Comments for Sacred Land Film Project Blog

Comment on Song for the Rainbow Serpent by Peter Vincent

Peter Vincent — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:27:57 +0000

Whilst not intending to diminish the Aboriginal culture in any way, I do find the whole land rights issue more than just a little contradictory and ambigious. Back in the early 1980’s Aboriginal culture, art and history began to become more widely recognised troughout Australia and the world, many tribal leaders stood up to promote the simple and nomadic life as being close to utopian. They claimed that prior to the arrival of Europeans, their traditional people led an ideal existence with simple laws, environmental harmony, sharing of resources and no concept of ownership. That all changed when the likes of Michael Mansell, Noel Pearson and others realised there might be a fast buck in it if they could convince someone that they did, in fact, “own” the land. This foolish approach has severely damaged the credibility of the Aboriginal people and has merely promoted racism by fuelling the “black Australian” vs “white Australian” issue. The only way the problem of racism will ever be resolved in this country is if we all accept that we are “Australian”; not white, black, Christian, Moslem, rich or poor, tall or short… just simply AUSTRALIAN.

I have travelled and worked in many parts of Australia and I have lived and worked with many Aboriginal people. The majority of those with whom I have discussed this issue state that they just want to be considered equal. There cannot be any equality as long as those terms continue to be used with a context or implication that the Aboriginal people are (and should be treated) inherently different.

Incidentally, your description of your attempted entry to the McArthur River Mining Lease leaves the reader in no doubt at all that you are a careless fool. The McArthur River mine is located entirely on land held under Freehold Title. Nobody has the right to enter this land without permission of the legal owners; there is no doubt that the area is important to the indigenous people of that region, but your attempt to enter the Mining Lease illegally was a careless and foolish stunt. Traditional or family connection to the area does not override the Law. Furthermore, Northern Territory law prohibits any person from entering a Mining Lease without (i) seeking permission through the correct channels, (ii) completing a mine induction, and (iii) wearing & using the specified safety clothing & equipment. Even if you had satisfied all of these requirements, the company has a legal duty of care which gives them complete jurisdiction over your movements and activities whilst on the Lease. The company was therefore reacting within the Law by attempting to halt your entry. You ought to be ashamed of yourself for attempting to take unauthorised people (especially children!!) onto the Mining Lease in complete disregard and/or ignorance of the Law and their safety.

For the record, I do not work for Xstrata, nor do I live in Borroloola. I simply have a knowledge of the area and its history… and I do my homework thoroughly before planning any of my expeditions.

Comment on New Film Clip — Satish Kumar on Climate Change by Tamara Henry

Tamara Henry — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:22:32 +0000

Last night I interviewed Hopi Native American Elder Vernon Masayesva for 15 minutes at the WATER movie screening:
http://www.photoshow.com/maker/share/hk3un7zq

Comment on Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by Kabonfootprint huma rights research

Kabonfootprint huma rights research — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:21:15 +0000

Human rights is the best cause to protect

Comment on Panther Spring Flowing Again by Philanthropic Travel

Philanthropic Travel — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:33:46 +0000

CONGRATULATIONS.

Thank you for working to preserve a personal holy land and its natural resources.

With Gratitude,
David

“If you are coming to help me, you are wasting your time but if you are coming because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” -Indigenous Saying

Comment on Mr. Franco Goes to Sacramento by Jay Taber

Jay Taber — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:38:48 +0000

It looks like the Wintu are experiencing the same paternalism as the Miwok and all aboriginal peoples. Having failed at extermination and assimilation, some white people have retreated to a position of acknowledging the indigenous right to existence, but not the right to self-determination. White man’s burden is still with us.

Comment on Federal Court allows McArthur River diversion to proceed by Tim M.

Tim M. — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:18:27 +0000

The kinds of imbalance that exist in this world never cease to shock me. The Pope visits Australia for a Catholic youth festival and the global press sits up and takes notice; meanwhile, the aboriginal cultures of Australia and their sacred lands contiune to be cheated and violated and the public remains largely silent and indifferent. Please keep up the good work of reporting on the issue of indigenous sacred land preservation.

Comment on Hawaii Research by jessica

jessica — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:18:51 +0000

Hello,
My name is Jessica Floyd. I am doing a summer research project about native Hawaiians that are involved in the restoration of Kahoolawe. My blog adress is lostinjexico.blogspot.com. Im curious about your project because I think someday, I would like to work in film, doing projects that help people become aware of different cultures and their perspectives. I am hoping to go to Kaho’olawe on the 17th of July and was told that filmmakers would also be going. I was wondering if that was you? Also, I was wondering if you could share with me people that you have spoken with that would be open and enthusiastic about speaking with me. If you have any advice or suggestions for my project, I would very much apreciate them as well. My phone number is 831-521-8852. You can email me at jexico@gmail.com. I am located on Maui until the 22nd of July. After that I am going to be back in California going to Cal state Monterey Bay.

Thank you very much,
Jessica Floyd

Comment on Winnemem Testify at State Capitol by heidi van veghel

heidi van veghel — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:06:29 +0000

it amazes me that there should even have to be issues such as this. i have only respect for their traditions and pray they will have the rights they deserve given to them. what grace they show and hopefully people can be inspired.

Comment on In the Andes of Peru by Linda Dupont

Linda Dupont — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:59:24 +0000

I just became aware of your projects via reading the article on Women’s Earth Alliance in Women’s Health Magazine. I am a shaman, having studied with Peruvian shamans from Cusco and Northern Coastal, spent time in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the rainforest with Don Ignacio. I am also a photographer with many beautiful images and memories from my time there as well as Lake Titicaca. I am in Phoenix and work full time but feel a strong draw to your project and would like to volunteer. In what way might I add my light energy to your soulful projects?

Linda Dupont

Comment on Winnemem Testify at State Capitol by Laila

Laila — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:15:39 +0000

Very moving testimony, however, I see by the votes above that it didn’t move everybody. It would be interesting to find out their reasons for voting no on the resolution. My feeling is that if it’s not due to their ignorance of the issue, it must come down to money. How terribly sad for the Winnemem Wintu.