Lore of the land as First Nations people take on BHP
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First Nations people in West Australia's Pilbara iron ore region are taking on BHP Billiton over its claim for leases covering 200 square kilometres of their tribal country.
Asserting Australia's First Nations Sovereignty into Governance
Western Australia
Governments fail to protect one of the world's important sites from vandals
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Further damage by vandals has been discovered at the site of some of the world's oldest and largest Aboriginal carvings, which have laid undisturbed for centuries on the Burrup Peninsula. Not only is the site vulnerable to the destruction of country meted out some of Australia's biggest mining projects, but there is also a total failure of governments to protect the site from grand theft and casual vandals.
The true owners say they do not want to have to close off areas to the public.
Proposed WA Aboriginal Heritage Act : The Upsides and the Downsides explained
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A great overview of the proposed changes in the WA heritage Act - The new and the old - the good and the bad by Nicholas Herriman of Latrobe University.
The fast pace of development in WA has destroyed much First Nations heritage. In recognition of this, WA’s parliament passed, in 1972, the Aboriginal Heritage Act. Now they propose an updated model but the revisions will make it easier for developers to disturb heritage sites.
Wong-goo-tt-oo elder sings about the spiritual and cultural importance of the Burrup rock art
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Tim and Wilfred were preparing to return home, filmmaker Ellie Gilbert was able to video Tim Douglas singing again at the Canberra Airport - Also available on Vimeo
Ngaanyatjarra elder attends Indigenous Conference in Hawaii
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Kirstyn March, Rebecca Brewin ABC Goldfields 18 June 2014
Warburton elder Daisy Ward recently left Australia for the first time to attend the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education.
A community hunted onto the streets in the name of Redevelopment
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In May 2003, Robert Bropho, (Now deceased) was charged with rape at the Swan Valley community.
On the same day Bevan Carter, the deputy Mayor of the Town of Bassendean, said he 'suspected a link' between closure of the camp and government plans to develop the land.[1]
Robert Bropho, Susan Taylor and the Western Australian Government
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Gerry Georgatos The Stringer 13 May 2014
Rally plan to protest site demolition
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The First Nation Swan Valley community was closed down amid allegations of violence and abuse, but many residents want to return because they don't feel safe in government housing ... not to mention the cultural wealth and self determination value.
Government racism razes Swan Valley Nyungah Community
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Gerry Georgatos The Stringer 18 March 2014