Forty members and supporters of the Nyoongar Tent Embassy marched on Government House early on February 21. The march was an important public statement for the embassy after an February 19 operation by more than 50 armed police cleared tents and vehicles from the embassy site at Matagarup (Heirrison Island).
Some media reports have falsely given the impression that that was the end of the embassy. In fact, the embassy remains strong.
Before the march began, embassy representatives were buoyed by the news that Perth City Council has publicly said they they had "no plans to ask protesters at the Tent Embassy to stop camping at the site".
The purpose of the march was to present a letter to the Western Australia governor asserting Nyoongar sovereignty. The letter called on the governor to show proof that sovereignty was ever ceded by Nyoongar people.
The marchers walked down the middle of the Causeway and Adelaide Terrace, marshalling themselves and at least eight children effectively.
Government House officials initially refused entrance to the group but eventually a delegation of five elders and an official photographer were allowed in to present the letter.
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