Even as Indigenous people and asylum seekers occupy different positions that are informed by distinct histories and relations of power, reciprocal struggles and solidarity between First Nations peoples and people seeking asylum have been articulated and demonstrated by groups and individuals. To mark Invasion Day 2017, Wiradjuri Elder and Poet, Riverbank Frank organised a protest outside the Villawood Immigration prison; meanwhile members of RISE (Refugees, Survivors and Ex-Detainees) marched in Invasion Day protests in Melbourne.
‘I really would like to get a message to my brothers and sisters out there in Indigenous Australia, you know, it’s not wrong to look outside of ourselves… My father was Stolen Generation; they stole him as a child. They lock up children now. So you know, you wonder how far we’ve come, both situations are not unalike at all.’
Riverbank Frank (Wiradjuri Elder and poet)
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Tania Canas (RISE Arts Director)
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