By Liam Hazell

CANBERRA -- More than 1000 people attended the “Sea of Hands” event here on October 12. Sixty-six thousand coloured hands, representing signatures on the Australian Citizens' Statement in support of Native Title, were placed into the lawns in front of Parliament House.

The mosaic of hands was dubbed the “alternative Floriade”, referring to Canberra's annual flower display. The event, organised by Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation, was sponsored by 26 ACT community groups, including churches, trade unions, student and anti-racism organisations.

Speakers included Lois O'Donoghue, Bishop Pat Powers, Wik representative Gladys Tybingoompa and Queensland pastoralist Camilla Cowley. Cowley described the misinformation about native title being spread by producer organisations.

A number of bands also played in support, including Tiddas, Waak Waak Junji from Arnhem Land and local bands Closet Klezmer and Crumpet.

Nick Soudakoff, a member of the Campaign Against Racism and a Democratic Socialist candidate in the coming ACT elections, said that the event was an indication of the depth of feeling about native title.

“The Sea of Hands was certainly impressive, but the government would probably have been more concerned had there been 66,000 people in front of Parliament House”, said Soudakoff.

Campaign Against Racism has begun organising the Canberra part of the December 13 national day of action against racism.

“Given the ALP's notorious reluctance to fully oppose the 10-point plan, and its support for cuts to immigration and migrant services, it's clear that only a broad community-based movement is capable of defending native title and migrant rights”, said Soudakoff.

For information about the Campaign Against Racism, ring 6247 2424.

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