Where is the coverage?
It took a New Zealand newspaper to give coverage of a Native title claim in Australia. Lake Eyre is a scared site to local indigenous people and fear for it’s ecosystem as human impact increases. “For us, it’s a sacred place. It’s like Uluru [Ayers Rock],” says Aaron Stuart, chairman of the Arabunna’s native title claim.
For more:- The New Zealand Herald
Another important issue regarding Indigenous affairs and given zero coverage in Australia. And we wonder why there isn’t an educated debate about these issues. Report the news, not the gossip!
Posted on June 14, 2011, in For your information, News. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
1 Deadly Nation 
I’m a keen sailor AND outback traveller AND supporter of Aboriginal people’s right to land and culture (through life exposure, and family history). Not sure how that pigeonholes me, or how it prejudices what I want to say here…
I wonder if this issue has just got totally out of proportion because of personality and lack of open communication? Maybe I’m an idealist, but I reckon we can usually resolve stuff by talking. Acts of defiance (like sailing in spite of advice not to) doesn’t help. Relying on laws covering navigable waterways may be legal, but it would be much better to do it nicely.
I respect that trad beliefs may be offended boats on the lake – but a reasonable question has been asked ‘why has it never been an issue before?’ Explaining this would help.
Then there is the question of what is it that makes boats disrespectful of trad beliefs? Is there some way of uncovering what it is that trad beliefs are really expecting, in terms of respect for country.
Respect for country is something sailors naturally tend to do. Most sailors love the waterway they sail on – and certainly anyone making the trek to Lake Eyre (or insert applicable local traditional name here, according to clan group) will be committed to looking after it.
Now, it’s quite possible that the current commodore of the yacht club has rubbed a few feathers the wrong way, for whatever reason – I’m not going to rake over old coals. But it is also possible that with good talk and mutual respect e can turn this into something positive.
Describing the purpose of the club as a pastime for bored people is no more helpful than some of the negative comments rednecks make about indigenous people. Most people want to sail the lake because they love Australia’s landscape – and this is a real connection to a respect and love for country. It is an opportunity to build bridges to a better understanding of culture.
George of Patonga
Thanks for the comments George and I agree with you. I think we can and should attempt to tackle these issues with dialogue between the parties first and foremost.
I think we can respect indigenous rights and also all enjoy this great land for the recreational activities we love.
I believe this is probably one of those cases that could have been prevented before it began by simple consultation with the local Aboriginal people. I hope that is one thing we can encourage here at 1deadlynation.com
Aboriginal people can and should be included in discussions from the outset and we can avoid the need for lawyers, newspaper reports etc and all enjoy this country we love so much in a way that is respectful to all.
It is possible, more people need to voice the opinion that we can work that way.
Thanks again George,
Martin