By Nikki Ulasowski
CANBERRA — On February 4, the first student-initiated native title group was formed at the Australian National University. The meeting was attended by activists from Resistance, Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation, and the International Socialist Organisation. Discussion focused on the purpose of the group, and its links to other organisations, particularly ANTaR.
The new group will be called Students and Academics for Native Title And Reconciliation. SANTAR will be independent from, but welcome the involvement of activists from other anti-racism groups.
Will Williams from Resistance said, "It is important that students get involved in this campaign. Students, workers, migrants and indigenous people are all under attack now and if we are going to stop this government we must unite together and actively build solidarity."
At the University of Canberra, a reconciliation group has been meeting for six months. Students on both campuses are planning major activities for orientation week and beyond. Activists from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander centres on each campus are also involved.
Williams commented, "Resistance has an extensive campus club network across Australia and is working to strengthen the campaign against all forms of racism. So far, students have not had many opportunities on campus to display their opposition to the government's anti-native title agenda. That is now beginning to change."