Dear Covenanters,

This year has already proved to be an exciting one for all those concerned for progress in „closing the gap‟ and advancing Aboriginal communities. Three events of note occurred only recently that may not have received a lot of attention in the news.

Firstly, the Adnyamathanha people have succeeded in achieving Native Title over the Flinders Ranges, their traditional lands, and I quote the news release from Vince Coulthard, Chairperson Adnyamathanha Traditional Land Association, below. Secondly a report of an address by the Chief Justice of the High Court, Robert French, where he dismissed the legal arguments used by previous governments to resist a treaty with Aboriginal people has gained some national publicity.

In each of these cases it is interesting to note that scare tactics were used to suggest to the general population that the advancement of either “native title” or a “treaty” would deprive non-Aboriginal people of their rights in some way. With regard to Native Title the Adnyamathanha example is a case in point: no current landholder loses any land (which could not happen anyway), local Aboriginal people gain access to sacred places and the landowners and Aboriginal people agree to ways in which both access and care of these sites can happen. As for a treaty, in the words of Robert French, "Such an agreement could recognise and acknowledge traditional law and custom of indigenous communities across Australia, their historical relationship with their country, their prior occupancy of the continent and that there are those who have maintained and asserted their traditional rights to the present time." The speech was seen as an important step forward in the continuing debate about a treaty. http://www.smh.com.au/national/chief-justice-backs-aboriginal-treaty-20090327-9e79.html

Also a statement by our own state Governor has encouraged local Aboriginal people. His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR, hosted a commemorative event celebrating the anniversary of the 1836 Letters Patent and the recognition of the Stolen Generations on Kaurna land at Government House, Adelaide on February 19th, 2009. He said in reference to the failure to carry out the intentions clearly stated in the Letters Patent, “There can be no doubt that the Indigenous people of this state have suffered from that failure. I think it necessary for us all now to renew the spirit of those good intentions.”
The full text of the Governors speech is worth reading and can be found at:
http://www.governor.sa.gov.au/index.php?m=selected-speeches&itemID=769

As the Uniting Church has indicated a willingness to work with the Congress in the call for a Treaty we also need to progress these matters.

There are three community organisations that provide a source of current information on Aboriginal issues and reconciliation. For Covenanters that wish to avail themselves of a greater breadth of information than is provided in these occasional newsletters you may consider the following…..

ANTaR is Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation. They sponsor community reconciliation events and have a website and regular local news. They also partner with Oxfam in the Close the Gap campaign which this Synod supports. Goto www.antar.org.au for the national website. Connect from there to the South Australian site which has news bulletins.

Covenanters may also like to join the monthly Justice and Peace Candlelight Walk on the first Friday of each month around Government House. Gather outside the front at dusk. Contact ANTaR for times.

Journey of Healing SA is based at the David Unaipon Centre, University of South Australia.

They are encouraging folk to join in celebrating Sorry Day, this year on Tuesday,May 26, meeting at Tarndanyangga (Victoria Square) from 10.30am – 2.30am.

• Learn about SA Stolen Generations Histories

• Kaurna Welcome

• Hear guest speakers & music entertainment

• Share a free BBQ and drinks

• Enjoy weaving across the nations

• Community Stalls, Displays and information

• Aboriginal Heritage & Culture

• Seven “Rs” for Reconciliation

• SA Linkup will be providing assistance and support on the day

• Stolen Generations Remembrance

Further information contact is John Brown, M: 0431 234 561
Download a poster from http://sajoh.auspics.org.au/sorryday/

Reconciliation SA is based at the David Unaipon Centre, University of South Australia. Reconciliation SA believes that reconciliation is a people's movement. Extensive information is available on their website. http://www.reconciliationsa.org.au/

Reconciliation Sunday 31 May 2009

Reconciliation Sunday will be recognized in the Uniting Church this year on May 31, Pentecost Sunday. Worship resources will be available later in April to supplement those already on the website from past years. Consider asking your worship leaders what might happen in your Congregation this year to acknowledge this special day?

Palya, Go with God,

Peter

2 April 2009

‘Til we meet again,
Hold the warmth of the camp fire in your heart
And may the Creator Spirit, the God of peace,
Always walk with you.

Note: The Covenanting Coordinator position is only half time. Office hours are usually in the first half of the week, Monday to Wednesday when not out and about. The Covenanting Coordinator is able to preach at Services, and talk to Church Councils, Bible Study and Fellowship Groups. For further details contact the Covenanting Coordinator. Past copies of this newsletter may be downloaded from the website: Apologies if there are problems with the new site. They will be rectified as soon as possible.

Editorial comment from the  Covenanter's News No. 21 - April 09 (469.35 kB)

The resources, events and conferences listed in this newsletter are not necessarily officially supported by the Uniting Church. Information is provided as presented by the relevant organisations. The views expressed in this newsletter may not necessarily reflect the policy of the Uniting Church.