First Nations News: March

Community

Telstra stripped of reconciliation status

Tuesday 30 March 2021, The Guardian: Telstra has had its reconciliation status revoked after an investigation found it engaged in “unconscionable conduct” by selling more than 100 vulnerable Aboriginal people phone contracts they could not afford and did not understand. The consumer watchdog, the ACCC, took Telstra to the federal court in November over its “unfair selling tactics”.

Devastating fourth Aboriginal death in custody in three weeks

Thursday 25 March 2021, The Guardian: A 37-year-old Barkindji man died during a police pursuit in Broken Hill this month, after a man in his 30s and a woman in her 50s died in prison custody in NSW a fortnight ago. An Aboriginal man died in Victoria’s Ravenhall correctional centre last Sunday. Legal advocates are calling for urgent action form state and federal governments.

Calls for justice following arrest of teenager during anxiety attack

Wednesday 31 March 2021, NITV: Justice advocates call for investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a young Anaywan and Birripa woman by NSW Police as she was having an anxiety attack.

The failure of 'tough on crime' measures in the NT

Tuesday 30 March 2021, The Guardian: On Tuesday last week the Northern Territory government announced some of the harshest youth justice measures in the country, dragging us back to the ineffective, “tough on crime” measures that predated the NT royal commission.

Western courts not serving First Nations people

Wednesday March 31 2021, NITV: In a remote NT town, strong Indigenous culture is at odds with Australia's western justice system. The result: more Aboriginal citizens in jail. It is argued that Aboriginal incarceration in the Territory overall is reflective of offenders pleading guilty either for convenience or from a lack of understanding of the Australian legal system.

Government accused of failing to address crisis of Indigenous deaths in custody

Saturday March 29 2021, SBS: First Nations senators have expressed their concern over the federal government’s failure to address the crisis of Indigenous deaths in custody, warning another royal commission is looming if action is not taken. More than 450 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in custody since the royal commission report was released almost 30 years ago.

More federal government attention needed on Indigenous women's safety

Wednesday March 31 2021, ABC: Shirleen Campbell, the co-coordinator of the Tangentyere Women's Family Safety Group, is one of the First Nations women calling for greater financial support for Aboriginal women's domestic violence services. "We're always getting forgotten about," says Shirleen. "I reckon it's about time for Aboriginal women's visibility and to be heard and supported as well."

Dark Mofo cancels plan to soak British flag in First Nations blood

Tuesday 23 March 2021, ABC: Dark Mofo said: "We've heard the community's response to Santiago Sierra's Union Flag. In the end the hurt that will be caused by proceeding isn't worth it. "We made a mistake, and take full responsibility. The project will be cancelled. "We apologise to all First Nations people for any hurt that has been caused. We are sorry."

Western Arrernte artist makes his mark on the MCA, Sydney

Wednesday 24 March 2021, MCA website: Western Arrernte artist Vincent Namatjira has painted foyer wall of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Circular Quay, Sydney. Vincent Namatjira’s semi-autobiographical and political work is an assertion of identity, sovereignty, pride and resilience for the 2021 Circular Quay Foyer Wall Commission.

New coin celebrates First Nations contributions to the military

Tuesday 30 March 2021, ABC: The Royal Australian Mint has launched a new coin to commemorate Indigenous Australians who have served in the military. The $2 coin, emblazoned with artwork from Kalkadoon woman and artist Chern'ee Sutton, is designed to "tell the story" of Indigenous soldiers who serve, and have served, in the Australian Defence Force.

Access to more Kimberley Kriol interpreters

Monday 29 March 2021, National Indigenous Times: Speakers of Kimberley Kriol will soon have access to an extra dozen fully certified interpreters. The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters is working together with Aboriginal Interpreting Western Australia to run a first-of-its-kind training and testing workshop in April.

WA First Nations groups concerned over Andrew Forrest appeal

Monday 29 March 2021, NITV: First Nations groups say an appeal by mining billionaire Andrew Forrest against the WA Government's decision to block development plans around the Ashburton River could irrevocably damage the spiritual connections to their homelands.

Calls for First Nations-led response to climate crisis following landmark meeting

Monday 29 March 2021, NITV: As catastrophic floods shock the south-east of the country, a First Nations-led response to the climate crisis is being explored at a landmark meeting of Traditional Owners and scientists in Cairns.

Traditional Owners urge stronger heritage protection laws

Thursday 25 March 2021, NITV: As Indigenous cultural heritage is being destroyed "across the country", Traditional Owners are demanding tougher legal protections to safeguard their sacred sites.

Bagot Community continues fight against liquor megastore

Wednesday 31 March 2021, NITV: The community of Bagot is fighting the development of a Dan Murphy's in Darwin, backed by community and health groups who are worried about the potential harm the megastore will have in the Territory.

Indigenous leaders encourage others to get the COVID-19 jab

Saturday 27 March 2021, ABC: Tina Murphy did not waver in the moments before her first AstraZeneca jab at the Danila Dilba Health Clinic in Darwin this morning. She was one of a number of prominent Northern Territory Indigenous leaders stepping up to send a message to their communities and to extinguish concerns about being vaccinated.

Vaccinations begin at regional South Australia Aboriginal heath service

Indigenous health workers in Mount Gambier have been among the first in South Australia to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine in Phase 1b of the national roll-out.