Reflecting on the long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activism in Australia, this work represents the idea that while things change, the pace of this change is slow. Musically the work is repetitive, with little movement. It builds to almost a yell or a scream to reflect a sense of frustration at the lack of meaningful change.
Grigoryan Brothers – This is Us series 02 Mar 2021
Our Land
We Want Land Rights Right Now placard
In December 1976 the federal parliament passed the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act. It was the first legislation in Australia that enabled First Nations people to claim rights for land where traditional ownership could be proven.
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy, in front of Old Parliament House in Canberra, was founded by activists from New South Wales in 1972 to further the land rights cause. Originally established under a beach umbrella, a tent was donated, and the embassy quickly drew hundreds of supporters.
Carrying placards like this one, groups from the embassy went on marches, lobbied government and spoke at community forums to keep the issue of land rights front and centre in local and national debates.
This video has no sound.
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