EJA statement on attack at Camp Sovereignty

EJA statement on racist violence and attack at Camp Sovereignty

At Environmental Justice Australia, we stand in solidarity with First Nations communities and people of colour following the racist anti-immigration marches across Australia, and the violent attack on Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne over the weekend.

Like so many, we feel horrified to see violence directed at communities and at a place of such deep cultural significance.

Camp Sovereignty is a place of strength: a sacred space for ceremony, culture, truth-telling and resistance. It is the resting place of repatriated Aboriginal ancestors, and a living reminder that sovereignty was never ceded.

An attack on Camp Sovereignty is an attempt to undermine justice and culture.

But the strength of First Nations communities cannot be broken. The movement for truth, Treaty and justice is powerful and enduring.

Racism and colonial violence have no place here. We stand with First Nations communities and all people of colour.

Environmental justice is inseparable from First Nations justice and racial justice – it’s all interconnected.

Please check in with your First Nations and BIPOC friends, family and colleagues. This violence is deeply unsettling, frightening and dangerous.

To all First Nations people and people of colour – we honour your strength and we recommit to the fight for safety, justice and truth.