By Martin Iltis
ADELAIDE — On March 8, more than 2000 people took part in actions in support of reconciliation and native title.
Around 1200 people gathered at Hindmarsh Square for the Show Your Hand Parade before marching to Rymill Park to link up with the Sea of Hands.
The parade, organised by the Defend Native Title Campaign (DNTC), was led by Aboriginal dancers who were part of a fantastic spectacle of colour and noise. This included giant hands symbolising reconciliation, a giant silver robotic marcher — the most visible sign of support from performers in the Fringe and Adelaide Festivals — and an array of musical performers and banners from unions and political organisations. A concert took place after the crowd had listened to speakers.
Earlier, parade participants at Hindmarsh Square heard Fiona Kerr, speaking on behalf of DNTC, explain how present native title provisions do not go far enough in compensating the dispossession that has occurred since European invasion. She stated that both major political parties are responsible for the continuing disadvantages that indigenous people face.
Kirsty Parker, chairperson of the Aboriginal arts and cultural institute, Tandanya, spoke about the positive contribution that artists can make to the campaign.
At the Sea of Hands, speakers included Lois O'Donoghue, Parry Aigus from the National Indigenous Working Group and Margaret Sexton, the president of the SA Trades and Labour Council.
While all speakers took up the divisive politics of the Liberals' Native Title Amendment Bill, there was no criticism of the ALP's willingness to support most of the bill.
Sexton, a member of the ALP, even congratulated Senator Nick Bolkus, who was present, for his part in negotiating amendments to the bill.
The anti-racism movement's independence from the major parties is an absolute necessity, according to DNTC and Resistance activist Emma Webb. "Of course we need to oppose the vicious attacks of the Liberals, but the movement must also oppose the policies of the ALP. In government, it refused to implement most recommendations of the Aboriginal deaths in custody report and, under pressure from the mining companies, it also reneged on its uniform land rights policy. In opposition, it has shown itself unwilling to challenge Howard's racist agenda."
A planning meeting open to all who wish to discuss further events in defence of native title has been organised by the Defend Native Title Campaign. For more details, see Meetings ... Parties ... Anything.