Thousands joined the march for land rights and justice for First Nations people on July 12 as part of the annual NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) rally.
The 鈥淜eep the fire burning: Blak, Loud and Proud鈥 celebrated 鈥渢he unyielding spirit鈥 of First Nations communities, inviting everyone to 鈥渟tand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced鈥.
The fire represents the 鈥渆nduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced鈥. 鈥淏lak, Loud and Proud鈥 encapsulates the 鈥渦napologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world鈥.
The rally started early with Wurundjeri Gunnai Kurnai Elder Uncle Ringo Terrick and Gunai Mara Elder Uncle Robbie Thorpe addressing the crowd outside the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. Both encouraged people to visit Camp Sovereignty, which has been on Boonwurrung Country in the Kings Domain.
Gunditjmara First Nations People鈥檚 Ocean Defenders and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union brought contingents of supporters.
First Nations-Palestinian solidarity was also expressed with many wearing keffiyehs and holding signs that said 鈥淣o pride in genocide鈥 and 鈥淔rom the river to the sea, always was, always will be Aboriginal land!鈥
Lots of families with young children joined the march, chanting 鈥淟and rights now!鈥, 鈥淪top child removals鈥 and 鈥淪upport Treaty鈥.
Waka Waka Bundjilung Elder Aunty Rieo Ellis protested the fences that had been erected in one of the main CBD streets, saying: 鈥淭his is our land. This is our day, and they have fenced us in.鈥 Ellis is active in .
Protesters marched more than 2.5 kilometers from Fitzroy to the CBD, occupying multiple inter91自拍论坛, including outside Parliament House and Flinders and Swanston Streets.
They ended at Federation Square and heard from more speakers and musicians, including Aboriginal Kunai Gunditjmara hip hop artist Meriki Hood and Mutthi Mutthi Yorta Yorta Tongan independent rap and hip hop artist Crooked TP.
Uncle Robbie Thorpe encouraged support for independent Senator and DjabWurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman Lidia Thorpe鈥檚 new , which aims to remove the ability of the attorney-general to block prosecution of genocide and crimes against humanity.
to the Genocide Bill Inquiry close on July 26.
