Statement on Reconciliation



			24 September 2000 Launch of Statement on Reconciliation Sydney - A statement by Indigenous leaders in support of the need for formal dialogue to further the reconciliation process in Australia was released today at a display of the "Sea of Hands" in the Botanic Gardens in Sydney, the site of first European settlement in Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner Chairman Geoff Clark, Opening Ceremony star Djakapurra Munyarryun, and Mandaway Yunupingu released the statement. Mr. Clark commented: "Australians have been on a journey of healing for the past 10 years." Many are now asking when we might reach a destination. "The unity inspired by the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games now needs to be translated into action. "We have made it clear to all the major political parties we are ready willing and able to sit down and remove any roadblocks to true reconciliation." The Sea of Hands includes the names of over 250,000 Australians on 120,000 plastic hands in support of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It has become the symbol of the desire of ordinary Australians for more serious steps to advance the reconciliation process. The organisers, Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR), have asked Sydney residents and visitors to come along to the event and add their names to the ever-growing number in support of formal reconciliation talks to resolve differences and address problems. The Sea of Hands was launched in 1997 with 70,000 plastic hands displayed in front of Parliament House in Canberra. To date 250,000 signatures have been collected throughout the country and thousands more are added each time the hands are displayed. Photo and interview opportunity with ATSIC Chairman Geoff Clark, Djakapurra Munyarryun and Mandaway Yunupingu: 10.30am Sunday 24th September, at the Sea of Hands, Botanic Gardens, 200metres from the QE2 (Opera House) gates. Further information: David Cooper, (02) 9555 6138 or 0418 486310; or Paul Molloy 0419 690 926 *Indigenous Reconciliation Statement For Talks, Solutions, & Unity* "Reconciliation in the new millennium is a foremost challenge for the world's community. It involves all of us, especially the peoples of Australia. What we do now in Australia will be the inheritance of our children and grandchildren. We need to offer them a future that is based on agreement not division, harmony not discord. The time has come for us to work for a united nation. A people's movement has led the way. It is now time for negotiations to strengthen unity and to heal hurt and division. Reconciliation requires us to talk together as equals. It requires good faith negotiations between the representatives of the Indigenous peoples and the Australian Government. Negotiations must be based in an understanding of our past, and a commitment to a just future. This future can only be realised if the rights of Indigenous peoples as the first peoples of this country are recognised and protected - especially rights to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law and to land and waters. Negotiations will promote unity, increase economic certainty and offer closure on many issues that currently divide us. Our growth as a nation will be determined by how we work together - Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples - to right the wrongs of the past, to end the sufferings arising from that past, and build a future based on respect, negotiation and coexistence. It's time to talk, to negotiate and to heal. This is our time and our challenge." Sydney, 24th September 2000. This statement was endorsed by the following individuals: PATRICK DODSON, former Chairman, Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation GEOFF CLARK, Chairman, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) LOWITJA O'DONOGHUE, Co-Patron, National Sorry Day Committee and former Chair ATSIC GALARRWUY YUNUPINGU, Chairman, Northern Land Council PETER YU, Chairman, Kimberley Land Council DAVID ROSS, Chairman, Central Land Council RITCHIE AH MAT, Chairman, Cape York Land Council PARRY AGIUS, Chairman, National Indigenous Working Group (NIWG) BILL JONAS, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner DJAKAPURRA MUNYARRYUN, Bangarra Dance Company MANDAWAY YUNUPINGU, Yothu Yindi CHARLES PERKINS, ATSIC Commissioner and Indigenous campaigner MICK DODSON, former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner SENATOR ADEN RIDGEWAY LINDA BURNEY, Chair, Federation of State Reconciliation Councils MARCIA LANGTON, Chair of Aboriginal Studies, Melbourne University OLGA HAVNEN, Indigenous rights advocate