Memorial marks Aboriginal death in custody

Seventy people attended a memorial service outside Fremantle Prison on October 2 for Aboriginal man John Pat. Pat was found dead in police custody at Roebourne Prison on September 28, 1983. The ceremony was organised by the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee in memory of all the Aboriginal people who have died in police custody in WA, including Pat and Aboriginal elder Mr Ward.

Aboriginal activists Maryanne Mackay and Glen Moore addressed the crowd. Mackay called for the formation of an Aboriginal political party to give a voice to her people.

After the memorial, the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee held its annual general meeting, during which Noongar elder and activist Ben Taylor was awarded life membership and the success of the Ward campaign was noted. To get involved in the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee visit www.deathsincustody.org.au.

From GLW issue 813