Thousands joined the march for land rights and justice for First Nations people on July 12 as part of the annual NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) rally.
The “Keep the fire burning: Blak, Loud and Proud” theme celebrated “the unyielding spirit” of First Nations communities, inviting everyone to “stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced”.
The fire represents the “enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced”. “Blak, Loud and Proud” encapsulates the “unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world”.
The rally started early with Wurundjeri Gunnai Kurnai Elder Uncle Ringo Terrick and Gunai Mara Elder Uncle Robbie Thorpe addressing the crowd outside the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. Both encouraged people to visit Camp Sovereignty, which has been reestablished on Boonwurrung Country in the Kings Domain.
Gunditjmara First Nations People’s Ocean Defenders and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union brought contingents of supporters.
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First Nations-Palestinian solidarity was also expressed with many wearing keffiyehs and holding signs that said “No pride in genocide” and “From the river to the sea, always was, always will be Aboriginal land!”
Lots of families with young children joined the march, chanting “Land rights now!”, “Stop child removals” and “Support Treaty”.
Waka Waka Bundjilung Elder Aunty Rieo Ellis protested the fences that had been erected in one of the main CBD streets, saying: “This is our land. This is our day, and they have fenced us in.” Ellis is active in Grandmothers Against Removals.
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Protesters marched more than 2.5 kilometers from Fitzroy to the CBD, occupying multiple intersections, including outside Parliament House and Flinders and Swanston Streets.
They ended at Federation Square and heard from more speakers and musicians, including Aboriginal Kunai Gunditjmara hip hop artist Meriki Hood and Mutthi Mutthi Yorta Yorta Tongan independent rap and hip hop artist Crooked TP.
Uncle Robbie Thorpe encouraged support for independent Senator and DjabWurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman Lidia Thorpe’s new genocide bill, which aims to remove the ability of the attorney-general to block prosecution of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Submissions to the Genocide Bill Inquiry close on July 26.
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