500 years marked in Melbourne
MELBOURNE — In an evocative ceremony, members of the Yarra Yarra tribe on October 11 welcomed Domingo Colicoi, a Mapuche representative from the All Lands Council in Chile.
With traditional dances, songs and instruments, including digeridoos, they welcomed him to their land, and bade him safe conduct during his visit. Moved, Domingo Colicoi thanked them in Spanish, and in song in the Mapuche language, offering them strength and courage in their continued struggle.
These Koori people said they looked to the 500 years of survival and resistance of the Mapuche for inspiration.
The Melbourne committee for the 500 Years of Indigenous, Black and Popular Resistance, El comité 500 años de resistencia indigena, negra, y popular, organised many events during the week.
The activities began on Sunday, with an entire day of programming on "the 500 years" on Melbourne's popular community radio station, 3CR. Held simultaneously was a successful radiothon to raise money for a symbolic Australian "Ship to Cuba", to be loaded with wheat and other donations.
On October 12, there was a rally in City Square, with Aboriginal speakers and poets from both continents.
Other events included a writer's tour, a ceramic installation, a patchwork quilt, a theatre program and a speaking program.