Welcome to 2024! A new year and new hope, after a difficult 2023 and time to reflect after the referendum result.
Within ANTaR ACT, we will initially focus on the upcoming ACT election. The very poor health and justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT are not acceptable. We want all parties and candidates to commit to strong polices that make a difference, and for these to be highlighted in their election campaigns. The ACT voted Yes to a voice – we need to build on this to address local issues.
David Hunter Memorial Lecture 2024
Our first event for the year will be our annual David Hunter Memorial Lecture, delayed from 2023. The theme is ACT-ION – ACT Indigenous Outcomes Now!!
We will hear from some local First Nations advocates trying to bring about change, through health and justice programs designed for First Nations children, families, and youth. The speakers will set out the actions needed to improve the outcomes for First Nations people and communities in the ACT.
Save the date – 6pm, Tuesday 5 March – in person at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Barton, and online. We’ll share more details about speakers soon.
ANTaR ACT Organising Group
We welcome those who want to get more involved to join the ANTaR ACT organising group, to be part of our ongoing advocacy and actions. Our next meeting is on Monday 5 February, 6pm, via Zoom. If you are interested, email info@antaract.org.au and we will send you a link.
Queensland path to treaty
Following the referendum result, the Queensland opposition withdrew its support for the bipartisan path to treaty process. A petition supporting the repeal of the path to treaty has over 6,000 signatures.
In response, Queenslanders in support of the path to treaty process have started their own petition. IN SUPPORT OF THE PATH TO TREATY ACT 2023 | Queensland Parliament. Please share this with any Queensland resident you know who might sign to show there is still community support for a path to treaty. The petition is open until Sunday 11 Feb 2024.
Sovereignty Day Rally 2024
Organised by the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Join at the rallying point in Garema Place, before a Sovereignty Day protest march to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
For more information, see: Facebook event: Canberra Sovereignty Day Rally 2024.
For other Survival Day events around the country, see this list on the ANTAR National website: Survival Day Events Listing — ANTAR. If you are on the south coast, there is an event at Bermagui: Bermagui Survival Day | Facebook.
Canberra events and news
Emily Kam Kngwarray
National Gallery of Australia, until 28 Apr 2024 | Ticketed
The National Gallery’s major exhibition on the life and art of Emily Kam Kngwarray brings together important works of Kngwarray’s career, from early vibrant batiks to her later monumental paintings. For more information and bookings, see: Emily Kam Kngwarray – NGA.
WINHANGANHA
A film from acclaimed Wiradjuri poet and artist Jazz Money, WINHANGANHA (Wiradjuri language: Remember, know, think) is a lyrical journey of archival footage and sound, poetry and original composition. It examines how archives and the legacies of collection affect First Nations people and wider Australia.
JANUARY 26 SPECIAL SCREENING: 1pm, Friday 26 January @ Arc Cinema, NFSA, Acton. Free event – book online.
Community Day at the Museum
The National Museum of Australia is presenting a free all ages event lakeside, with music, dance, art, conversation and connection. Featuring local and regional First Nations Traditional Custodians, along with musicians, poets, artists and performers from diverse backgrounds, they invite you to immerse yourself in a day that considers what it means to belong.
Friday 26 January 2024, 10am–2pm. For more details see: Community Day 2024 – Australia Day at the Museum | National Museum of Australia (nma.gov.au).
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Indigenous knowledges informing our modern world
Last year we promoted the Australian Academy of Science 2023 lecture series Looking Back, Moving Forward: Indigenous knowledges informing our modern world.
Through the series, Indigenous researchers and advocates spoke about the knowledge systems, collaborations, programs and research projects being carried out across Australia with and in support of Indigenous communities. You can view event recordings from 2023 here.
The Academy encourages further engagement and support of the Indigenous organisations that were represented throughout the series, so you can keep up to date with the amazing work being done in and for Indigenous communities around Australia. Links for more information below.
- DeadlyScience
- CareerTrackers
- The First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders read the stars
- Warddeken Land Management
- Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN)
- Arnhem Land Fire Abatement (ALFA)
- Karrkad Kanjdji Trust (KKT)
- Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research
- Country Needs People
ANTaR ACT wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Canberra is situated, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region. We would also like to acknowledge other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may visit this area.