CLEANSING CEREMONY REQUIRED!
I would like to propose that the Centre for Conflict Resolution at
Macquarie University withdraw from the Asian/Pacific Conflict
Resolution Group until it has addressed the fundamental issue of
institutionalised racism at its home institution.
The denial of the place of First People in mainstream Australian
life is found throughout the institutions of the Anglo-Australian
State. The education system is no exception. This is part of the
ongoing Anglo-Australian genocide against Austrlia's First
People.
It is telling to find that the Advisory Board for Macquarie's
Conflict Resolution Centre, replicating the structure of the
university, does not contain representatives from First Australia.
Not even a token Blackfellow. Nor does it acknowledge that its is
built on the expropriated living country of First People.
The Board consists of an elite who will, despite the best of
intensions, act only to preserve what they perceive to be their
real interests.
It is no surprise to be informed by the Executive Officer from the
Conflict Resolution Centre that Australia's Agenda Item One -
Aboriginal Recognition - European Reconciliation - is not part of
its present or projected program.
Just what are the forces which direct our attention away from the
genocide which surrounds us? Do they originate from
administration? How can we turn them off?
I wish the Centre for Conflict Resolution well in dealing with
this problem - but it will have to earn its spurs before it starts
exporting the wisdom of this country to Asia.
Step one - come back to earth - achieve local balance.
Bruce Reyburn 10 April 92.