The Exchange Unfolds whoseland.com

People involved

Saturday 11 April
 
Visit to Barmah Forest National Park
The delegation were invited by the Yorta Yorta people to spend time with them at the Barmah Forest which forms part of their traditional lands and is the subject of a Native Title claim. This was an exchange between indigenous peoples to the exclusion of the non-indigenous organisers of the Exchange. The main thrust of the meeting was an expression of solidarity and mutual understanding. The Delegation were given a tour of the Barmah Forest National Park in which theYorta Yorta people have designated sacred sites and important water sources. They are also in contest with the national park authorities about the issue of grazing licenses that allow cattle to graze while they are denied rights to fish and hunt in the park. Peter Seidel, who is one of the lawyers from Arnold, Block Leibten in Melbourne acting for the Yorta Yorta people provided the Delegation with a briefing on their claim. Delegate lawyer, Ben Lobulu, found this visit to be the most interesting and enjoyable of the tour and returned to Africa with a huge briefing paper.
 
In Echuca where the Delegation stopped fo refreshments they encountered overt racism for the first time. In a conversation between two old non-Aboriginal men one said to the other, in a voice loud enough to be heard, that he didn't know what had become of the country's immigration policy! This was a tame and somewhat good humoured jibe that prompted no anger in the Delegation, largely because they had hitherto been spared any racial abuse on their travels and for this we are most greatful.
 
Back to IntineraryNext Day

 
Navigation
Event Guide