Gathering of First Nations and Peoples 2016

2016 Gathering of First Nations & Peoples

 
Whether or not you fully understand the implications of Sovereignty, UDIs, Decolonisation processes or Treaties, you are welcome to attend the First Nations & Peoples Gathering to learn and/or contribute.
 
26 - 27 November 2016
Meetings will be held at:
Members Dining Room, Old Parliament House, Canberra
and the Aboriginal Embassy
(For accommodation see info below)

First Nation Delegates.
To be fully involved in discussions you need to have the right to speak for Country, the authority to speak for your Nation or the right to collect information for your nation. We would like you to introduce your delegation by identifying who you are, what Nation you belong to and your Dreaming. Bring your flag if you have one.

Observers welcome.
If you are stolen generation and have been dislocated from your Country/Nation, please inform us so we can assist you in the repatriation process of restoring your knowledge, as it is not within our culture for our people to be without Dreaming and Connection to Country.

It is time to bring back the fullness and health of our culture, which underpins our culture. [Don't rely on anthropologists and genealogists because they are known to get it wrong!]

Non-Indigenous.
Non-Aboriginal supporters are welcome as observers but we hope you understand First Nations people have priority over everything.

2016 GATHERING TOPICS

• Update on the Sovereignty Movement
• Contested Sovereignty: Defining Sovereignty in the modern era
• Key aspects of the Mabo decision
• Report on London First Nations Decolonising Gathering
• Report on development on Assertions of Sovereignty and UDI’s
• Resurrecting dominance of our Law/Lore, Culture and Customs
• Recreating traditional governance with modern practices
• Youth issues and Suicide
• Discussions, Adopting Resolutions and Evening Entertainment

An Agenda download will be available prior to the Gathering, the above is an overview of the 1st draft Agenda.

Venue
The venue for 2016 will be the Members Dining Room of Old Parliament House (adjacent to the Aboriginal Embassy) which can hold 400 people. It is larger than the House of Representatives in Old Parliament House where we have held previous gatherings. Some of the sessions and working groups may be held outdoors at the Aboriginal Embassy if the weather permits .

Your contribution
We have been lucky enough to have some supporters helping us in keeping the costs to our people to a bare minimum. As you know, we are a grass roots organisation and must assert our independence without asking for government hand-outs, and are asking you to contribute to the expenses with a small registration fee of $10 per day to cover venue cost. We also ask you to be as self-sufficient as possible at all times.

Camping
People are able to camp at the Aboriginal Embassy but there are no suitable toilet and washing facilities. We recommend 'Canberra Carotel Caravan Park' that is 20 minutes away from the Gathering location. At this stage we are trying to arrange a pick-up and drop-off transport. This is a great camping spot with all the facilities in a country atmosphere with mountain views. You can camp close to the facilities or far enough away to have your own privacy. You don't need to book as there is plenty of room. Cost per night is: Unpowered $17 single camper ($12 per heard for extras), Powered $22 single camper ($12 per heard for extras). There is also other types of accommodation on site but you may need to book in advance for these). Camping information.

Volunteers
Sovereign Union is a grass roots organisation without government or corporate funding and you may be in a position to assist our small group of volunteers throughout the two days of the gathering - such as security, registrations, catering, facilitating discussions, media/photo's/video/technical support - or in some other way. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated and will help make the event run smoother. If so, leave details on the Registration Form.

Registrations
For all people intending to Register, please read the Registration Page in advance of your booking to ensure you have the details we request. If you require assistance in registering, there is an email address and telephone contact number on the registration page.

Donations
The small core group organising the Annual Gathering of Nations are always personally out of pocket after the event, so anyone who supports our plight for self-determination can assist us greatly with a Donation of any amount, it would be very much appreciated.

For general inquiries please email us

Relevant information
 About Sovereign Union, the SU flag and the Organisational Structure
 Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) Explained
 Decolonisation underpins the Sovereign Treaties processes
 'Constitutional Recognition' Questions and Answers