labor MP Linda Burney men, particularly women at the Reece Kershaw said such a “Whatever we put in place Ms Wakefield promised has called out the Federal local community level without register would “enable police needs to take the particular to lobby Canberra for a Government’s indigenous any funding and support for a to declare the most violent needs of that group into volumetric tax that would affairs adviser Warren very long time,” she said. and repeat offenders as a consideration and the only way make cheap, strong grog more Mundine for accusing community/public safety risk to do this is to consult strongly expensive, as well bring back Aboriginal MPs of silence on

November 2016 17 Fired up about more ranger jobs

Camilla Young would like to be a ranger in Kintore, a community without a ranger group.

CAMILLA YOUNG was moved to tears Protected Area. when she visited for the first time Rangers from WA who knew how to the country where her grandparents use the aerial incendiary machine had travelled. the elders’ blessing to lead the way. “My grandmother used to go there as “It shows that cultural boundaries a young one and look after [a sacred don’t align with state borders,” Ben Ranger Angela Lyons from Blackstone with the aerial incendiary machine. site], and she showed [my father] Joe said. before she passed away. I just cried,” “We now plan to include CLC rangers the 27 year old mother of one told The in Docker River on the next aerial Guardian news service. burning course. It’s an essential land Ms Young joined around 30 traditional management tool in such a large and owners and rangers from the Central inaccessible region.” Land Council and the Ngaanyatjarra As for Camilla Young, the visit to Council on a three-day burning and her grandparents’ country was an site management visit to the NT/WA inspiration. cross border area near Tjukurla. “I would like to be a ranger to visit and She had never been on a prescribed take care of my country,” she said. burn before and knew her nomadic Ms Young, who has never had a paid grandparents’ country only from the job, is keen for her home community of stories they told after they settled in Kintore to set up a ranger group. Kintore. “Youths are wandering around the “I am learning about my grandmother’s community, sitting there, being bored country. She used to walk here a long and doing nothing. We need rangers.” Site visit planning in the men’s camp. “I am learning about my grandmother’s country. She used to walk here a long time ago, before she passed away in Kintore.” time ago, before she passed away in Ms Young’s father Joe is one of many Kintore. My grandparents walked CLC delegates agitating for more together and had their children there,” ranger jobs. she said. “I’m really concerned about this “It’s the first time, so it makes me because talking with the young people, happy. We went into the helicopter to they don’t listen to us, they don’t go find the sacred sites we never been to.” visit their country, they don’t look While the rangers used the chopper around, anything like this,” he told The for aerial burning traditional owners Guardian. rediscovered and identified sites that “They just stop in the town area, doing have not been visited for decades. nothing. Aranda area, Pitjantjatjara, Even some elders knew these sites Warlpiri people, everywhere, we’re Traditional owners plan site visits. only from what their parents and trying to stop these bad things. They’re grandparents told them. killing themselves. We’re trying to Burning trips guided by the elders are make it better.” a rare opportunity for people in remote Mr Young told the news service a communities to visit their country. ranger program would deliver both “It’s as much about visiting remote work and culture. country as it is about doing fire “This mob, I can see the old fellas management work”, said the CLC’s they’ve got their young fellas with Ben Kaethner, who supports warlu them and they know the countryside. and waru committees made up by I want to teach them properly, teach custodians from three jurisdictions. them youngest ones.” The committees plan and implement The CLC is one of many organisations fire management across state borders. campaigning for more ranger jobs. The Tjukurla trip was the first time For more information about the aerial burning was used in the NT’s Country Needs People campaign, new Katiti-Petermann Indigenous go to goo.gl/YpGK5z CLC ranger Mary Gibson leads the ground burning. 18 November 2016 NEWS The bilby’s future is in the hands of the rangers

Indigenous ranger groups map bilby habitats during the first Ninu Festival: Only four of the CLC’s 11 ranger groups can find signs of bilbies still living in their work area. (Photo: Kate Crossing) A FESTIVAL in a remote Central where the Kiwirrkurra Indigenous Mr Marlton marvelled at Protected Area. Australian community has left Protected Area is home to some Napangarti’s ability to not only spot Wildlife ecologist Rachel Paltridge, Aboriginal rangers optimistic about healthy bilby populations and some tracks five metres away and identify who helps with Kiwirrkurra’s bilby the future of the bilby, or ninu as it’s of the best trackers. them as a bilby, but to also know program, said investing in Aboriginal known in Pintubi. At the three-day event rangers which bilby it was and doing so while rangers who are managing “a truly The first Ninu Festival in the West and custodians told scientists, driving through the spinifex in a four massive area of millions and millions Australian community of Kiwirrkurra, conservation and government workers wheel drive. of hectares” is the key. near the Northern Territory border, about their efforts to protect the ninu. “I was expecting to hear that it was “If we can ensure that everyone energised rangers from 20 different Kirwirrkurra ranger Sally Napurula also carrying its shopping and was has the best available information, groups about saving the ninu. Butler explained some of the methods feeling a bit better as it ‘had a cold training and resources to implement They met with scientists in the rangers use to grow the ninu’s on Tuesday’,” he wrote. management programs we will be in a Kiwirrkurra in June to share population. “‘We tracked the ninu for half really good position to save the bilby,” traditional and contemporary “Setting up cameras at burrows, a kilometre to its burrow and she said. knowledge about the threatened hunting cats and making little fires, apparently when the bilby went in a Festival organisers, the Indigenous snake came out, they could tell from Desert Alliance, which includes the the tracks.” Central Land Council, promotes “We tracked the ninu for half a kilometre to its The Ninu Festival left the roughly collaboration among indigenous land burrow and apparently when the bilby went in a 120 participants motivated to keep managers from the desert. looking after the bilby. “It aims to keep desert country snake came out, they could tell from the tracks.” “We have returned to Mulan re- healthy and its people strong,” the energised about bilbies and feeling alliance’s Kate Crossing said. species and to celebrate its cultural so when it rains lots of grass seeds proud to stand tall and continue “The future of the ninu is well significance to Aboriginal people. grow up for ninu,” she said. our work,” said Erin Flynn, the co- and truly in the hands of our ranger The bilby’s habitat has shrunk by Ranger groups from across the ordinator of the Paruku Indigenous groups.” 80 percent in the last century, largely desert trialled drones to survey thanks to feral cats and foxes. bilbies, experimented with a new cat Its last refuges are on Aboriginal trap and carried out a joint mapping land in the border region of Western exercise. Australia and the Northern Territory “They handed out maps of various bits of country to all the different mobs and said draw on this map where ninu are, where foxes are and where dingoes are. Everyone then drew all over these maps and the scientists were all, ‘This is the greatest day of my life’, and everyone was really pleased,” The Guardian’s cartoonist Andrew Marlton wrote. The ranger’s tracking skills also impressed Mr Marlton. “Yukultji Napangarti was riding shotgun in the front car,” he recalled. Courtesy of Guardian News and Media Ltd. News of Guardian Courtesy “As she was looking out the window she said, ‘Oh that’s the crippled one.” Yukultji Napangarti tracked a ninu to its burrow.

New Mutitjulu ranger group to start up at last

MUTITJULU will finally get its The new Mutitjulu rangers will new ranger group in October own ranger group. help the existing Kaltukatjara last year, during the 30th Almost a year after promising ranger group in Docker River anniversary celebrations of the the community a ranger to manage the vast Katiti Uluru handback, and the CLC group federal Indigenous Petermann Indigenous Protected had been negotiating with the Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion Area that surrounds the Uluru government ever since. has approved funding until Kata Tjuta National Park. CLC rangers receive intensive mid-2018. The group will operate out of mentoring and support and this The decision allows the Central the CLC’s Mutitjulu office and should put the Mutitjulu rangers Land Council to hire up to five Parks Australia’s premises. in a better position to win and rangers and a co-ordinator. The minister promised the hold jobs inside the park. The Katiti Petermann Indigenous Protected Area.

November 2016 19 NEWS Digital storybook puts custodians in control

Any questions about CLC business? Call your regional officers:

1. ALICE SPRINGS Nigel Lockyer, Warlpiri rangers take part in video production at Sangsters Bore on the Southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area. (Photo: Ken Johnson) 8951 6264 THE SOUTHERN Tanami Indigenous involved in IPA and ranger group enjoyed working with elders, school Protected Area (IPA) management activities.” children, CLC staff, film makers and 2. SOUTH WEST plan was created after a great amount A digital management plan would designers. Allan Randall, of input from Yapa. tick all those boxes. “I found it interesting - people getting 8956 2119 But despite their involvement, the “Everyone is into technology now, together, sharing ideas and getting finished product remained a mystery you don’t get time to read a book involved in making videos,” she said. 3. NORTH WEST to many traditional owners. sometimes,” explained Mr Kelly. Poor internet access in remote The Central Land Council developed However, when a digital plan of the communities made it necessary to Rob Roy, the IPA management plan with type that was needed couldn’t be found develop two versions of the storybook. 8975 0885 traditional owners over a number of anywhere in the world traditional One is available online, and the years, but wrote it with a mainstream owners had to create their own. second is a desktop application people 4. TANAMI audience in mind. The result of more than two years can access at community learning Alan Dickson, It is full of talk of “values”, “issues of research and development, trial centres. 8956 4118 and opportunities”, “management and error is a digital storybook.The Custodians can also watch the video objectives” and “strategies” - hardly storybook has the chapters and content stories on home televisions or game 5. WEST ideal for the land managers themselves of the IPA management plan but no consoles from a DVD. whose first language is Warlpiri and text. Best of all, other IPA or ranger Vacant (Marty Darr), who may not speak or read English groups are welcome to adapt the CLC’s 8951 6255 well. “We want Warlpiri to understand free digital storybook template to their Southern Tanami IPA co-ordinating too, young and old, sharing.” needs. 6. TENNANT CREEK council member, Madeline Dixon, The creators of the storybook hope Darryl “Tiger” Fitz, summed up the issue. it will empower indigenous people 8962 2343 “We want Warlpiri to understand “We replaced written words with everywhere by giving them a better too, young and old, sharing,” she said. multimedia in Warlpiri, such as short understanding of land management. 7. EASTERN “For young kids to listen, learn, videos, audio, animation, diagrams They’re already thinking of how the SANDOVER understand, build their knowledge and interactive maps,” Ms Burke said. concept can be further developed and Jesyjames Carr, and pass it on,” added her colleague Voice navigational prompts and taken to the world. 8956 9955 Preston Kelly. icons allow viewers to move through “It’ll be good for other cultures to “We needed a management plan the plan as they choose. see,” Mr Kelly said, while Ms Dixon 8. EASTERN PLENTY that put Yapa in control,” CLC project The project brought together dozens suggested Walpiri subtitles could Richard Dodd, officer Julia Burke said. of people to write and edit scripts, improve the storybook concept even 8956 9722 “We also wanted it to entertain and produce videos, design and test the further. enthuse them, grow their pride and storybook. The storybook is at www. 9. CENTRAL ownership and inspire them to get As one of the directors, Ms Dixon walyaku.org.au. Lawrie Liddle, Rangers join record ranks of graduates 8952 6256

Proud graduates Frazer Oliver, Craig Le Rossignol, Farron Gorey, Shannon Lander, Christopher Ungwanaka, Obed Ratara, Preston Kelly, Ryan Raggett, Dan Pepperill, Georgina Yates, Anthony Petrick, Malcolm Kenny and Jeremy Kenny after the graduation ceremony.

CENTRAL LAND COUNCIL rangers “I want to learn more,” he said. The CLC rangers were part of a The ceremony featured the highest with brand new conservation and Farron Gorey added: “Being group of 149 students graduating number of Batchelor students land management certificates made graduates makes us want to keep on across a range of disciplines. graduating together in more than a up a record number of Batchelor doing training and courses.” “I know that the qualification you decade. graduates this year. The study wasn’t without its are about to receive will make a real “There are more than 700 Drum Atweme, of Yipirinya School, challenges though and the travel to difference,” Batchelor Institute CEO qualification completions in 2015 and led the academic procession at the Batchelor made some rangers a bit Robert Somerville told the students. 2016 will see this rise to more than Desert Knowledge Precinct in Alice homesick. “And I trust that it will assist you 800,” Mr Somerville said. Springs in September while friends “It was hard because we had to come in achieving your own personal CAAMA broadcast the graduation and family cheered on the CLC’s 21 to town for the course so we were far aspirations. ceremony live, while Batchelor graduates. from family,” Malcolm Kenny said. Most importantly, that it enables graduate Debbon Webb from Atitjere “Our family was very proud,” said “I first felt shame when I put the you to make a real difference to our told the crowd about his journey to Frazer Oliver. yellow graduation gown on but I people, whether it be as a professional, becoming an educator at Bradshaw The graduation ceremony inspired saw that all the other rangers had it, a tradesperson, a leader or as a role Primary School in Alice Springs. Obed Ratara to keep going. (then) it felt normal.” model,” Mr Somerville said. 20 November 2016 NEWS

“Every photo tells a story isn't it? Keeping track of Stories are a record for the next old memories generations.”

Doris Stuart is pleased to get a copy of some photos of her in the 1980s. (Photo: Jenny Green)

PRECIOUS old records about includes researchers from these materials. the lives of Aboriginal people Sydney University and “We will ask people if they are at risk of being lost or Melbourne University, has would like copies and what forgotten. digitised items in old formats, they think about archiving “It worries me that things such as audio cassettes and and access,” said Jenny Green. have been collected and we VHS video recordings and “We want to hear from don’t know where they will scanned thousands of photos. community members how to end up,” said Arrernte elder In July, project team make it easier to find and use Veronica Dobson. member Myfany Turpin archival materials and to keep “Young people don’t know presented Wilora community important cultural materials where to look. Information is members and Neutral safe for future generations.” sitting idle. It needs to be used Junction school with copies Mparntwe elder Doris by rangers, for language work of the first sound recordings Stuart was pleased to look at and for research.” of the Kaytetye language, as some photos of herself from A new project called Re- well as sign language filmed the 1980s. integrating Central Australian there in 1985. But she was also sad to see community cultural “I was excited to see my that, in the captions of some collections aims to improve aunt demonstrate hand signs old photos, Aboriginal people access to these records. for the days of the week. This were nameless and their The CLC and two of is something I’m hoping to connection to parts of their Australia’s top universities incorporate into our language history has been lost. joined forces last year to find program,” said teacher Alison “There has to be some out how Aboriginal people can Ross. recognition of who they are, find out where recordings of Funding from the Australian how they looked, and what their relatives are and what Research Council allows the they stood for,” she said. the rules are for getting copies project team to spend the next “Every photo tells a story Leonard Kunoth, his son Jimmy and his daughter Sherana enjoy photos and laudio of them. two years travelling to remote isn't it? Stories are a record recordings of Leonard’s father, at Utopia in the 1980s. (Photo: Jenny Green) The project team, which communities to consult about for the next generations.” Vale Kaytetye language champion Kwementyaye Hayes

KWEMENTYAYE (Emily) for 18 years. in 2002, with many other Hayes Ampetyane was a She returned to Barrow indigenous translators and strong advocate for holding Creek to work and regained people documenting their on to Aboriginal languages, fluency in her first language. languages. especially her Kaytetye Kwementyaye was One of the jobs she enjoyed mother tongue. passionate about language. the most was working with Kwementyaye was born In the 1980s she took up her cousin, the late Don Ross, in Barrow Creek and passed a DJ job where she proudly on his autobiography The away in September at the spoke and delivered her Versatile Man (IAD Press). age of 83 years in the Alice program in Kaytetye on She interviewed him and Springs Hospital. CAAMA Radio. The Kaytetye translated his Kaytetye The mother of Kwemen- Show was much loved by her stories, and those of many tyaye’s father was from relatives out in the bush. other relatives that she had Akalperre, just south of Kwementyaye was also recorded in the Nganampa Barrow Creek. Her mother a registered Kaytetye Anwernekenhe series and the was from Warlekerlange, near interpreter. She worked in Kaytetye Show for CAAMA. Barrow Creek. the courts, hospital, various Kwementyaye also helped As a girl, Kwementyaye was government institutions and Aboriginal people of the sent to Colebrook Home in for film, radio and television, Stolen Generation to link up South Australia, along with where she also appeared on with their relatives. her siblings where they were camera from time to time. Her experience of growing taught literacy and numeracy. She was one of the up away from her own family, At that time there were no instigators of, and enthusiastic and with many children who educational opportunities in contributors to, the Kaytetye had been forcibly removed the Barrow Creek region. Dictionary project at the from their families, would She moved to Alice Springs Institute for Aboriginal have given her an affinity and in the care of her eldest Development, translating empathy with them. brother Frank and under the stories, discussing words and Kwementyaye has done wing and watchful eye of his their meanings, teaching and much to help keep the wife Elsie. assisting in field trips. Kaytetye language being Kwementyaye Hayes, 2002. (Photo: Myfany Turpin) Kwementyaye worked in Her exceptional bilingual heard today. various jobs and guest houses skills made it thrilling to work She was a proud Kaytetye four children Janicea, great-great grandchildren. in town, including the Tea Pot with her. woman who loved and cared Christine, Maria, Alan and Inn (now Bojangles) and the She attended the Aboriginal for her family deeply. 16 grandchildren and 58 By Myfany Turpin, with Alice Springs Hospital laundry Languages Institute in Sydney She leaves behind her great grandchildren and six Christine and Maria Palmer November 2016 21 ARTS ‘My future is in my hands’ wins theme of the competition indicates the national significance of land rights in Australia’s history. She said Ms Rubuntja’s work “captures the moment – the zeitgeist – of Aboriginal experience today. “The artists in this exhibition tell us that our land is sentient and infused with the spirit of ancestral presence, the myriad dreaming stories that are our inheritance – that land rights means the right to retain and maintain cultural heritage and to defend and protect cultural rights, the intellectual property of our community and the right to control the creation and marketing of this unique asset,” she said. “It is the right to a home and, for some, offers a way to find your way back home.” “Land rights have given us a future,” Ms Perkins said, “It is the future of our people”, symbolised by the moment when Vincent Lingiari “received the soil of his country back into his hands for safekeeping”. David Frank’s painting Our Future celebrated this moment and earned him the CLC Delegates’ Choice Award. Members voted for the Indulkana artist’s work during their historic joint meeting with the Northern Land Council in Kalkaringi in August. CLC director David Ross told the large opening Marlene Rubuntja with CLC Chair Francis Kelly in front of her winning work My future is in my hands. night crowd that the connection between art and “I’M SO proud of myself,” Marlene Rubuntja told the the television towers rising behind them. politics is nowhere clearer than in the fight for land packed Tangentyere Artists gallery after winning the Ms Rubuntja’s artist’s statement explained that rights. inaugural Vincent Lingiari Art Award. her work was inspired by the fight for land rights in “The power of our art has always been critical to Standing beside Mr Lingiari’s son Timmy Vincent Alice Springs town camps, and reflected on how life the power of our land rights,” he said. and Central Land Council deputy chair Sammy had changed since white settlement. “Art is part of this particular leg of the land rights Butcher, Ms Rubuntja said she had not been able The artist used to live in the creek, “just like that journey, just as it was with us at the first legs – and to sleep the night before. homeless mob, poor things, who I saw in the city”, long, long before that.” She told the ABC she was shocked at winning the until her father and uncle and “lots of other strong The award, a collaboration between the CLC and $15,000 prize for her soft sculpture My future is in people” built the camps. Desart, marked the 40th anniversary of the passing my hands. “We had to fix things up ourselves,” Ms Rubuntja’s of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and 50 years since “I can’t tell you but my heart is pounding, I can’t artist’s statement said. the Wave Hill Walk Off. believe it that I’ve won,” she said. “All over my body “Now we have 18 town camps, homes for our “Both events have been really pivotal in ensuring is just happiness, everywhere!” children. We have safety. I have my family living and asserting Aboriginal rights to land,” said Desart Ms Rubuntja said she made the sculpture to show all around me. And I have a beautiful view. They can CEO Philip Watkins. “that I am strong” and also “for my father”, former have their million dollar view in the city; I’ve got the Mr Watkins said Aboriginal art played an important CLC chair Wenten Rubuntja. MacDonnell Ranges for my view.” role in changing social, cultural and political attitudes The winning work consists of three soft-sculpted Curator Hetti Perkins, daughter of prominent towards indigenous issues. and embroidered figures representing the artist with Aboriginal activist and the CLC’s first chair, Charlie “Aboriginal art, the contemporary art, has been a coolamon on her head, and two little girls. Perkins, had the difficult job of choosing a winner used in a way that asserts our identity as Aboriginal They stand in front of an embroidered and from among 23 shortlisted works. people of this region and it has been used in a number appliquéd backdrop of her home in Yarrenyty Arltere Ms Perkins said the range and quality of works of ways to assert ownership to land, both in land (Larapinta Valley) town camp, with the ranges and produced for the Our Land Our Life Our Future claims and in political messages to government.”

Visitors check out Nyurpaya Kaika Burton’s sculpture Self Portrait (centre). The Our Land, Our Life, Our Future exhibition celebrated the significance of land rights.

CLC deputy chair Sammy Butcher (with microphone) launched the Our Land, Our Life, Our Future exhibition with Vincent Lingiari’s family, David Frank, David Ross and Philip Watkins.

22 November 2016 ARTS Kungka Kutjara inspires artists

David Frank, Peter Mungkuri, Vincent Namatjira, Tiger Yaltangki from Iwantja Arts.

Kathryn Queama is happy to have two new initiatives supporting Kaltukatjara artists.

ARTISTS in the south-west of the $80,000 of its lease money to plug Territory have at least two reasons to some of the financial holes that had feel confident about the future: a new kept the doors shut. art centre in Kaltukatjara and a new It used the money to employ an art art shop in Alice Springs. centre manager for six months, buy art The community-owned Kungka and office materials and to contribute Kutjara Aboriginal Art Centre in to the operational costs, all with the Kaltukatjara (Docker River) and the help of the Central Land Council’s new art shop of the same name in community development program. Alice Springs’ Kidman Street are both Partner organisation Desart had named after a dreaming story that is secured Aboriginal Benefits Account The CLC will display Delegates’ Choice Award winner Our Future along with Vincent’ especially important to women. funding for a manager’s house and an Namatjira’s painting of the same historical moment in its Alice Springs office. One month after Roslyn Yiparti art centre vehicle while Tjarlirli Arts in and Marlene Abbott opened the new nearby Tjukurla community sourced Kaltukatjara studio, the Kungka funds for Aboriginal art worker Kutjara Art Shop opened its doors in positions and operations. Alice Springs. “Both centres will continue to Artist Kathryn Queama said the shop pool resources, with the Tjarlirli was an idea of Kaltukatjara artists who manager supporting her colleague are working for the dole. at Kaltukatjara,” Desart’s Executive “All the other people can go to the Officer Philip Watkins said. new arts centre,” Ms Queama said. “The community’s investment means Kaltukatjara’s new art centre is their new art centre is getting the partnering with the established best start possible. An experienced Tjarlirli Art Centre in Tjukurla, just manager on the ground is critical for across the West Australian border. establishing the systems and building Kaltukatjara got its centre off the local skills.” ground after investing approximately Willowra’s got talent, will travel

The National Gallery bought Copyright for Namatjira by the artist’s granddaughter Gloria Pannka, “a very clear and direct reference to what is really a travesty for that family in that they don’t hold the copyright for the late great Albert Namatjira’s work” (Hetti Perkins).

The Lander River Band at the Bush Bands Bash. (Photo: Oliver Eclipse)

THE LANDER River Band’s gig Youth Development Aboriginal at the hugely popular Bush Bands Corporation (WYDAC) to look Bash in Alice Springs was boosted after the music equipment because by an injection of funds from the it wanted to contribute to youth community’s lease money project. activities that bring the community The money paid for more than together. $12,000 worth of music equipment Band members are returning and has allowed the band to perform the favour by giving music lessons far and wide, as well as treat their to WYDAC’s youth program home community of Willowra to participants and PAW Media concerts. borrowed the equipment to deliver Willowra picked the Warlpiri a song recording workshop. Gloria Pannka worked on the collaborative painting Yipirinya Dreaming.

November 2016 23 INTERNATIONAL Cameroon seeks a new approach to education INDIGENOUS peoples of the French with pick axes. As the tree gives way, speaking African nation of Cameroon women and children scurry to its trunk are facing many of the same education where honey bees have built a colony. dilemmas as Australia’s Aboriginal The Baka’s deep link to nature has peoples. made attempts to introduce formal The balance between tradition and education a long and convoluted school attendance is foremost. process. In Boui, a small village in the Sarah Tucker, a consultant with Boumba and Ngoko Division of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Cameroon’s South-East Region, only says many Baka parents don’t see the one of the 30 Baka children who benefits of modern education. enrolled in the Ntam Carrefours’ “Sending a child to school and school two years ago is still going to making them stay in school demands a school. lot of sacrifices for parents, you know, All the others have dropped out to perhaps they can go into the forest and join their parents in their traditional do their traditional activities, and so Baka hunter-gatherer role. they don’t see a lot of the benefits of David Angoula, a Baka parent these sacrifices,” says Tucker. Bilingual education would help Baka kids to learn. (Photo: Ngala Killian Chimtom/IPS) curriculum, special lessons and special to the Baka traditional calendar. This “Our parents left us a school in the forest, and it is methods used for Baka Education to means not teaching around January that school that parents have to show their children be successful.” and December for instance, that Cameroon’s government is working involves students going with their so that they don’t forget their ancestors’ culture.” with partners such as the WWF parents and spending weeks in the and the Baka themselves to craft an forest…and also adapting teaching whose two sons left school to become Still, the Baka are aware that for approach to make Baka education methods to Baka culture. hunters, says the Baka have a school them to survive in a fast changing successful. So using examples from the forest in the forest bequeathed to them by world, they need to acquaint But, progress is slow. Both Ter and their way of life, and also using their ancestors. themselves with modern education. Heedge and Tucker say it begins with more games, activities and discovering “We go to the forest to look for food,” “The education of peoples like the taking into consideration the Baka way hands-on participative learning Angoula explains. “Our parents left Baka is very different from educating of life. because that is what Baka students us a school in the forest, and it is that other peoples in Cameroon,” says “There is endless literature and love doing most.” school that parents have to show their Martiyn Ter Heedge, WWF program information that confirms that the best Ter Heedge agrees. children so that they don’t forget their officer in the Campo Ma’an National way for students to learn is to learn “It is important that in primary ancestors’ culture.” Park in Cameroon’s south. first in their local language,” Tucker education the option for bilingual Angoula’s sons are among the Baka “I think it’s clearly understood now says. education exists - bilingual meaning men here chopping away at a huge tree that there needs to be a special kind of “Also adapting the school calendar the Baka language and French.” Native Americans unite to stop oil pipeline disregard and suppression of construction on one area of Indigenous rights, and Dakota the pipeline pending further Access is yet another example review and consultation with of that system in play,” the tribes. Indigenous Environmental “The Corps of Engineers’ Network’s Dallas Goldtooth failure to hold meaningful said. consultation with our tribe “On behalf of our rights and before approving construction the sanctity of Mother Earth of the Dakota Access Pipeline we must keep fossil fuels in is a violation of our rights,” the ground, we must and chair of the Standing Rock will stop the Dakota Access Sioux Tribe Dave Archambault pipeline.” Jr. said. President Obama referred to “The Obama administration the Standing Rock Sioux in his has been an ally of the tribes remarks to the conference. and we appreciate that he “I know many of you have will ask federal agencies come together, across tribes to consider treaty rights in and across the country, to making decisions regarding support the community at natural resource projects.” Standing Rock and together With the fate of the pipeline A rally against the construction of the pipeline (Photo: Sacred Stone Camp) you’re making your voices now in President Obama’s heard,” he said. hands, tribal leaders and HUNDREDS of Native more than 4,000 people in under multiple bodies of After a court found in favor their allies are urging him American tribes are protesting resistance camps on site in water, including the Missouri of the pipeline, three US to challenge the fossil fuel against the construction of a North Dakota. River close to the Standing government departments industry and stop the project 1,886 kilometre oil pipeline The $3.8 billion pipeline, Rock Sioux tribe’s reservation. issued a joint statement permanently. and have pleaded with United undertaken by oil company The project has been met that temporarily stopped with widespread criticism “On behalf of our rights and the sanctity as it would destroy sacred and culturally important of Mother Earth we must keep fossil fuels landscapes. in the ground, we must and will stop the In solidarity with the resistance camps at Standing Dakota Access pipeline.” Rock, hundreds also protested against the pipeline outside States President Barak Obama Energy Transfer Partners President Obama’s final to step in. and the United States Army White House Tribal Nations More than 200 tribes have Corps of Engineers, is to Conference in September. joined the Standing Rock transport more than half a Several First Nations leaders Sioux in the fight against the million barrels of oil per day addressed the crowd. Dakota Access pipeline with to Illinois. “We are fighting an entire reports suggesting there are If built, it would be laid system predicated upon the 1,886 km pipeline route

24 November 2016 INTERNATIONAL Latin America’s first peoples fight biopirates

CONCERNS are growing their knowledge, also known around the world over a as intellectual property. profit oriented approach to Indigenous groups and biodiversity and whether civil society organisations the knowledge of indigenous complain that the protocol peoples is sufficiently recognises intellectual protected under current laws. property rights for so-called In July 2015, the Mexican bioprospectors - research government allowed a United centres or companies hunting Bioprospecting (some call it biopiracy) is the systematic search for, classification of, and research into new elements in genetic material with economic value.

States company to use genetic for biological information material obtained in Mexico. from which they can profit. The agreement benefits the Bioprospecting is the An indigenous farmer holds native coffee grains he grows in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. The sharing of benefits generated by genetic resources has become a controversial issue throughout Latin US company Bion2 Inc, about systematic search for, America. (Photo: Emilio Godoy/IPS) which very little is known. classification of, and research Prior, informed consent into new elements in genetic Food Sovereignty Rolando become private property. Lily Rodríguez, a researcher from the organisation or material with economic value. Lemus said. The laws curb the country’s with the Institute for Food individual who holds right Those opposed to the Mr Lemus said the use adherence to the Nagoya and Resource Economics at of access to the material was practice call it biopiracy. of biodiversity is part of Protocol. Germany’s Bonn University, allegedly secured. In Guatemala, indigenous the culture and daily life of A report on biopiracy in said. However, the file hides the groups have fought their indigenous people, whose Ecuador released in June, “If the legislation says that identity of this rightsholder country’s inclusion in the worldview “does not allow accused Australia, Belgium, they will only negotiate prior and of the genetic material protocol, which it signed profiting from ancestral France, Germany, Israel, the consent, including clauses on that was obtained, because the in 2014 and in June the knowhow”. Netherlands, South Korea, mutually agreed conditions information is confidential. country’s Constitutional Court Between 2000 and 2005, the United Kingdom and the – if they aren’t in a position Such confidentiality suspended the protocol. Bolivia granted 10 genetic United States of improperly to negotiate, it would be good practices have raised concerns “We are opposed because resources access contracts, out exploiting biological wealth. if the government supported about the proper enforcement it was approved without the of 60 requests filed. Several Of 128 identified patents, them so the negotiations of a United Nations protocol necessary number of votes of them involved quinoa and companies from the US hold would be more equitable and on access to and sharing in Congress, indigenous other crops from the Andean 35, from Germany 33, from favourable for native peoples,” of benefits from the use of people were not consulted, mountains. the Netherlands 17 and from she argued. genetic materials, the building and it gives permission for Two of them were for Australia 15. The questions covered by blocks of life. experimentation with and commercial uses, but since “It all depends on how the Nagoya Protocol will be The so-called Nagoya the transfer and consumption new laws were passed in the governments of each debated at an international Protocol aims to ensure that of transgenics,” the head of Bolivia in 2010, ecosystems country protect indigenous meeting in December in the original guardians are not the Guatemalan National cannot be treated as people, in accordance with Mexican city of Cancun. deprived of the benefits of Network for the Defence of commodities and cannot their own legal frameworks,” Kimberley land struggle features in global report that protect sacred cultural for Aboriginal people in the sites, the undermining of Kimberley, which are key successful carbon offset to ending inequality,” Mr projects and moves to force McCaul said. indigenous peoples to give up KLC Chief Executive Nolan their land rights by creating Hunter said that after almost new conservation reserves. four decades fighting for the Oxfam Australia’s recognition of land rights, Aboriginal and Torres Strait discriminatory actions were Islander People’s Program preventing Aboriginal people Manager Justin McCaul said from fully exercising their the Kimberley was the only rights. region within a rich and highly “The real issue we are developed nation represented facing is that state land in the report. administration does not Worldwide threats to land rights include the forced closure of Aboriginal communities says an Oxfam report. “We are in some ways less recognise native title,” Mr supportive of indigenous land Hunter said. ONGOING attempts to been raising the alarm about and security, as well as the rights than some developing “Indigenous people have undermine native title in a great global land rush since environment. nations,” Mr McCaul said. looked after country for Australia’s Kimberley region 2009. Part of Oxfam’s Land “And as the KLC (Kimberley thousands of years and we have been highlighted in a It says investors have Rights Now campaign, the Land Council) experience must be supported to do this new Oxfam global report acquired millions of hectares report says Aboriginal people highlights, there is a tendency through indigenous protected pushing for the land rights of of land to meet rising demand in Australia’s Kimberley to violate and undermine the areas and sole indigenous indigenous peoples across the for food and biofuels, or face a situation where West rights of indigenous peoples. land management. world. for speculation, with more Australian Government policy “The Kimberley case study is “With a state election The Custodians of the Land, than half of deals covering and action is actively seeking an example of the continuous looming in March, now is Defenders of our Future communal lands claimed by to weaken rights to native struggle that Aboriginal the time for politicians to report highlights a global land indigenous peoples and small title. people face to not only achieve listen to indigenous voices to rush that is forcing millions of communities. Threats include the forced native title, but maintain strengthen and protect our indigenous people from their Oxfam says the world is closure of remote Aboriginal those rights. right to manage native title homelands. in the midst of the single communities, which will “Strong land rights are once and for all,” he said. International development biggest attack on people’s disconnect people from their vital for the development More information at organisation Oxfam says it has identity, rights, livelihoods land, the weakening of laws of economic opportunities www.landrightsnow.org. November 2016 25 SPORTS Break out year for prisoners’ football team A TEAM of prisoners has in the BAFL once they are contested a Barkly Australian released from the work camp,” Football League (BAFL) grand Mr Measures said. final for the first time. “It has proved to be a win- The Barkly Work Camp win situation for everyone Allstars lost to the reigning involved and has definitely premiers, Sporties Spitfires, in improved the skills and Tennant Creek in September, confidence within the team.” but that did nothing to Final scores: Sporties dampen their enthusiasm. Spitfires 12.13 (85) to BWC BWC Chief Correctional Allstars 7.8 (50). Officer Danny Measures said Spitfires goal scorers: the players put in a great Thomas Gillett 4, Antonio effort. Riley 2, C. Mills, Nick Foster, “For them, it was all about Leo Walden, Darrell Lowe, participation,” Mr Measures Troy Gillett and Lachlan said. Lake one each. Allstars “Here at the work camp, goal scorers: Dallas Scobie playing in the BAFL is part of 4, Tony Morgan 2 and Sean the community reintegration Willy 1. process. So they were pretty Spitfires best players: pleased with themselves Steven Lawton, Matthew getting that far.” The Barkly Work Camp Allstars take on the Sporties Spitfires (Photo Tenant Creek Times). Green, Thomas Gillett, The grand final may have Danyon Kerrin, Farron James been the first time a team of started well and it was a pretty congratulations to [Spitfires and scorers. and Troy Gillett. prisoners played in an official good game in the first half but coach] Randall Gould and “For these past two years, as Allstars best: Floyd Ellis, affiliated football league game after that BWC Allstars’ levels his team, especially to Farron fully accredited players in the Tony Morgan, Dallas Scobie, in Australia. of fitness dropped somewhat. James (who was awarded league, they have facilitated Leon Andrew, Edwin Cook Mr Measures said last year “During the third quarter it best on ground in the grand and managed the program and Keith Walker. the BWC Allstars’ finished was telling that the Spitfires final) and Thomas Gillett - two themselves,” he said. Other teams in this year’s fourth on the ladder after had fresh legs and they outstanding players who made “They have completed basic league (in final ladder order) being eliminated in the first propelled the Spitfires to a 25 the difference between the two umpiring courses and have were Elliott, Janapurlalki semifinal. point lead at the three quarter teams.” held official capacities with Eagles, YDU, Ali Curung and “This year they contributed time break. Mr Measures, who has run the AFLNT, AFL Central Ammaroo. well throughout the season, “The Spitfires were able to the BWC program since its Australia and the BAFL. a testament to just how far maintain that lead throughout establishment in 2011, says “What many don’t realise is This is an edited version of the program has come in two the last quarter, running out prisoners have been assisting that being a part of the BWC a story that appeared in the years,” he said. 35 point winners. the BAFL all along as goal, Allstars has allowed many of Tennant Creek and District “In last Saturday’s final they “Full credit and field and boundary umpires the prisoners to participate Times. In Utju, being able to play is a victory

NTARIA may have beaten its the Finke River Mission, used we want to save up to do it host Utju (Areyonga) in the the money to pay for football again next year,” he said. footy competition, but the and softball equipment, Another working group home side chalked up a win trophies, to hire equipment, member, Jonathon Doolan, anyway for holding its first bands and footy umpires. also doesn’t want to wait sports carnival in seven years. Working group member another seven years for the A commitment of more Gordon Tiger said the carnival next sports weekend. than $13,000 from Utju’s gave people across the region “We want to keep it going. It’s community lease money a chance to display their skills good, but we want to help the meant the carnival could go and socialise. kids too. We could include ahead over a weekend in May. “It all went really well, the them more next time, give Utju’s chosen project partner, community was really proud, them a running race.” Winners all ‘round at Utju’s first sports carnival in seven years.

Congratulations to NT State Championship Division 2 Women’s Softball winners from the Western Desert: LEFT to RIGHT (BACK ROW): Phyllis Rowe (coach), Tenisha Gallagher, Jacinta Miller, Felicia Inkamala, Nikasha Michaels and Rosemary Poulson (FRONT ROW): Rita Djana, Sylvia Sharpe, Karey Major and Nereda Roberts and Anisha Gorey, (Photo: MacDonnell Regional Council)

26 November 2016 SOCIAL

Anawari Winmati, Daphne Puntjina, Ijawali Bert, Theresa Nipper, Wilma Dixon and Judy Brumby take time out from a trip to Pantu to smell the wildflowers.

Mutitjulu working group members David Pearce, Malya Teamay, Dorethea Randall, Judy Trigger, Colin Armstrong and Evonne Taylor celebrate their oval upgrade at the community’s picnic day. CLC policy team Jayne Weepers and Josie Douglas at Kalkaringi. Congratulations to our top kitty killers

Rangers Christine Michaels-Ellis from Yarrungkanyi traditional owners monitored the laying of Telstra’s optic cable along the Tanami road. Nyirrpi (right) and Yukultji Napangarti Ward from Kiwirrkurra (left) have won the 2016 WA and NT Feral Cat Hunting Awards for killing more feral cats than anyone else in their communities.

November 2016 27 “I NEVER USED TO GET ANY MONEY.” At the station [Mount Riddock], I was a child minder. I used to look after the children of the two managers. But I also used to work ironing clothes, and sometimes washing plates. I worked in the kitchen helping with the cooking and doing things like making the gravy. I set the tables for the station people, carefully wiping the knives and forks and putting them in place. Then after that I’d get all the plates and wash them and dry them until they were sparkling clean before I put them back in their rightful places. Then I would wash the saucepans and frying pans. After that I’d clean the inside of the house and mop the floors. After washing the floors, I’d go – like, after lunch we’d take the children back and put them to sleep. After the children were settled down to sleep, in the afternoon, the ironing would start again. I never used to get any money. I just used to work in the same place that I boarded. Other days the floors would be washed with a bucket and a rag. I used to mop the spot where the whitefellas walked backwards and forwards.

~ Margaret Kemarre Turner ~ Excerpt from Every hill got a story

For more information go to clc.org.au/every-hill-got-a-story

Photo coutesy of Stehlow Research Centre, SRC Jaeschkle 0170. Soap making. Photo coutesy of Stehlow Research Centre, SRC Doing the ironing at Hermannsburg. Photo coutesy of Stehlow Gross 0012. Research Centre, SRC Gross 0058.