Two media releases today to celebrate the;

 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 9 August 2012

1.COMMUNIQUE FROM ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER STRATEGIC DIALOGUE GROUP (ATSISDG)

2.INDIGENOUS MEDIA STRENGTHENS IDENTITY (see below)

1.ATSISDG

The establishment of the ATSISDG is an important advancement in the promotion and protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights and interests and it will focus on positive change in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children.

The ATSISDG will operate as a ‘think tank’.

It will focus on and pursue strategy, collaboration and information sharing and support the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples.

The main focus of the ATSISDG will be to ensure implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Declaration).

The ATSISDG recognises the importance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebrated on 9 August every year.

The Day provides an opportunity for nations to strengthen international cooperation around challenges faced by Indigenous people in areas such as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment and social and economic development.

ATSISDG calls on all levels of governments and organisations around Australia to fully implement the Declaration, and in keeping with this year’s theme for the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices, ATSISDG calls on civil society and governments to highlight the importance of Indigenous media in challenging stereotypes, strengthening identity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and influencing the social and political culture.

Participants of ATSISDG include

• The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO),
• National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples (Congress),
• National Native Title Council (NNTC),
• Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC),
• First Peoples Disability Network,
• NSW Aboriginal Land Council,
• Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission,
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services,
• National Indigenous Higher Education Network (NIHEN)
•  The Australian Human Rights Commission.

 2.Indigenous media strengthens identity

 Indigenous media is critical to demystifying Indigenous culture and strengthening our identity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

 Marking International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and the 2012 theme of Indigenous Media, Empowering Voices, Commissioner Gooda said Australia’s Indigenous media outlets played a valuable role in challenging stereotypes.

 “It’s often complex for mainstream media to portray Indigenous issues accurately and realistically, and sometimes, despite good intentions, this portrayal reinforces damaging stereotypes, “Commissioner Gooda said.

 “Australia’s Indigenous media outlets have a vision and breadth which gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the information we need on the things we’re interested in, through an Indigenous lens.

 “The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has called on nations around the world to create and maintain opportunities for Indigenous peoples to articulate their perspectives, priorities and aspirations,” he said.

 “I call today on Australian governments to support these efforts by fully implementing the Declaration.”

 Commissioner Gooda said the Declaration, which provided a blueprint for Indigenous peoples and governments around the world to respect the rights and roles of Indigenous peoples, would be the main focus of the newly created Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Dialogue Group.

 “I welcome the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Dialogue Group (ATSISDG). It is an important development in the protection and promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights and interests,” he said.

 “The ATSISDG will operate as a ‘think tank’ and focus on strategy, collaboration and information sharing – particularly in relation to ensuring implementation of the Declaration.”

 Commissioner Gooda said the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was an opportune time to take stock on where Indigenous peoples are in relation to the key challenges they confront.

 “Let’s not forget that Australia is not alone in our efforts to improve outcomes for our Indigenous people in areas such as culture, education, health, human rights and economic development,” he said.

 “International Days such as today fuel international cooperation around these issues and provide not only practical lessons from around the world but also unite us in hope.”

 Up to the minute information on human rights is now available on twitter at twitter.com/AusHumanRights.

 Media contact: Louise McDermott (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597