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In the our 4th Monthly forum, the Australian Centre for Democracy and Justice join up with Friends of the Earth to present Monica Morgan (Yorta Yorta Joint Body) and Jonathan La Nauze
(Friends of the Earth Melbourne) discuss how the proposed Victorian
Aboriginal Heritage Act removes control of Aboriginal cultural heritage
from Traditional Owners as well as environmentalists collaborating with
Traditional Owners on the Murray River.
Speaking Up for Country
New Victorian legislation threatening the rights of Traditional Owners
Continuing the struggle for justice in Barmah-Millewa
The proposed Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act removes the control
of Aboriginal cultural heritage from Traditional Owners. Their right to
prevent developments that would damage cultural heritage – enjoyed
under current legislation – will be subject to review to the Victorian
Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), who have neither particular
expertise in cultural heritage nor the right to speak for country.
Furthermore, Traditional Owners – the only people who can speak for
country – will not recognised in the proposed Act. Rather, any
Indigenous group with historical or contemporary associations with
country may become Registered Aboriginal Parties.
Monica Morgan will outline the concerns of the Yorta Yorta Nation with the proposed legislation, and their plans to oppose it.
This will be followed by a presentation from Jonathan La Nauze on
environmentalists collaborating with Traditional Owners on the Murray
River. He will report-back on a recent conference on Indigenous Rights
to Red Gum Forests, and discuss how the non-Indigenous community can
support justice for Indigenous people through the Barmah-Millewa
campaign for a jointly managed National Park.
When: 7pm Tuesday 29th November 2005
Where: Evatt Room @ Trades Hall (cnr Lygon St and Victoria St Carlton)
Cost: $5 (Free for ACDJ members)
You can download a flyer HERE
Speakers
- Monica Morgan is a Yorta Yorta woman from Echuca on
Dhungalla (the River Murray). She has fought for Yorta Yorta
sovereignty all of her life, including 10 years coordinating the Yorta
Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation. She is currently the Research
Officer for the Yorta Yorta Joint Body.
- Jonathan La Nauze is an environmental and Indigenous
solidarity activist who also grew up on Dhungalla, in Albury. Now based
at Friends of the Earth, he coordinates the Barmah-Millewa Campaign, a
landmark collaboration between environmentalists and Traditional
Owners.
- Moderated by Hammy Goonan (Australian Centre for Democracy and Justice).
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