Friday, 19th May 2000

Patrick Dodson: flowers for a treaty

ANTaR is backing a call by former Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation Chair, Mr Patrick Dodson, for participants at the upcoming People's Walk for Reconciliation to bring a flower as a sign of solidarity with Indigenous struggles for recognition and rights, including for a treaty.

The symbolism of the flowers dates to 1938 when, as Sydney celebrated the 150th anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival, a group of Aboriginal people with a belief in the need for justice and equality held a 'Day of Mourning and Protest.' At the conclusion of the Day:

'...flowers were thrown into the sea as a sign of respect for and remembrance of all the Aboriginal people who had died since the white-man's arrival. It was also an expression of the pain, hurt and frustration that the people had experienced in their time and before that. It was also about their underlying fear for the future", Mr Dodson recalled during his recent Wentworth Lecture.

ANTaR is urging supporters of Reconciliation to carry a flower at the Harbour Bridge March in Sydney on 28 May, to distinguish the vision for which they are marching from the mean-spirited and negative attitude towards Reconciliation in Australia of John Howard and his Government.

ANTaR National Coordinator, Mr David Cooper said today:

"The themes expressed at the Day of Mourning and Protest are as real today as they were in 1938. The message from that Day was clear: there is a powerful need for equity and recognition in this country; recognition of the right to be Indigenous people, alongside the rights and responsibilities of being full members of the Australian community.

"On the Bridge on May 28, it is important to remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have fought for more than 200 years to protect their lands and cultures. To remember their struggle but, more importantly, to remember the courage that they have displayed to keep their cultures alive.

"ANTaR is urging people to bring a flower as a sign of respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their friends who have never given up hope.

"The flowers will also be symbolic of the need for right's-based reconciliation and direct negotiations leading to a treaty."

As the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation's Strategies document pointed out, Australia is the only Commonwealth country never to have a treaty.

It is worth remembering the Council was formed, in part, as a response to former Prime Minister Hawke's pledge for a treaty with the Indigenous peoples of this land.

For interviews, please contact: David Cooper 02 9555 6138 or 0418 486 310