Report - Otepoti / Dunedin : Aboriginal Solidarity Tent Embassy

A modest crowd gathered in Dunedin’s Octagon at 12pm on Saturday 14 July to mark the opening of the Tent Embassy of Solidarity with Aboriginal Peoples in the Northern Territory.

Organised by a group of tangata whenua & tau iwi community activists (DETEST), the Embassy was opened by local kaumatua Bernie Taiapa, with Green MP Metiria Turei offering some context and background for its establishment.

Echoing many community activist groups & organisations throughout Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand, Turei denounced the Howard government's actions and argued that issues of child abuse within Aboriginal communities were being cynically exploited to win votes & enable access to Aboriginal land for mining, tourism & nuclear waste dumps. She urged those present to inform themselves, their families, whanau & friends about the situation in NT and to voice their support Aboriginal communities.

During the Embassy's hours of opening, visitors emailed, wrote & drew numerous messages to the New Zealand Prime Minister and the Australian High Commissioner opposing the Australian Federal government's actions.

Those visiting were also encouraged to handprint their solidarity with the Aboriginal Territories on a large banner to be sent to indigenous activists in Australia.

Hot food was served by Food not Bombs & local infoshop, Black Star Books, was also present with solidarity information leaflets, books & patches.

The Embassy was closed at just after 3pm.

AlexanderR (for DETEST)