YOU might think Aborigines would be a bit iffy about boat people, given the events of a couple of hundred years ago.
But to show they’re generally a pretty tolerant mob, Nyoongars will for the first time lead this year’s Refugee Welcome Festival walk through Fremantle tomorrow, Sunday June 14.
The event, which starts on the Esplanade reserve at 11am with a community drumming circle, will also feature a welcome to country by elder Theresa Walley.
Another speaker on this year’s agenda is West Papuan Wiwince Pigome, who’ll highlight how the Indonesian government continues to apply torture, rape and imprisonment to quell the local independence movement.
• African-born drummer Alastair van Schoor and West Papuan activist Wiwince Pigome get a kangaroo kebab welcome from Nyoongar chef Ashley Ryan. Photo by Steve Grant
Ms Pigome’s grandfather died from the effects of torture and she says it’s now impossible for her to return to visit relatives, as she’d almost certainly be killed.
She said many West Papuans are refugees within their own country, and live in abject poverty while Indonesians and US-based company Freeport make many millions from the world’s biggest diamond mine and pollute the landscape.
Vast tracts of rainforest are now being cleared for agriculture, she says.
The free festival is organised by the Fremantle Refugee Rights Action Network and is sponsored by Fremantle council.
It’ll feature 28 stalls including info and support services, global food and fair trade.
by STEVE GRANT
