Uplifting Aboriginals, a Matter of “Urgent National Significance”

09/07/2009 0 Comments read Indigenous

By Neena Bhandari

Wadeye (Australia), 09.07.2009 (IPS): In the remote Aboriginal town of Wadeye, 420 km south-west of Northern Territory’s capital, Darwin, third world living conditions still prevail despite the Australian Government’s efforts to improve life for its oldest inhabitants.

Wadeye, formerly known as Port Keats, has the largest Aboriginal community with a population of 2,500, comprising over 20 tribal groups speaking seven languages. The family and clan diversity in this remote community, some say, has led to simmering tensions which erupt into violence every now and then.

It is hot and muggy and the only sound is that of stirring leaves in the light breeze. From the desolate airstrip, the message on the posters, however, is loud and clear: “Don’t bring gunja into our town” and `No alcohol, no pornography’.

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Women’s courage help revive Outback community

15/06/2009 0 Comments read Gender, Indigenous

Photo Credit: © Neena Bhandari

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 15.06.2009 (Women’s Feature Service): Indigenous Aboriginal women from the remote Western Australian town of Fitzroy Crossing have saved their community from the scourge of alcohol abuse, domestic violence and foetal alcohol syndrome by successfully fighting for alcohol restrictions in the region. The town has a total population of 928 persons, with 67.3 per cent Indigenous persons.

In 2007, a group of courageous Aboriginal women in the outback town of Fitzroy Crossing decided enough was enough. Their community had experienced 13 suicides in 13 months and many premature deaths. Family violence and child abuse were rife and alcohol consumption was rising at an alarming rate.

“Growing alcohol consumption was decimating our community, which was numb with grief. So a group of us women, who feel strongly about social issues and want to improve the health and happiness of our community, supported by some men, made the hard decisions and collectively fought for alcohol restriction,” informs Emily Carter, Chairperson, Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre‘s (MWRC). The MWRC led this movement against alcohol from the front.

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Climate Change to further disadvantage Aboriginals

08/05/2009 0 Comments read Climate Change, Environment & Development, Indigenous

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 08.05.2009 (IPS): Climate change will further marginalise Australia’s Aboriginal communities, forcing them out of their traditional lands, destroying their culture and significantly affecting their access to water resources, indigenous rights advocates warn.

“As coastal and island communities confront rising sea levels, and inland areas become hotter and drier, indigenous people are at risk of further economic marginalisation, as well as potential dislocation from and exploitation of their traditional lands, waters and natural resources,” said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma.

Indigenous people have been living in close affinity with nature for thousands of years, preserving the environment and protecting the biodiversity.

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