ANTaR Update # 37 (Thursday 30th April, 1999)

Hi ANTaR supporters, CONTENTS: 1. May Day Parade/Activities 2. Report on ANTaR at the National Folk Festival 3. Next ANTaR Public Meeting, 11 May *************************** 1. MAY DAY PARADE/ACTIVITIES *************************** The union movement has a long history of supporting indigenous people's rights. With the latest attacks on native title and other indigenous rights, the union movement has continued to be a powerful supporter, especially through ANTaR. This year May Day falls at a time when this country is in a state of serious divide. Significant community outrage has developed over native title and the waterfront. It is important to make certain links between these two struggles. Firstly, the Federal Government and the National Farmers Federation leadership are key players in both struggles. In the case of the waterfront, the non-union labour being supplied to Patrick's Webb Dock in Melbourne comes from companies established by the NFF for this purpose. Secondly, the similiarities between the waterfront dispute and native title is that this Government has chosen a path of confrontation, minimal process and limited negotiations to resolve complex matters. The union movement has been an active supporter of native title and reconciliation and is a key constituency of ANTaR. It is a movement of much diversity, strength and potential. May Day recognises the struggles of unionism to defend workers rights to equal pay, safe workplaces and secure working conditions. This year ANTaR ACT will be particpating in the march to maintain a presence as well as to pay respect to the union movement which has been suportive of our struggle in very practical ways such as photocpying facilities (CPSU), faxstreaming (TLC), borrowing loudhalers (CFMEU, HUSA), putting up posters and publicising ANTaR events amongst various memeberships (CPSU, HUSA, AEU, MEAA, TLC) and generous donations (CPSU). We encourage you to coma along and march with ANTaR in the parade even if you are not a union member or strong believer in unions. Thursday 30th April 'Indigenous and Trade Union Response to Sesquicentenary of European Settlement' Dr. Stephen Holt and Jack Horner Australian Labor History Society (ACT Branch) Seminar 6-8pm, Canberra Workers Club Saturday 2nd May 10am May Day March from the Canberra Workers Club to Civic. Featuring Trades and Labour council and ArtsACT float, 'Spirit of May Day'. Also drama event by Hawker College students. At Garema Place there will be a rally including the Canberra Union Voices Choir and various speakers. Please come along even if you are not a union member. ALL WELCOME NOTE****ANTaR marchers meet on the steps of the Family Court from 9.40am to get a tshirt ($10 if you don't have one already) and a set of Sea of Hands hands to wave about in the march!****** ****************************************** 2. REPORT ON ANTaR AT THE NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL ****************************************** ANTaR was invited to participate in the National Folk Festival over Easter and we were pleased to be able to raise the profile of indigenous issues at the festival. The talking circle, forum on native title and indigenous concert were all well attended and 995 people joined in by putting their name on a hand in the Mini Sea of Hands (aka the"puddle"). These hands will go on to join the "Big Sea". Also heartening, is the number of people who visited the stall said that they had already signed a Citizen's Statement. We were able to raise some funds to allow us to continue supporting native title and reconciliation. Nearly $1,000 in donations was raised at the concert, and more through selling T-shirts, ribbons, armbands etc. The ANTaR events took up the time and energy of a large team of volunteers. Most people who offered to help on the stall stayed beyond their rostered time and dealt with high winds, rain and various small dramas with grace and good humour. Many thanks to all our wonderful volunteers and speakers who contributed so much to the festival. Thanks also for the support given to ANTaR by the festival organisers. One of the many positive outcomes of our involvement is that there is likely to be a larger focus on indigenous artists and issues at future National Folk Festivals. ****************************** 3. Next ANTaR Public Meeting, 11th May ****************************** The next ANTaR public meeting will be at 7pm on Wed 11th May, in the Fraser Room of the Workers Club. Speaker: to be announced. ************************** ANTaR ACT Contact Details: ************************** Community Aid Abroad 6257 4472 (bh), or Cate Buchanan 6247 0164 (h) e-mail: antaract@interline.com.au websites: http://www.antar.org.au (ACT) http://www.antar.org.au (national) National Clearinghouse (Sydney) 02-95556138 ANTaR - Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation *****Please forward this message on to other interested people****** *****GETTING ON/OFF THIS LIST: If you would like to be included on or taken off this list please email your request to antaract@interline.com.au and it will be done. This page was last modified on Tuesday, 12-Sep-2000 21:10:34 EST