Waitangi Day-Kulin Nations 08

In the Kulin Nations, Waitangi day for the whanau started with our tamariki holding our Tino Rangatiratanga flag A beautiful testament to 168 years of our Haapu and its resistance and struggle against colonial rule.

Peoples from all struggles gathered outside the NZ settler consulate on Waitangi Day.

After a welcome from our elder Nan Old (Taranaki), Cheryl (ISJA) read the Aboriginal Trent Embassy Declaration, as peoples resident in Melbourne that support Indigenous struggle we wanted publicly acknowledge and affirm the Sovereignty of Aboriginal Nations in Australia.

Sina read a statement from Te Ata Tino Toa, companera Tia Taurere, "The Tino Rangatiratanga flag symbolises the long tradition of struggle and resistance by Maori against colonisation and the Crown sponsored theft of Maori land and resources. It is a symbol used by Maori who continue to resist the pressures of colonisation and cultural and economic genocide. Such a concept embraces the spiritual link Maori have with 'Papatuanuku' (Earthmother) and is a part of the international drive by indigenous peoples for self determination."

Sina then set about shattering settler fairytales & mythology reminded the whanau gathered, that the Treaty of Waitangi still remains to be honoured 168 years after its signing. The NZ Settler Governments refused to sign the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous peoples and the recent human rights abuses of the peoples of Tuhoe by nga poaka on behalf of the NZ settler state.

Just like the crap served up on here recently on stray alia Day, what is the nz settler state celebrating? We are definitely not celebrating our lack of, Tino Rangatiratanga, Mana Motuhake, Sovereignty or Self Determination. That’s for sure.

Rayna Fahey (Green Party, Radical Mamma, Pakeha Anarchist) then spoke about decolonisation and anti racism, affirming Indigenous rights is about human rights and respect, “ Respect for people and respect for our environment, and what it means to live up to treaty obligations as a settler.

Marisol Salinas (Mapuche, Environmentalist) gave the solidarity of the Mapuche peoples for the Maori struggle for self-determination. The Mapuche are under siege by the Chilean state as they seek to defend heir lands from the greed of multi nationals and corrupt, racist governments.

Nick Chesterfield (Kaurna Nation) a seasoned campaigner for Indigenous rights in the Pacific, notably of late Nick’s mahi with West Papua has been inspiring.

He gave an awesome korero about Aboriginal Sovereignty, Indigenous Unity in the pacific region and the challenges we face as we resist colonisation in the Pacific.

We were then honoured to have the Aboriginal Tent embassy represented by long time freedom fighter Robbie Thorpe (Krautungalung, Gunnai Nation) addressed us. “Land thieving, colonising, genocidal racists,.” This is invasion, and colonisation means for Indigenous peoples. He then reiterated how crucial it is for us to support each other’s struggles in the Pacific. . Robbie gave good serve against the four setter gubbaments and their refusal to affirm Indigenous human rights to Self Determination at an International level. Shame all right.

With a large Australian Federal Police presence Robbie reminded us that in the Pacific Australia and NZ & Amerikka are the biggest colonisers. Sina expanded on the role the AFP has in the Pacific and how the have built up over the past 10 years their presence in the pacific, they are a deployable paramilitary police group, resourced to the hilt. They are as Kevin Carmody sings, “ terrorists dressed in uniforms under the protection of their law”. The use of paramilitary police style repression & humans rights abuses in Tuhoe recently looks like part of an over all picture of state/police repression of Indigenous peoples thorough the Pacific at the movement. Are our human rights the price we have to pay in the Pacific for Settler, Trade & security agreements and arrangements?

With the Mob converging on Kkkanberra for the opening of the Gubbament, Indigenous rights are gaining momentum both here and throughout the Pacific and the world. We are standing up, we are unified; there’s a change in the wind for sure.

Indigenous Gathering of the Americas -statement of the north

Introduction to the closing declaration of the pre-gathering at the Rancho Penasco , from October 7-9, brought to the attention of thousands of people at the first indigenous encounter of the Americas, hosted and called for by the National Indigenous Congress, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, and the traditional yaqui authorities.

A Night in Solidarity with Latin American grassroots movements

On Saturday the 10^th November in Melbourne, we shared inspirational stories of common struggle and resistance to the colonial & neo colonial beast that has ravaged (and continues) to ravage the world. Indigenous brothers from Bolivia and the Mapuche. Humble freedom fighters imbued with a great love & respect for their lands peoples & way of life, actively resisting.

Cristian Quechupan Mapuche Indigenous activist from Chile

“The Lands speaks to us, through nature we communicate and that shapes our lives.”

“Mapuche is part of everything, the land, the air, Mapuche is part of nature”

Fighting to recoup land and ceremonial spaces stripped and dispossessed by corporations and politicians. The Mapuche Peoples are challenging the Chilean governments agenda of the dispossession of the Mapuche peoples lands, of their identity and their right to exist as an Indigenous peoples.

The Chilean state is waging an undeclared war of extermination against the Mapuche. The Mapuche are another example of the criminalisation of Indigenous Struggle worldwide. The Mapuche have found that many of their leaders are being persecuted by anti terrorist laws, in joint media police & state campaigns vilifying the Mapuche peoples and their legitimate historical grievances against the Chilean State.

We can see in Chile and recently in Aotearoa that states have responded to the American ‘war on terror” with their own fabricated threats of ‘terror’, with authoritarian legislation, with states of emergency and attacks on civil liberties.

Often, draconian anti-terrorist legislation can mean virtually any form of political protest or dissent is criminalised. It is also a war against dissent against our capacity to resist injustice and oppression. It serves to terrorize dissent and to promote paranoia. Add centuries old racism against Indigenous peoples, this recent criminalisation fits well into the genocidal continuum that Indigenous peoples have been resisting for the past 515 years.

Cristian Quechupan however reminds us that the Mapuche are strong peoples and have the strength to struggle. The fighting spirit of Mapuche ancestors such as Lau Taro burns strong in the hearts of the Mapuche peoples. “Every day we get stronger”, “our relationship with Mother nature is strong “The political unity of the Mapuche grows stronger every day”.

Rosalio Tinta, Leader from Coalition in Defence of Life and Water-Bolivia Cochabamba

Rosalio brought greetings from our comrades and brothers and sisters in Bolivia.

As part of the co-ordinating committee for the Coalition in Defence of Life and Water, Rosalio has been in the front line in the battle against the globalisation/privatisation of water resources.

Rosalio emphasises that for indigenous people respect for the land is central to their way of life and to their struggle. Rosalio reminded us as well that Indigenous peoples have had these concerns and have been resisting for 515 years sine the Genocide of Columbus. Rosalio is a living example of the long history of Indigenous resistance to colonialism and imperialism in Bolivia. That despite repression, indigenous people have maintained, in the face of great opposition, a connection with the land, which is a powerful source of autonomy and a testament to their survival and strength.

Rosalio believes that the desire for freedom should be an inclusive one, and that we can create new concepts and constructs of freedom that don’t rely on Militarism and the destruction of our planet.

Sina Brown-Davis Polynesian Activist

Sina Brown-Davis then thanked her indigenous brothers for sharing their stories of their people’s struggles and triumphs. We then sought and received the unanimous support for the resolutions written below. The night continued with the powerful and passionate songs from Rebeca Godoy, a people’s struggle musician from Chile.

Rebeca Godoy

“Repression worldwide is intensifying for Indigenous peoples, the greed for the plunder of our resources and destruction of our identity is similar the entire world. Genocide keeps on perfecting itself, so you get a clear picture of what’s in store for us if we don’t assert our right to be and live as Indigenous peoples, determining our own lives from the basis of our lands and culture.”

“The struggle for the power to freely exercise the right of self-determination now takes on a new dimension–indigenous peoples themselves will now come to believe they not only have the right, but they have the duty to freely choose their own social, economic, political and cultural future. When they act of their own volition, those who opposed the Declaration and those who will obstruct its implementation will face increasingly determined nations seeking to be free. The struggle begins.”

We affirm tonight our solidarity & unity as Indigenous Peoples.

We seek to strengthen our political ties and cultural relationships as Indigenous peoples.

We acknowledge our struggles and our victories as survivors of colonisation and genocide.

We give our love and Solidarity to our Indigenous brothers and Sisters Worldwide that fight to defend their ancestral rights for their grand children’s grandchildren.

We condemn governments and corporations that repress and exploit Indigenous homelands and sacred sites. We condemn state repression and the criminalisation of Indigenous struggles.

We give our love and solidarity to Tame Iti & the Tuhoe peoples. We support the Mana Motuhake of Tuhoe, the human right of Tuhoe to determine their lives from the basis of the control of their lands and culture.

Related links:

http://www.mapuche-nation.org/

http://www.mapuche.info/mapu/euromapu071015eng.html

http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=10654

http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/

http://tuhoe.net/

http://latinlasnet.org/

Freedom for Leonard Peltier

Talking to my bro Robbie last week, he mentioned that Leonard has been incarcerated by the Amerikkkan state longer than Nelson Mandela...longer than, but never forgotten, to the four winds , grandfather we remember you and demand your freedom and our own. Indigenous Peoples world wide we are on the rise!!!!

"You are the message," Leonard says. And each of us is an "Army of One." This concept, as it touches one's conscience, effectively motivates persons to act as individuals on Leonard's behalf. Now, however, a legion is required. Maybe two. We must be "Leonard's Legions," hundreds of thousands of supporters in solidarity worldwide. We must unite in purpose, speak with one voice: Free Peltier NOW!"

Visit Our Web Site: www.FreePeltierNow.org
Contact Us: info@FreePeltierNow.org

Kia Kotahi Ra te Moana nui a Kiwa

Tongareva Drum dance

PACIFIC YOUTH HOLD FAST: WE CAN'T IGNORE COLONISATION

By Omar Hamed

http://www.justfocus.org.nz/articles/2006/08/11/pacific-youth-hold-fast-we-cant-ignore-colonisation/

Melbourne Solidarity with Aotearoa arrestees

Footage from the rally held at Federation Square at noon on Saturday 27 October 2007 as far of a global day of action in support of activists arrested in Aotearoa/NZ since Monday October 15th. See reports on

http://radicalcrossstitch.com/

http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/
credit
Produced by pc
Directed by pc

• Rally MC: Robbie Thorpe Krautungalung , Gunnai Nation
• Sina Brown: Polynesian Anti Globalisation Activist
• Marisol Salinas Mapuche: Environmental Activist, Lasnet
• Rayna Fahey: Treaty, Green Activist
• Will Anderson: Civil Rights Defence
• Liz Thompson: ORGASN, Fair wear
• Anthony Main: ACDC, Socialist Party

• Waiata by Ivan Davis (Tainui)

Ben Harper's Oppression; A Xicano Interpretation

A powerful song, and I can only hope that I have not taken anything away from it. A statement on the oppression of different peoples, with an eye toward Mexicanos, especially. Nezua

Dedicated with love to all the whanau everywhere : Esa ola irá creciendo cada día que pase, esa ola ya no parará mas.Che
(This wave will swell with everyday that passes, this wave will no longer be stopped)

AIM leaders drumming and singing

Taken at the '06 Columbus day protest.

Youssou N'dour / Jimi M'baye-Birima

Artist: Youssou Ndour
Song: Birima
(English)
He assumed the throne of Cajor
And became well-known for his festive reign
Where every occasion was reason for
Celebration in great style
Having inherited a rich oral tradition
He encouraged local musicians
And his patronage gave rise to the flourishing of
The music known as mbaboor

Ah! Birima!
A day spent in your presence
Was the picture of hospitality!

This music was transmitted by the griots
Who painted vivid portraits of the kingdom
Mbaboor became inextricably linked
To the history of Cajor

Most importantly, it forged a new and enduring link
Between royalty and the common people
Where relations had been different before
As the classes lived and struggled and
Celebrated together
Common experience allowed them to identify
With one another

Ah! Birima!
A day spent in your presence
Was the picture of hospitality!

Voila!

38th National Day of Mourning

38th National Day of Mourning
Thursday, November 22, 2007 @ 12 Noon
Cole's Hill
Plymouth, Massachusetts

Join us as we dedicate the 38th National Day of Mourning to our
brother, Native prisoner of war Leonard Peltier.
Add your voice to the millions worldwide who demand his freedom. Help
us struggle to create a true awareness of Indigenous people and
demonstrate unity.

For bus tickets from NYC: 212-633-6646

History of the National Day of Mourning:

In 1970, United American Indians of New England declared US
Thanksgiving Day a National Day of Mourning. This came about as a
result of the suppression of the truth. Wamsutta, an Aquinnah
Wampanoag man, had been asked to speak at a fancy Commonwealth of
Massachusetts banquet celebrating the 350th anniversary of the landing
of the Pilgrims.

He agreed. The organizers of the dinner, using as a pretext the need
to prepare a press release, asked for a copy of the speech he planned
to deliver. He agreed. Within days Wamsutta was told by a
representative of the Department of Commerce and Development that he
would not be allowed to give the speech. The reason given was due to
the fact that, "… the theme of the anniversary celebration is
brotherhood and anything inflammatory would have been out of place."
What they were really saying was that in this society, the truth is
out of place.

What was it about the speech that got those officials so upset?
Wamsutta used as a basis for his remarks one of their own history
books - a Pilgrim’s account of their first year on Indian land. The
book tells of the opening of my ancestor’s graves, taking our wheat
and bean supplies, and of the selling of my ancestors as slaves for
220 shillings each. Wamsutta was going to tell the truth, but the
truth was out of place.Here is the truth: The reason they talk about
the pilgrims and not an earlier English-speaking colony, Jamestown, is
that in Jamestown the circumstances were way too ugly to hold up as an
effective national myth.

For example, the white settlers in Jamestown turned to cannibalism to
survive. Not a very nice story to tell the kids in school. The
pilgrims did not find an empty land any more than Columbus
"discovered" anything. Every inch of this land is Indian land. The
pilgrims (who did not even call themselves pilgrims) did not come here
seeking religious freedom; they already had that in Holland. They came
here as part of a commercial venture.They introduced sexism, racism,
anti-lesbian and gay bigotry, jails, and the class system to these
shores. One of the very first things they did when they arrived on
Cape Cod - before they even made it to Plymouth - was to rob Wampanoag
graves at Corn Hill and steal as much of the Indians’ winter
provisions as they were able to carry.

They were no better than any other group of Europeans when it came to
their treatment of the Indigenous peoples here. And no, they did not
even land at that sacred shrine down the hill called Plymouth Rock, a
monument to racism and oppression which we are proud to say we buried
in 1995.The first official "Day of Thanksgiving" was proclaimed in
1637 by Governor Winthrop. He did so to celebrate the safe return of
men from Massachusetts who had gone to Mystic, Connecticut to
participate in the massacre of over 700 Pequot women, children, and
men.About the only true thing in the whole mythology is that these
pitiful European strangers would not have survived their first several
years in "New England" were it not for the aid of Wampanoag people.
What Native people got in return for this help was genocide, theft of
our lands, and never-ending repression.

But back in 1970, the organizers of the fancy state dinner told
Wamsutta he could not speak that truth. They would let him speak only
if he agreed to deliver a speech that they would provide. Wamsutta
refused to have words put into his mouth. Instead of speaking at the
dinner, he and many hundreds of other Native people and our supporters
from throughout the Americas gathered in Plymouth and observed the
first National Day of Mourning. United American Indians of New England
have returned to Plymouth every year since to demonstrate against the
Pilgrim mythology.On that first Day of Mourning back in 1970, Plymouth
Rock was buried not once, but twice. The Mayflower was boarded and the
Union Jack was torn from the mast and replaced with the flag that had
flown over liberated Alcatraz Island. The roots of National Day of
Mourning have always been firmly embedded in the soil of militant protest.

–Free All Political Prisoners!email: nycjericho@riseup.net
www.jerichony.org~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~+=+=+=+[In accordance with Title
17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit or
payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this
information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.]Due
to (U.S.) Presidential Executive Orders, the National Security Agency
may have read this email, post, blog or message without warning,
warrant, or notice, in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution.
=+=+=+=+=+=LPDC WEBSITE:www.leonardpeltier.net

http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2007/10/38th-national-day-of-mourning.html

Soweto Blues--Miriam Makeba

The First International Meeting of Anti-Imperialist Indigenous Peoples of Americas

The First International Meeting of Anti-Imperialist Indigenous Peoples of America will be held in Venezuela from August 7-9, as part of the celebrations of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples

Caracas, July 31st (ABN).- Members of the Native Peoples of the continent will meet in the First International Meeting of Anti-Imperialist Indigenous Peoples of America that will take place in Venezuela on August 7th, 8th and 9th in Anzoátegui and Bolívar states.

The Minister of People’s Power for Indigenous Peoples, Nicia Maldonado, said Monday during a press conference held from Miraflores Presidential Palace that indigenous from 22 nations will attend the Congress.

The Minister explained that the event will be held on August 9th, as part of the celebrations of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, in accordance with the United Nations (UN).

The activities will start on August 7th in the auditorium of the Venezuela-state run company (PDVSA), San Tomé PDVSA, and the closing ceremony will be held in the Indigenous Community Pemón Kumarakapay, in Bolívar state.

Minister Nicia Maldonado stressed that the agenda includes the discussion of several proposals of the Indo-American Socialism as an integrationist alternative of the peoples.

Translated by Natalia González
http://www.mathaba.net/news/venezuela

Nesian Island Warriors

Pasifika Men.
Music By Mapoga & Pacific Soul

To all our Warrior Grandfathers, Fathers, Uncles, Brothers, Sons & Nephews much Respect and Love.

Aboriginal/Aotearoa Solidarity-Tamakimakaurau

Chur Tamaki, Hi mum, sis, cuzz & bro, very homesick...roll on bail hearing. lovely to see the tamariki there.































credit to Simon from NDU (Aotearoa) for the choice pics.

Aboriginal/Aotearoa Solidarity-Te Upoko o te Ika

Resistance is Existence: Aotearoa stands in solidarity

Love that Decolonise the Pacific Banner...chur

We stand in solidarity with the International Day of Action against Howard's land grab-

* Stop the Genocide on Stolen Aboriginal Land
* End Aboriginal deaths in Custody! Justice for Mulrunji and all killed in custody.
* Implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody!
* Land rights not mining rights! No new mines, no new dumps!
* Fund community controlled services, not troops, cops and martial law!
* Social well-fair, not social control!
* Aboriginal control of Aboriginal affairs! Treaty NOW

Damien Dempsey Cork 2005

Hi (tena koe!) this is a famous song in ireland Came out in 2005 Written & sung by Damien Dempsey. It is brilliant as r the lyrics. Is of an album called Shots. Damien writes/sings extensively re the impact of colonialism worldwide. (U can hear all the Irish shouting along to the words ahaha) It is a universal anthem for all Indigenous nations colonised! Slan

Indigenous Solidarity Promo

Music, Art and Politics collide as Indigenous Rights Advocate Teanau Tuiono describes how indigenous musicians from all over the world came to New Zealand to raise public awareness about land confiscations and indigenous rights globally.