- 23 May, 2013
24 May 2013
On Thursday 23 May, in reference to Fortescue’s infrastructure sale, The Australian Financial Review reported “one of the issues to emerge is whether final approvals have been met on its $5 billion debt deal”; and, “It is understood Fortescue had 270 days to get final approval from stakeholders, including traditional owners, in order ...
- 3 March, 2013
4 March 2013
On 13 February 2013, in response to the Federal Court’s decision validating the appointment of a new and unified Applicant group for the Yindjibarndi #1 Claim, Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) CEO, Nev Power, issued a press statement saying: “the Federal Court of Australia decision does not impact Fortescue’s current or future operations ...
- 13 February, 2013
13 February 2012
Yindjibarndi Federal Court win
On 12 February, Federal Court Justice, Neil McKerracher, handed down a decision that validated the vote of the Yindjibarndi people to authorise a new and unified Applicant group of twelve Yindjibarndi men and women to run the Yindjibarndi #1 Claim—this includes the Area of vacant crown land where Fortescue Metals Group ...
- 13 February, 2013
Yindjibarndi Federal Court win
Bid to shut down voice of the National Indigenous Times
Yesterday justice was served in the Federal Court when the voice of the majority of the Yindjibarndi People was affirmed. The court authorised a Yindjibarndi plebiscite, of 24 March 2012, which elected 12 Applicants who unequivocally support the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC); and ...
- 12 February, 2013
Media Statement Tuesday 12 February 2013
WMYAC documents confirm Michael Gallagher is FMG’s “inside-man”
Internal documents, including minutes, invoices and correspondence from Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WMYAC) by WMYAC Chairman Bruce Woodley, confirm Michael Gallagher’s effective role ...
- 6 February, 2013
6 February 2013
Gerry Georgatos of the National Indigenous Times writes “abuse and trampling of inalienable rights” in FMG’s native title dealings with the Yindjibarndi People is racist, and calls for a Royal Commission. This week he reports new evidence of intermeddling involving former FMG staffer, Michael Gallagher.
DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT Native Title bombshell – racism at its worst
Last November, whistleblower, ...
- 5 February, 2013
Coming in from the sea, was he, the great snake spirit that travels up the river
To make sure everyone was ok across country…
- 30 January, 2013
30 January 2013.
This week Gerry Georgatos of the National Indigenous Times writes:
DOWNLOAD Wirlu-murra considers ending the control of white managers
The National Indigenous Times reports that the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) has confirmed that it has engaged an external consultant “to review conflicts of interest affecting a former employee (Lillian Maher), and the NNTT’s procedures ...
- 23 January, 2013
Native Title Tribunal inquiry
23 January 2013
By National Indigenous Times reporter Gerry Georgatos
The National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) President, Graeme Neate and the Tribunal’s Registrar, Stephanie Fryer-Smith have launched an external inquiry into a former State Manager after reports published in the National Indigenous Times revealed allegations of various improprieties in reference to undeclared interests ...
- 29 November, 2012
A statement from Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) in response to revelations by another whistleblower, Yindjibarndi Elder Bruce Woodley, Chairman of the Wirlu-Murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WMYAC), regarding FMG interference in, and manipulation of Yindjibarndi native title affairs.
- 28 November, 2012
After two years of misinformation and trouble from FMG, Bruce Woodley, Chairman of the Wirlu-Murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WMYAC)—the Yindjibarndi faction created and funded by FMG—, is so incensed at the way he and the Wirlu-murra board directors have been stage-managed by FMG operatives, that he has decided he must take a public stand against ...
- 23 November, 2012
The National Native Title Tribunal and West Australian State Government may be left with no option but to launch a full inquiry into Fortescue Metals Group’s relationship with the Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation following claims an executive of the National Native Title Tribunal failed to declare her association with the Wirlu-murra group at the time ...
- 20 November, 2012
TONIGHT
7.30 ABC Television—Tuesday (20 November)
ABC’s 7.30 tonight investigates evidence brought to light by whistleblower/solicitor, Kerry Savas, who alleges underhanded conduct by Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) in its dealings with the Yindjibarndi people, over Fortescue’s Solomon Hub iron ore project.
This follows a series of revelations over the past year about FMG’s campaign against the Yindjibarndi; their ...
- 8 November, 2012
Both FMG and their client splinter group, the Wirlu-murra, have issued statements to the National Indigenous Times (NIT) dodging evidence of grave misconduct and skulduggery.
In this week’s NIT , the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) sets the record straight in a close examination of FMG’s multiple evasions, and rebuttal of Wirlu-murra’s mudslinging.
Read the full Yindjibarndi reply ...
- 7 November, 2012
Following last week’s news that Fortescue Metals Group’s “set up and funded” a native title splinter group to circumvent the Yindjibarndi people’s opposition to Fortescue’s defrauding land access ‘agreement’; and reports of how an FMG agent worked as an ‘inside man’ to get FMG’s land access agreement signed “one way or another”—Investigative reporter Gerry Georgatos ...
- 31 October, 2012
Solicitor Kerry Savas has revealed to The National Indigenous Times that, in order to circumvent negotiations with the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, FMG created an alternate Yindjibarndi client group, the Wirlu-Murra, that would comply with Fortescue’s wishes for access to rich mining resources for a fraction of the royalty normally payable to native title holders as ...
- 17 October, 2012
AN anthropologist engaged by Fortescue Metals Group says his services were discontinued after he refused a demand to amend sections of his report discussing indigenous heritage where the company wanted to mine.
This article by Paul Cleary can be read in full on the Australian Web site here (paywall).
- 4 October, 2012
A group of 23 Yindjibarndi People traveled from Roebourne to attend the hearing of their Section 66b (NTA) application, scheduled for 2nd October 2012 in the Federal Court of Australia (Perth). Most of these photos were taken outside the Commonwealth Law Courts in the morning, during the lunch break, and at the conclusion of the ...
- 10 September, 2012
confirmation in documents released by the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA), under the Freedom of Information Act, that FMG has destroyed two Yindjibarndi sites and damaged a third at Solomon with impunity, and has “under-reported” sites in the project area by about 30%.
Download this Media statement as a doc
DOWNLOAD Chronology/Digest Of Key Facts From ...
- 28 August, 2012
“After two years of meddling and attacks against us in the courts, the overwhelming support of our people in recent meetings is a win for Yindjibarndi people-power against the divisive and under-handed tactics of FMG. I hope the Yindjibarndi voice in both these meetings sends a message to Fortescue, and they come back to us ...
- 16 August, 2012
The Federal Court has declared that a determination of native title in favour of the Yindjibarndi People over the land affected by Fortescue Metals Group’s (FMG) Solomon Project may expose FMG to a liability to pay compensation to the Yindjibarndi People for any impairment of their native title rights and for any social disruption caused ...
- 23 April, 2012
This site contains the names, words, video and images of deceased people.
- 21 December, 2011
SUMMARY:
On 30 June 2011 the Minister responsible for protection of Aboriginal heritage in WA, Mr Peter Collier, gave FMG consent to commence mining in Yindjibarndi country at the Solomon Project, but attached several fundamental conditions, recommended to him by the Aboriginal Cultural Materials Committee (ACMC), which gave some assurance that Yindjibarndi heritage would be properly ...
- 20 December, 2011
West Australian Indigenous Affairs Minister Peter Collier has substantially freed the company chaired by his friend Andrew Forrest from having to comply with the state’s heritage law for its expanded mining operations in the Pilbara, says an Aboriginal group.
Read more of this article by Paul Cleary in “The Australian”
- 19 December, 2011
Last Tuesday, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Peter Collier, reneged on an earlier commitment to hold Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) accountable for identification and protection of Yindjibarndi heritage in the path of its Solomon Project mine. After FMG demanded that critical conditions of his consent be deleted, Minister Collier complied, clearing the way for wholesale ...
- 15 December, 2011
The YAC says FMG is now demanding that Yindjibarndi people stay out of their traditional country and apply to FMG ‘managers’ for permission in writing to enter.
Listen to this interview
- 11 December, 2011
WE ARE NOW LAUNCHING INTO A MORE PROACTIVE AND CHALLENGING PHASE OF OUR CAMPAIGN, FOR WHICH WE NEED YOUR HELP EVEN MORE URGENTLY
- 8 December, 2011
Read full statement
Having acquired a limited right to mine in Yindjibarndi country, FMG is now demanding that Yindjibarndi people stay out of their traditional country and apply to FMG ‘managers’ for permission in writing to enter.
- 30 November, 2011
The WA Supreme Court heard on Monday that veteran native title lawyer, Ron William Bower, of Perth legal firm Corser & Corser, and one of his clients, “pressured” an elderly Yindjibarndi woman into signing an Interlocutory Injunction Application seeking to stop the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) AGM going ahead this week.Read full report
- 27 November, 2011
FMG block Yindjibarndi cameras for “safety” reasonsFULL STATEMENT ATTACHED
- 23 November, 2011
FORTESCUE Metals Group’s ambitious plans to expand its Pilbara mining operations face dual threats of state and federal intervention following claims that the company is riding roughshod over indigenous heritage protection.Read more on Australian Site
- 23 November, 2011
The Yindjibarndi People have asked Minister Tony Burke to enact emergency declaration to halt FMG’s massive blasting and ground disturbance program in traditional lands in the path of FMG’s Solomon Project.
Read Summary Yindjibarndi Application to hon Tony Burke
- 22 November, 2011
Read More
The Yindjibarndi People have appealed to the Hon. Tony Burke (Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) to use his power under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act to make an emergency declaration to stop FMG doing more irretrievable damage. “The tragedy is that every moment spent waiting for Mr ...
- 10 November, 2011
- 9 November, 2011
Pansy Cheedy, a member of the Yindjibarndi aboriginal people of North-Western Australia comments on why, after many years of quiet living, she has become motivated to speak out on issues which cause her concern.
- 8 November, 2011
Michael Woodley, CEO of Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, and a dozen traditional owners from Roebourne, and friends, will be holding a peaceful vigil outside the AGM this Wednesday morning.
READ OUR MESSAGE
READ FULL STATEMENT
- 7 November, 2011
- 7 November, 2011
- 6 November, 2011
- 6 November, 2011
Download FULL PRESS RELEASE
The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) is calling on Federal Minister, Tony Burke, to invoke emergency powers to stop the destruction by Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) of Yindjibarndi sacred sites and ‘living heritage’ areas that date back thousands of years.
YAC has received evidence showing FMG forced heritage consultants to change a heritage report ...
- 25 October, 2011
FMG POISED TO DESTROY SANCTUARY OF ANCESTRAL BURIALS – YINDJIBARNDI DEMAND INDEPENDENT SITES INVESTIGATION
READ THE FULL STATEMENT
- 16 October, 2011
FMG map showing aboriginal sites on the Fire Tail And Trinity development areas.
- 15 October, 2011
Unmarked burial places are scattered all over the vast lease where Fortescue Metals has begun work on its new Solomon mine, an area in which Aboriginal people have lived for millennia. The burial complex was described as ”… a highly important and significant site” in one FMG archaeological report sent to the Western Australian ...
- 14 October, 2011
Multibillionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest and his Fortescue Metals Group are battling a government attempt to protect ancient Aboriginal graves on his giant new Solomon mine project in the West Australian Pilbara.
Jan Mayman writes in the Weekend Age on October 15, 2011
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/fortescue-fights-orders-to-protect-aboriginal-graves-20111014-1lp9a.html#ixzz1aogzUe6m
- 14 September, 2011
For a year now, we Yindjibarndi people of the Pilbara have been suffering a split in our community engineered with terrible outcomes by the Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) who intend to mine Yindjibarndi country. Despite having Native Title to our homelands, and despite showing Australian courts and the Native Title Tribunal that the Yindjibarndi people ...
- 17 August, 2011
Read this Press release 17 Aug 2011
A complaint by five Roebourne women has been lodged with the Australian Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) following a statement by FMG chairman and largest shareholder, Andrew Forrest, that “little girls” are approaching men in Roebourne late at night and offering sexual services in exchange for the ...
- 16 August, 2011
FMG CEO, Mr Nev Power, was quoted yesterday as saying, “We have commenced construction at Solomon.”
If this gives the impression that FMG can immediately proceed with mining or rail and mining camp construction on Yindjibarndi country, within which the inaugural Firetail mine is wholly situated, the suggestion is false.
- 15 August, 2011
VIDEO: Pilbara mining trainees doing it tough (ABC News)
AUDIO: Mining companies under fire in Pilbara (PM)
Accusations are being levelled at Fortescue Metals that the company is failing its Indigenous trainees after some of them have had to sleep rough because of a lack of accommodation.
- 15 August, 2011
Download Press release 15 August 2011
On 12 August the Full Federal Court handed down its decision rejecting a challenge by the Yindjibarndi People against the grant of three mining leases to Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) for its Solomon Hub project.
YAC advises that it is seeking advice about appealing this decision by the Federal Court to ...
- 11 August, 2011
Listen to this Interview
The Greens are behind the Native Title Amendment 9 Reform Bill 2011 for which submissions regarding YAC v FMG are open until August 12.
Meri Fatin spoke with Greens Senator Rachel Seiwert.
- 10 August, 2011
Download this Fact Sheet
Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) has made a number of statements in recent weeks regarding the status of their Solomon Hub project.
Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, as the chosen representative body of the Yindjibarndi People states its position in this fact sheet.
- 3 August, 2011
Download YAC questions FMG Solomon leases August 3, 2011
An article by Rebecca Le May for AAP is circulating extensively.
Fortescue Metals Group insists it has all the approvals needed to proceed with its Solomon iron ore project, but Aboriginal landowners are questioning the validity of its mining leases. Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) says it’s incorrect for ...
- 2 August, 2011
Download Article 3 August 2011
In the beautiful rugged Pilbara region of north Western Australia a struggle is being played out between a timeless culture and a culture and ideology which is threatening the vitality of humanity itself.
Guardian reporter Richard Titelius interviews Michael Woodley.
- 2 August, 2011
Listen or download this interview.
A few weeks ago, Andrew Forrest stepped down as CEO of the Fortescue Metals Group, leaving to the new CEO, Neville Power, to deal with the ongoing native title dispute between FMG and the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation.
Already Mr Power has ruled out another offer being placed on the table.
This leaves the ...
- 1 August, 2011
Download this document
This is the ‘pup’ FMG tried to sell to the Yindjibarndi people. It is a contract that strips all meaningful cultural and economic control from Yindjibarndi in their country, for as long as FMG wants, and with no consideration of changing economic climate over the next few generations. Traditional owner groups dealing with ...
- 29 July, 2011
Listen to CAAMA Radio News Ciaran O’Faircheallaigh 29 July 2011
Prof. Ciaran O’Faircheallaigh is a native title expert from Queensland’s Griffith University. He says that while under Australia’s native title laws Aboriginal groups have a seat at the table, they often don’t have equal power.
- 28 July, 2011
Download this press release 29 July 2011Following in Mr Forrest’s footsteps, Mr Power said that FMG would never agree to a royalty deal like Rio Tinto has made with many of our neighbours because he thinks its not going to do any good for our community.
Yindjibarndi reject FMG’s return to the ‘dark ages of Aboriginal ...
- 27 July, 2011
New FMG CEO Nev Power says a royalty deal isn’t an option. “It’s not going to happen because we know it’s not going to do any good (for the community),” Mr Power told AAP on a Fortescue mine site tour.
DOWNLOAD FULL ARTICLE
- 27 July, 2011
Two new newspaper articles this time from the Pilbara News of the 27 July 2011.
Read State rejects role in row
Read Forrest ties social ills to royalties
- 26 July, 2011
Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation CEO Michael Woodley was interviewed by Meri Fatin on Morning Magazine program, on RTRfm radio in Perth, on Monday 25 July.
The podcast is available here.
To date, this has been one of the only responses in the media to the demand for an apology to Andrew Forrest’s slur on aboriginal women and our ...
- 20 July, 2011
Download Press Release 20 July 2011It seems Mr Forrest needs to tell stories of ‘depravity’ in Aboriginal communities, so he can put himself forward as the ‘humanitarian’ philanthropist who will rescue Aboriginal people from themselves – all the while dispossessing traditional owners of the rights they are due from their ancestral lands.
The community of Roebourne ...
- 18 July, 2011
Download Yindjibarndi Media Release 18 July 2011
The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) is calling on the State Government to step in to help end the bitter dispute between the Yindjibarndi people and iron ore producer FMG over a proposed multi billion dollar mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
The parties have so far failed to reach what ...
- 18 July, 2011
MINING magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest has been accused of being a “corporate bully” in pushing ahead with an iron ore project in the Pilbara without traditional owner consent.AAP Article July 18, 2011 5:40PM
Read more..
- 17 July, 2011
Calls for native title law reform have intensified after negotiations between a Western Australian Indigenous community and an Australian iron ore mining giant became mired in bitter dispute.
Original report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on the Four Corners documentary first screened on ABC 1 at 8:30pm, 18 July 2011.
- 17 July, 2011
Four Corners 8.30pm ABC 1
TONIGHT
Monday 18 July 2011
Iron and Dust
4 Corners reports on native title, FMG & Yindjibarndi
Four Corners on Monday 18 July reports from the booming Western Australian Pilbara region for a rare glimpse behind the scenes of dealings between mining giants and Indigenous groups seeking a fair share of the unprecedented minerals bonanza. ...
- 20 June, 2011
NEW MATILDA: Whose Side Is Twiggy On? http://newmatilda.com/2011/06/20/whose-side-is-twiggy-on/
All native title deals are inherently good. Mining companies and Indigenous groups are on the same side. Actually, it’s not quite that simple in the West, writes Sarah Burnside.
- 16 June, 2011
Paul Cleary wonders at the “official silence” that allows some companies (Rio and BHP) to make land use agreements with traditional owners between 10 and 50 times better than self-professed Aboriginal champion Twiggy Forrest. 16 June 2011
DOWNLOAD The Boom- Native owners or mining companies- who benefits?
- 15 June, 2011
DOWNLOAD Heritage at the mercy of Twiggy’s ministerial mate
Niki Morrell interviews Michael Woodley about Yindjibarndi fears for their sites under Minister Peter Collier’s watch; Collier about his conflict of interest; and Aboriginal Affairs shadow Sally Talbot about the Minister’s pecuniary interest in FMG and his untenable position as servant of the Crown.
ABC Radio Northwest ...
- 14 June, 2011
Journalist Jan Mayman writes in the Age Newspaper about the connections between Andrew Forrest and various members of the Western Australian Government, and how it is impossible for us as an Indigenous organisation in dispute with Mr Forrest to get a fair hearing.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/wa-minister-in-fight-over-friends-mine-20110613-1g0i7.html
- 8 June, 2011
After admissions last week by WA Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Peter Collier, that he “takes great guidance” from his “close personal friend” Andrew Forrest, Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation fear that the procedural fairness and independence of the Minister’s office with regard to heritage decisions have been compromised.
Download Press release 8 June 2011
- 4 June, 2011
DOWNLOAD Minister denies favours for mate
Indigenous Affairs Minister Peter Collier faces calls to stand aside from decisions about Fortescue Metals Group after declaring the group’s billionaire boss Andrew Forrest is a friend.
The West Australian 4 Jun 2011
- 15 May, 2011
The Weekend Australian – By Paul Cleary, May 14-15 2011 FOCUS p13
DOWNLOAD Pilbara split by resource riches
- 24 April, 2011
DOWNLOAD Red earth dreaming
Steve Penells, The Weekend West, 23-24 April 2011. A conflict over a mining deal reflects deeper issues at stake for the future of Aboriginal groups.
- 20 April, 2011
Download Article 20 Apr 2011
Mining companies must develop a more nuanced strategy than simple “divide and conquer” tactics. Commonwealth and State Governments must increase their role in Native Title negotiations. The current laissez-faire approach is not conducive to enterprise attraction or realising outcomes consistent with the Government’s “Close the Gap” campaign.
www.futuredirections.org.au/
- 19 April, 2011
Continue reading on Examiner.com
Globally, from south Louisiana Gulf oil country, to Glen Gove Sacred Burial Grounds, to New Zealand ocean waters and remote Aboriginal communities throughout Australia, energy-related corporations are stealing land and water, often backed by government, often with covert or overt military force. A set of carefully applied tactics are applied for ...
- 19 April, 2011
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-04-12/forrest-defends-fmg-native-title-meeting/2618444
Fortescue Metals Group chief Andrew Forrest has defended his company’s conduct in a meeting held to vote on a new iron ore mine in the Pilbara.
Footage from the meeting between FMG and the Yindjibarndi people shows two men struggling for control of a microphone before several elders storm out.
The opposition leader Eric Ripper ...
- 19 April, 2011
Native Title Holders Yindjibarndi Create Controversial Video Claiming ‘Swindle’ on Iron Ore Mine: Mining Company Fights Back
Negotiations between native title holders and a mining company in Western Australia have resulted in native title owners walking out of meeting, video hosting site Vimeo being legally requested to remove the footage and then, a Google Adwords ...
- 19 April, 2011
CRIKEY EXAMINES FMGS BAD DEAL http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/04/19/is-the-yindjibarndi-native-title-deal-from-fmg-up-to-scratch/
…there are weaknesses to the Native Title Act, which has led to the manipulation of negotiations between big mining companies and inappropriately represented native title holders.
- 18 April, 2011
THROWN TO THE MINING WOLVES http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/aborigines-thrown-to-the-mining-wolves-expert-20110415-1dhcj.html
The state government has abandoned Aboriginal people, leaving them to unfairly negotiate multi-million dollar deals with mining corporations and their armies of lawyers, according to an economics policy expert .
- 16 April, 2011
DOWNLOAD Mining chief gets death threats
Australia’s richest man, Andrew Forrest, claims he has received death threats as a result of a national campaign against his company Fortescue Metals Group’s attempts to expand mining in the Pilbara “What he’s witnessing now is people in Australia are very angry in terms of what he’s doing.”
Online ...
- 16 April, 2011
Download article
Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation CEO Michael Woodley’s Reply to Forrest Opinion Piece in the West Australian Page 64, 16 April 2011.
- 15 April, 2011
ABC BUSH TELEGRAPH INT/Vhttp://www.abc.net.au/rn/bushtelegraph/stories/2011/3192621.htm
Michael Mackenzie interviews lawyer for the breakaway Wirlumurra group, Ron Bower, FMG land access manager Blair McGlew, Yindjibarndi barrister George Irving and Yindjibarndi CEO Michael Woodley. Mackenzie raises serious questions about how this so-called native title meeting was conducted, and whether the voting procedures and resolutions passed, which FMG ...
- 15 April, 2011
Last night, board members of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) met with their lawyers in Roebourne to discuss their next strategic move forward in what is becoming a very complex and fascinating Native Title Agreement case.
Native title lawyer, Simon Millman, was one of the lawyers at last night’s meeting and says it’s still possible ...
- 14 April, 2011
A native title meeting held in Roebourne, Western Australia, on 16th March, involving Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest could well go down in history as the defining moment when the bubble has burst with Indigenous Australians and their relationship with Australia’s richest man. National Indigenous Times Editor Stephen Hagan critically examines the rise and rise of Twiggy ...
- 14 April, 2011
This is a record of an illegitimate ‘native title’ meeting (16 March 2011) sponsored by the iron ore miner, Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) and its CEO, Andrew Forrest, the richest man in Australia.
The original posting of “FMG’s Great Native Title Swindle” was censored from Vimeo due to legal threats from FMG. It received 12,900 views ...
- 14 April, 2011
The people in Yindjibarndi country say no to FMG’s proposed plans to mine iron ore. http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/fmg-accused-of-bullying-tactics-in-pilbara-land-battle-20110414-1df31.html
A remote Aboriginal community at the centre of a land battle with Fortescue Metals Group has taken the fight to YouTube, airing a recording of a public meeting held in Roebourne last month.
- 14 April, 2011
RACIAL HATRED? http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/04/14/twiggys-legal-team-native-title-video-incites-racial-hatred/
Lawyers representing Fortescue Metal Group (FMG) and CEO Andrew Forrest have sent legal letters to a video hosting website requesting they take down a controversial clip of a native title meeting held in Roebourne last month despite issuing a denial to Crikey yesterday that they’d been in touch with Vimeo.
- 13 April, 2011
For the Yindjibarndi people country means Ngurra or home, and all the language, law, songs and spiritual belonging that come to us from tens of thousands of years.
Country in the Pilbara south of Roebourne is our home. We have a deep ancestral connection to the land.
And, with that we have a responsibility to make sure ...
- 13 April, 2011
A response from Vimeo has been received in regards to the removal of the video “FMG’s Great Native Title Swindle”
Download our press release 13 April 2011
- 13 April, 2011
At 11.14 pm, the video footage of FMG’s Great Native Title Swindle was deleted from Vimeo without notice or explanation.
- 13 April, 2011
CENSORSHIP http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/04/13/video-of-twiggys-superb-meeting-with-native-title-group-taken-down/
A Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) PR spinner has been editing the Wikipedia page of the mining giant, while a video entitled “FMG’s Great Native Title Swindle” uploaded by Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation expressing their concern over a native title meeting was deleted last night by host Vimeo.
- 11 April, 2011
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-04-11/fmg-native-title-meeting-a-shambles/2622254
The Western Australian Opposition has labelled a native title meeting, overseen by Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) boss Andrew Forrest, a “shambles” after video of the event was posted on the internet.
- 11 April, 2011
NEW MATILDA: ‘This Process Is A Joke’ http://newmatilda.com/2011/04/11/this-process-joke/
Native title holders are just as entitled to benefit from the mineral wealth of their country as the big miners, aren’t they? Sarah Burnside on Twiggy, FMG and that video.
- 9 April, 2011
Read Forrest Opinion Piece The Weekend West, 9 April 2011
After a week of intense attention to FMG and Andrew Forrest’s controversial dealing with the Yindjibarndi people over land access, which was triggered by the video “Twiggy Forrest & FMG’s Great Native Title Swindle,” The Weekend West published an opinion piece by Andrew Forrest. Michael Woodley ...
- 6 April, 2011
THIS LAND IS WHOSE LAND?http://www.theage.com.au/national/this-land-is-whose-land-20110405-1d30g.html
Jan Mayman, April 6, 2011
The granting of mining leases, We ...
- 6 April, 2011
THE VIDEO EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/04/06/the-video-of-twiggy-forrest-that-everyones-talking-about/
Mining magnate Andrew Forrest has been accused of being “paternalistic” in his attempts to strike a native title deal with a group of traditional owners. The dispute involves a $5 billion iron-ore investment by Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) in the Pilbara, in Western Australia.
- 4 April, 2011
This is a record of a supposed ‘native title’ meeting staged by the iron ore miner, Fortescue Metals Group (FMG). It shows how FMG, its agents, a lawyer and an opportunist splinter faction tried to destroy the unity of the Yindjibarndi people and give open slather to FMG for its Solomon Hub project. ...
- 21 March, 2011
An agreement which allows Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) to do anything, anytime, anywhere it wants, on the traditional country of the Yindjibarndi People – but which prohibits the Yindjibarndi from ever claiming compensation, if FMG’s future activities prevent them exercising their legally determined land rights – was the subject of an extraordinary meeting held in ...
- 15 March, 2011
Download Yindjibarndi Newsletter 15 March 2011
A 24 page update describing the attack by Fortescue Metals Group – “The New Force in Iron Ore” – on the Yindjibarndi community of Roebourne; a document that spells out how the richest man in Australia is bankrolling lawyers, anthropologists and his company’s ‘Indigenous Land Access Managers’ to buy off ...
- 9 March, 2011
FMG and their cronies intensify assault on Yindjibarndi by seeking to get rid of most senior custodian, Ned Cheedy, and other claimants who refuse to sign their rotten Agreement.
DOWNLOAD Calling All Yindjibarndi to STOP FMG Takeover
- 7 February, 2011
Yindjibarndi elders Yilbie Warrie and Kenny Jerrold sing the Garmbulaynha Song that travels over country Twiggy will wipe off the face of the earth.
- 30 January, 2011
A summary indicating why current Federal and State laws governing Aboriginal heritage and native title, which are so readily exploited by companies like FMG, ‘have no clothes’. Also see: State & Miners against Aboriginal Futures
- 18 January, 2011
While a Minister’s approval for destruction of Aboriginal heritage in South Australia has been overturned, there is a disturbing pattern in the way that Western Australian State Ministers wield their executive power for the benefit of their friends, the miners, and against the cultural future of Aboriginal people – and get away with it!
Download: State ...
- 17 January, 2011
On 8 December 2010 the conflict between FMG and Yindjibarndi reached a new low point when someone posted notice of a meeting of Members of the Yindjibarndi #1 Native Title Claim Group in the local newspaper, the Pilbara News. This notice was NOT posted by the main Yindjibarndi representative body [the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation – ...
- 17 January, 2011
The West Australian reports that an FMG spokesman confirmed negotiations had begun with a splinter, the Wirlu-Murra Aboriginal Corporation, on a package including a signature payment and royalties. Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation executive officer, Michael Woodley, said this minority group has been “led down the garden path by dollar signs”.
- 16 January, 2011
Over several months in 2006 the Palyku people pleaded with the Carpenter Labour Government and its ministers to spare country lying within the Woodstock Abydos Aboriginal Reserve – an area of large granite hills 200 kilometres south of Port Hedland that had been especially protected for its tens of thousands of ancient rock engravings. Instead, ...
- 15 January, 2011
The man leading the campaign to stop the government’s minerals resource rent tax, billionaire Andrew Forrest, has never signed a corporate income tax cheque for any of the listed companies he has run in the past 16 years.
- 15 January, 2011
Nyiyaparli representatives instructed their land council to have their agreement with FMG rendered void because informed consent was not given by the Nyiyaparli people. Lawyer James Fitzgerald claims that the way FMG obtained the Agreement was one of the most blatant examples of unfair and unconscionable conduct by a mining company that he has seen ...
- 15 January, 2011
A good summary of media reportage of the FMG-Nyiyaparli dispute from 15 to 19 August 2005.
- 15 January, 2011
The pattern repeats itself: FORTESCUE Metals accused of “declaring war” on the Jidi Jidi group after negotiations for a heritage survey turned sour.
- 15 January, 2011
Twiggy’s fortune jumped by about $1.5 billion – or $50 million a day – courtesy of his 31 per cent shareholding in Fortescue.
- 21 December, 2010
Download Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 15 Dec 2010
How FMG Wants To Rip-Off the Yindjibarndi People
Fortescue Metals Group The Yindjibarndi people have tried to negotiate with ...
- 20 December, 2010
This is the ‘pup’ FMG tried to sell to the Yindjibarndi people. It is a contract that strips all meaningful cultural and economic control from Yindjibarndi in their country, for as long as FMG wants, and with no consideration of changing economic climate over the next few generations. Traditional owner groups dealing with FMG be ...
- 12 December, 2010
This notice was posted in the Pilbara News on 8 December 2010, not by the main Yindjibarndi representative body , who had been dealing with FMG without including the main group.
- 11 December, 2010
EXTRACTS from “Brand New Day?” (article by Marcus Priest, Australian Financial Review Magazine, 12 July 2006) with particular reference to how Fortescue Metals Group and Andrew Forrest deal with traditional owner groups.
Thank you for this website.
Firstly I must state that I am not of aboriginal descent, I am of European descent. After much thought to the comments that I’ve read, I will be the first to admit that not enough respect is shown not only to the aboriginal people but to all people in general. Respect is something that is sadly lacking in this day and age. If we could respect each other we wouldn’t have these problems… Sadly no one listens, most people seem to consider that they know best and others know nothing.
The news represented in very poor light an aboriginal protest that was on in Musgrave Park, Brisbane. For once, instead of dismissing the aboriginal people plight as I usually do, I thought that it was about time that I researched these things for myself. For some reason I had a feeling that the media misconstrued the information given to the public.
I do not know why I am so surprised that the media had manipulated and made these people look like foolish, I guess it is easier to dismiss those who appear ignorant. I was unaware that laws were being broken! Why was this not reported?! All I can say is that even though I am not aboriginal myself, I must stress to these people that when the camera’s are rolling that they really need to stress that laws are being broken!!! People pay attention to that, especially when Govt’s allow such laws to be broken. That is the message that needs to be on the news. Instead all that was presented, was a bunch of trouble makers! It’s enough to make your blood boil!
The message that the aboriginal people should present to the general Australian public needs to be basic, simple and straight to the point. The media footage that I saw in relation to the Musgrave Park protest message was confused and unclear. I do not want to see this country become a waste dump any more than the aboriginal people do!
I really don’t, therefore with the up most genuine respect to these people leading these protests, please please please convey a clear and concise message that cannot be denied to even the most simple minded person. Do that you and you will undoubtedly have the added support of more Australians that genuinely care about this land as we all should. The more people you allow in to help, the better off we shall all be.
I wish these people every success and victory in the protection of the Australian land from uranium dumps, plutonium dumps and other such mining projects that release unwanted toxins into the air, water and land. From here on out I am going to do my own independent research, rather then believe whatever my television says that I should believe!
God bless these people in their struggle against such corrupt organisations!
As one individual I feel helpless to assist the Yindjibarndi people against the power of Fortescue Metal. I ask Peter Collier, WA Indigenous Affairs Minister, and others, would they tolerate the graves of their family members being disturbed or desecrated? The war graves of Australian soldiers here and overseas disturbed? Attacks on the sacred places dear to all religions such as churches, temples etc? I DON’T THINK SO. Yet it is apparently OK for one man and his company to desecrate what is significant and precious to the Yindjibarndi people. It is a travesty and I, along with so many others, feel powerless to assist.
I fullheartedly support you in your strong stand against Mr. Forrest and his company.
i strongly suggest at this time, you take a good look at Mark McMurtrie and Denis Walkers’ ‘Want of Jurisdiction’ writs (which have been sent to you, as a declaration of your SOVEREIGN (the ruler/oppressor language) Rights as a people OF your land.
These processes are in place here, on the East Coast.
It is a response in their law, which must include and demands reciprocity of respect for both laws (traditional and contemporary).
thank you for inspiring strength and solidarity in others.
News story on FMG letting down Indigenous trainees:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-17/pilbara-mining-trainees-doing-it-tough/2843524
Good Luck! Don’t sign away your rights!
To my fellow Brothers and Sisters, I am writing to support the Yindjibarndi People against FMG. I do not agree with how FMG acted aggressively towards the Yindjibarndi People through the negotiations tactics over their country and the legislations that were put in place to protect such beautiful wonders had let the people down. I believe that their land should be left alone and let the Yindjibarndi people look after it in the way Mother Earth deserves. This land has a significant link to our culture and a is of value to our tourism trade. It was not fair that those who acted on behalf of the Yindjinbarndi people by making a decision thinking it was in the best interest of the Yindjinbarndi people and the community. They should’ve consulted more before accepting an agreement. Traditonal Elders of the Yindjinbarndi and their people had said NO and they meant NO. I fully support Yindjinbarndi and hope that righting the wrongs can be achieved and in doing so you will help with Bridging the Gap for better futures.
Julie Russell Yuin/Umbarra – black duck
“Whatever Happened to the Choice of the Free Market”
Why are the aboriginals forced to deal with 1 company & a set time frame?????
1. SURELY THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEAL WITH MANY COMPANIES TO THRASH OUT THE BEST DEAL FOR THEMSELVES AS IS THE STATUS QUO OF THE SO CALLED FREE MARKET.
2. FAILING THIS WHY CAN’T THEY DEAL WITH CHINA DIRECT AS THIS IS WHERE THE INVESTORS ARE COMING FROM ANYWAY.
3. WHY SHOULD THEY THEN HAVE TO DEAL WITH THESE MIDDLEMEN ANYWAY AS THEY DON’T OWN THE LAND, CLEAR RIGHT & TITLE GIVES THE INDIGENOUS THAT CHOICE.
4. WHY IS “TRICKY FOREST” TRYING TO TIE UP SUCH A HUGE AREA OF LAND, HE CAN REALLY ONLY SPECIFY WHAT HE WANTS TO MINE & WHERE HE INTENDS TO MINE IT NOT TIE UP HALF THE STATE & SAY I WILL LET YOU KNOW LATER.
5. At the end of the day the aboriginals will get what they always get out of these greedy opportunists NOTHING, ZERO, ZILCH, NADA. Please show me how these companies have improved conditions of the indigenous in say the last 50 years.
6. Why does 4 corners not post half of the letters sent in as I have had so many go astray???
7. MOST IMPORTANLY WHY SHOULD “Twits of the Forest” be able to hold such a huge tenament of land to sell on to other mining investors, this is a clear breach of the tenament act, which specifies what you intend to mine & as stated before where you intend to mine & then you are given a time frame or your lease has elapsed, perhaps this is the crux of the whole matter???????
I fail to see how this should be held to the detriment of the indigenous peoples who should have the right to bargain with whoever they like!!!!!
Finally why do they not have the power to ever say no!!!!
(EG) James Price Point!!!!!
I put this on the 4 Corners Website but was not posted ??
Now you see this greedy little man for who he really is, just another used car salesman who is trying to sell you shite as chocolate pudding!!
He attends Christian groups, & tells us how he is one with the land & the aboriginal people, & reflects upon his youth on a cattle station, just to show us he is your regular good guy, whilst trying to short change the landholders out of any reasonable recompense. His reason for doing this, he is worried about them being to welfare dependant to give them half of what they should be entitled too. (Lord forgive us)
He also claimed in that kangaroo court of a native title deal behind closed doors that 90-95% of the people there voted for the proposal when it was plain to see that those who didnt vote were in the majority by about 58% – 42%. (check the video for yourself) This was even with imported hecklers from other tribes, who didnt give the only real tribal elder there a chance to speak. (what porkie pies Mr forest).
It was also disgraceful how one of “twitchy forests” legal team refused to give the the microphone to Michael Woodley. How can governments endorse these kinds of fraudulent deceptions??
He also tried to make us believe that he would bring big business onboard to provide 50,000 jobs for the indigenous in society over 2 years!! 3 years have passed & 4000 have been employed. Of those how many are employed by his mining operations as a percentage of the total workforce???
The biggest concern to me on behalf of all Australians is since when were (international banking cartels) allowed to buy 100% of mining or any other operations??????????????
“Bad Days Ahead People” when these financial cartels have exploited every last one of our resources & sent the money overseas to exploit other countries resouces, please tell me how we will have benefitted I am all ears!!
Yet the mainstream media brainwashed some people into believing a mining tax was bad for us???
You even saw clippits of Mr Murdoch from earlier deals. “Such an honourable man” so why would we even think Forest Ebeneezer Lumpy Wallet is just another wheeling dealing hypocrite!!!
That is a huge tract of land they are attempting to steal from you, I have a real concern for you here, they have not specified what areas they want to mine in, & exactly to what extent they are going to mine for, (i.e.) “Coal Seam Gas” which will destroy the water table & make the whole area unfit to live, & just how all this is going to affect you in the future or what future rights you have on the land as a result of these proposals!!
What “underground aquifers” does this area cover & how will they be affected??? As the Munjina National parks water courses & Aquifers Are all connected to the Fortescue River!!!
The whole process was totally illegal, as proper proceedure was overidden & chaired by a lawyer representing “twitchy forests lump in his wallets” agenda.
I am glad you have put this up for the whole world to see. As it will show how ALL Australian Governments just stand by & let (International Financial Cartels) exploit the hell out of this country. Just like every other country on the planet!!
I hope there is a “Royal Commission” into this Mockery of the rights of the Aboriginal people. I am sure there is a (QC) or two who would take this up on your behalf.
Is this what Australia has become, I am truly sickened to what I have seen, & dispite FMG, Rio Tinto, BHP, CSR, & a whole host of other mining companies that surround the Area, How has Roebourne benefitted from all these false promises, Lies & deceit. These communities are still poverty stricken. I support you 100% & “I do not think that (Wirlumurra splinter groups) have the right to determine ANYTHING in traditional YindjiBarndi lands” that cannot be legal in any court in any country!!!!
KEEP FIGHTING THE PEOPLE ARE WITH YOU!!!
Unless you learn to tap the capital markets to finance the development of such an asset, governments in countries like Australia (who normally sell their mothers for a song) will not stand by you, Native Title or not Native Title.
China stands by ready to do deals. They have the muscle and the morality when it comes to such deals. The play hard, work hard and do a good deal.
Stay united and use your BEST legal advice to reach a just outcome. Right is on your side and you must inevitably succeed. Otherwise our justice system will lose all credibility
Best wishes.
the money system is collapsing in front of our eyes and we will be relieved. No need to pay anything. Money will not exist only freedom and the genuine law.
“You are spot on with that one, the people of this planet do not realise that it is only a very few people that control most of the worlds finances through (international banking cartels) who do not really belong to any country as they are transient & have no borders or allegiances. They just want control, & plan to send the world into chaos then out of the remnants set up a world government who will rule by force & fear, they are not far away from this goal, 2-3yrs tops”
the non violent revolution is unfolding in front of our very own eyes. the people are united, no worries about that. Out of 200 hundred people I asked to sign a petition against the actions of FMG only 2 said no!! Goes to show you that if we are united we can win against the governments and the multinationals, ripping us off in a massive land grab.
To All Aborignal People of Australia:
I am Maori from Aotearoa, New Zealand and I also have English/Scottish Ancestry. Some of my Ancestors are actually Australian, dare i say that, as at this point I’m not that proud to admit it. I am shocked at what is happening with the Spiritual Lands of Australia. The Aboriginal people are being treated like animals and being disrespected. I say to the Yindjibarndi people, hold onto your lands, keep your culture, your heritage, your Ancestral lands, your MANA! Stand up and stand proud, stand together and don’t vote for something you will never have back. If there is an agreement that will satisfy you all, be it one that will mean you retain rights to what happens on the land, don’t be bullied into the Developers dollar-loaded words. The Yindjibarndi people have more power than the developers, they only have money, you have the lands they are nothing without you. If you come to an agreement make it work for you in every way first!! My heart and Aroha extends to you all and I send strengthening thoughts to you all. Shelley
I support you and your people in this fight against unscrupulous mining companies.
Andrew Forrest is a modern day ‘lord vesty’. Yindjibarndi people fight these parasitical anglo-celtic thugs as did the Gurnidji mob!
The issues are not just about mining. There are issues regarding respect, honesty, ethics and behaviour. FMG is accused of bullying and being underhanded. FMG responds by underhanded bullying. FMG says the videos are defamatory and posts defamatory videos in response. FMG says its voice is being sidelined yet an FMG supporter physically prevents Yindjibarndi supporters from access to a microphone. FMG says it respects Aboriginal people and then expects them to be especially greatful because they’re being paid wages for their work.
International attention challenges FMG to treat all people with dignity and respect – in practice not just in media releases and “I’m the victim here” pseudo-journalism. While continuing to operate with little or no self-awareness Andrew Forrest runs the risk of relegating Generation One to a cynical exercise in spin and tax minimisation.
To the original people and keepers of this country,let me first introduce myself, i am a enrolled member of the san carlos apache tribe in arizona,usa. Im the founder of the grass roots group”Apaches Against Rio Tinto”. they came in true whiteman fashion to take away and rape the mother earth! they came with big talk of big money for the people. How they could “help us ” and make us more “wealthy” how life would be easier for us.They spoke of jobs for our people,and education for our children,that they would provide scholarships and money for all the time they were here and even long after they were gone ! money,money, money!and we asked what would happen to the land and the water,the plants and animals? they tried to divide the tribal counsel but we kept up our fight for the land and the water.we rallied the people,we went door to door teaching the people,educating them on the real truth of what would really happen! it sickens me to see what these land rapists are trying to do to you all there and how they disrespect the elders they have no regards for anyone ,just themselves!! let me encourage you all to put up a good fight! we stand in solidarity with you we won the fight here and got rio tinto off our land! i know you can do the same,you must stand together!!
Them other mob should realise that if Forrest and FMG are allowed to get away with their interference in what should have been a community meeting, then other pastoral and mining companies will follow their lead and no Aborginal kuntri anywhere in Australia and no Aboriginal group who wishes to negotiate ILUA’s will ever be safe from this type of predatory behaviour. If that happens then we all know who to blame! By siding with FMG and Twiggy Forrest, they’re selling out Aboriginal people and kuntri everywhere, not just other Yindjibarndi!
Yes I to have dealt with many big companies, government, lawyers and greed. I know the tricks they play. I have published your page on my Law Management publication. http://lawisanass-wingate.blogspot.com/2011/04/yindjibarndi-aboriginal-corporation-and.html
I did a large detailed article on the ASIC vs FMG case http://lawisanass-wingate.blogspot.com/2011/02/asic-appeal-win-deals-blow-to-forrest.html
In my dealings with Andrew Forest whom I met in 1987 I have always admired his ability to get things moving ahead. Perhaps the best method forward here is to find common ground.
Have any of your people worked out the value of what you own?
Contrary to the media releases such as the video and reports on this Yindjibarndi website, there is actually very strong support within the community for the development of the mine and the agreement to the land access agreement that has been proposed by FMG. Every story has two sides and the video and this Yindjibarndi website seem to be very selective about what is being presented…
Hi Crayfish, thanks for your considered response. I agree there must be another (or few) different sides to this story. However when you say ‘media releases’, to this date there is no comprehensive media release in W.A. on that travesty of a meeting, other than the one released by the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corproration.
The issue appears to be not whether or not FMG go in, but the quality and content of the deal. YAC are fighting for an agreement that is not quite so offensive as the one currently offered. That is their right, as native title holders of that land. Part of the agenda in THAT meeting sought to remove those dissenters of the currently offered deal from all future negotiations. This was achieved by stacking the vote.
It may not be QUITE illegal but it IS bloody unfair.
So good on the YAC for fighting back online and sending the meeting viral. The West Australian newspaper or any other WA media outlet is not gonna back them up against Twiggy. In fact, Australian news outlets should be condemned this week for not properly covering this issue.
Well done, the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation.
In my previous dealings with Michael Woodley, the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, and the Cheeditha Community as Community Relations Coordinator for a mining company with interests near Roebourne; I found Michael, YAC, and the Cheeditha people to be very kind, polite, reasonable, and a real pleasure to work with. They were more than willing to sit down, discuss issues, and progress plans for possible furture development. I always looked forward to our meetings at Cheeditha, as we were able to further discussions in a very positive manner. I hope that I have the pleasure of working with the Yindjibarndi people again in the future!
This is a disgrace! How many Indigenous communities that will have to suffer under greedy mining companies and government backing. If we look at our past history of mining eg Kakadu National Park and Gove both these Indigenous communities have not prospered nor have they been given any voice to what happens on thier traditional lands. This is no way a mutual agreement which does not work towards reconciliation nor is it a way to close the gap with Aboriginal people to bulid, trust and respect! Instead its just another backyard bully who has might but no right! As Professor Mick Dodson argues,’ We are seeing serious problems in the bureaucracy’s capacity to make it work. There are serious questions about whether the shared responsibility framework is being played out on the ground in a way that gives Indigenous people a real chance to make decisions that affect our lives, although we know from all the evidence now available to us that this is a fundamental pre-requisite for building healthy communities. How can we build our confidence and assume responsibility while we continue to be represented as a people, as a culture, on the basis of the worst, most heinous behaviour perpetrated by some of our most damaged citizens?
I am sick of big mining company’s standing over our people through there white law just too make money and continuing to rape mother earth for there selfish and destructive ways.We aboriginal people no matter what part of Country we are from need to help each other through the injustices that we face day to day and too stand together as a nation and fight for what our ancestors died for .
Yindjibarndi people dont give up your voices will be heard.
what is happening to the Yindjibarndi is an outrage and a template that has been used since colonisation, divide and rule, except there are no punitive expeditions pre-negotiations anymore to quell any opposition.
F%#king FMG the scoundrels and all the bullshit money, ad campaigns and editorials promoting his 50,000 jobs and other bullshit that Andrew Forrest portrays. What the mining companies including FMG are doing is conning this country again for corporate profit under the guise of nothing more that tokenistic employment for Aboriginal People. He may offer ‘jobs’ but he is robbing Aboriginal People of their basic rights, the same that have been eroded and taken from Aboriginal people since the first British ship arrived.
FMG is nothing better than an invading foreign state offering nothing to the people it is dis-empowering.
Their right to self determination and control over their own wealth and future profits for their communities in resources and mining, tourism or any economic development on THEIR land is non existent and eroded by the moves by FMG.
This divide and conquer bullshit is a demeaning a strategy as was used by the invading illegal British army in 1788 against people ill advised and not aware of what is actually taking place. Why is it acceptable today?
We only have to see what is also happening at James Price Point and what the mining company involved in that ‘negotiation’ uses ‘Native Title Law’ in their favor and divide the community. Compulsory acquisition?? that happens when the negotiations supposedly break down and white is right wins again over Aboriginal wishes. Democracy??
Native Title is yet another white man’s construct that does nothing to enabling the rights of Aboriginal People to be protected over and above the rights of the dominant culture and corporate greed.
This makes me angry. So much of this thing is going on at moment right across the country on Aboriginal lands and without proper due process or legal help. No money to defend how can people possibly win? Forget what they are digging up at the moment, think uranium, that’s ultimately what is being looked for on Aboriginal Lands right across WA, NT, SA and QLD. What are Aboriginal People getting? – some flour, sugar and tea!!!
There needs to be some solidarity shown here for the Yindjibarndi People from Aboriginal People and communities across Australia and their rights to their own land. What happens to someone else happens to all of us.
Craig Collins
Perth, WA
My heart goes out to all Yindjibarndi people those who have passed and those in this present day who have to now go through another chapter of 1829.
I was the Millstream National Park Ranger in 1984-1985 and the Elders then (many have now passed on) walked me through your beautiful country and I listened to the many stories told to me by them and they also started teaching me the language which now makes me cry when I hear the pain and suffering in the voices of your people today at the thought of the unwanted disruption of such a wonderful country.
I was sent to visit places by the Elders on my own and the Spiritual feelings at those places has grounded me in my pursuits of equality for our people all over this country.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do other than send some Spiritual messages to help you all resolve this heartache and division among a people of which I have the utmost respect.
Those Elders showed me the way to harmony and connection to country and I will always be in indebted to them and all Yindjibarndi people and their lands.
My sincere regards,
Jim.
I would like to extend my support to the Yindjibarndi people who are fighting to save country and community by resisting the pressures of mining companies . A price cannot be put on these precious resources, so vital to the health and wellbeing of current and future generations. What is of deep concern to me is the continued division which is created in community on these issues. Stand strong together.
Robin Barrington
Badimia community
I stand with sister Robin Barrington in support of the Yindjibarndi people and their fight to save Country and Community.
Janice Slater
Badimia Community
To the Yindjibarndi
Thankyou
We Walk With You
Brothers and Sister enough is enough people must stop and leave our country alone
We are the first Peoples of this country colonially referred to as Australia, Our People have many languages but we all share the one sun, the one moon, we sleep under the one roof and are sustained by the one Mother Earth, Our stories run right throughout our country and we are Brothers and Sisters walking together.
We are a happy and strong People with our own Law, our own Languages, and our own Way of Living and it is time now that this be recognised, respected, embraced and supported or it will be gone from our sight and our young will be lost to us for all time and one of the oldest continuous living culture on the face of the planet will cease to be.
We are sending out a message of support to our Aboriginal Brothers and Sisters to keep standing strong in your Law. keep speaking out straight and clear on behalf of our ancestors and our coming generations.
It is time that the voice and guidance of our Grandfathers and Grandmothers who are our true cultural authorities be listened to and acted upon in accordance with our customs and traditions
It is time now that the continued desecration of our culture and way of life through successive and assimilative Government policies and greedy business people end
It is time now that we the First Peoples maintaining the one true Law of this country say enough is enough
Murray George
John Hartley
Aboriginal Law and Culture Movement
South Australia
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS,
I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY SUPPORT TO THE YINDJIBARNDI PEOPLE WHO ARE FIGHTING FOR THEIR LAND WHICH THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO. DON’T THE MIGLOOS HAVE ENOUGH OF OUR LAND. THEY DISRESPECT US AND OUR CULTURE AND WHAT CULTURE DO THESE MIGLOOS HAVE NONE.
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS I AM WITH U IN SPIRIT.
KATHRYN APPS