Dear all,
This email will attempt to update everyone on what is happening during the
olympics in Sydney. As people may be aware there will be a number of
different Indigenous protests held during the period. There are political
differences within the Indigenous movement which have meant that there will
not be one rally or focual point on September 15.
Over the last few months we have been very active in trying to build
support for Indigenous rights during the Olympic period and beyond. Our
starting point was that we supported a united gathering point for the
largest number of people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to show support
for Indigenous rights. We did not want to take sides between the various
Indigenous groups and wanted to offer solidarity with all who were active
in the struggle.
To make sure everyone is informed here is an outline of the various
Indigenous events which will be taking place:
The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal land Council have a cultural pavilion
inside the Olympic venue which will operate during the Olympics. It has
also come to light that they will be holding a rally on Septemebr 15 at
10am at Redfern Oval which will march to Howards office in the city. They
will be holding a rally on the 22nd at Redfern Oval marching to Olympic
Security Office and on the 29th marching from Redfern Oval at 10am to Town
Hall.
Before the Olympics start they will also be lining the route from the
airport from the 1oth to the 14th.
The Tent Embassy will be continuing with plans to hold a rally on the 15th
at 10am in Victoria Park. This rally will be coordinated by the Tent
Embassy and those at the Tent Embassy will be determining what happens on
the day including speakers, demands, process. A decision will be made by
those there whether, if at all, this gathering will march and to where.
This rally is not organised by the Anti-Olympic Alliance. People travelling
from arond Australia are welcome to camp at the Tent Embassy. They will
also be coordinating a Corroboree for Soverienty from the 14th to the 1st
of October.
At this stage both groups have said they do not want to meet up with each
other on the 15th.
We will be building all events during the Olympic period and encourage as
many people are possible to show their support by coming to Sydney and
participating. The response to the statement of support for the Victoria
Park rally was OVERWHELMING (hundreds of names!) and this is a really
fantastic sign of people's solidarity.
It is unfortunate that people will have to choose on the 15th which event
that they support but this does not diminish the importance of showing our
solidarity with Indigenous rights during the Olympics. By participating in
some way we are making the MORE important choice of supporting the struggle
for justice for Indigenous people.
In solidarity,
Kim Bullimore, active in Indigenous Student's Network and the Anti-Olympic
Alliance
Zanny Begg, active in Indigenous Solidarity Action and the Anti-Olympic
Alliance.
LL.NI
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