ATNS - Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements project

Print this page
Kalkaringi Statement
Category:	Event
Date:	1 January 1998
Sub Category:	Statement of Commitment/Intention
Place:	Kalkaringi
	Click this link to search this location with google maps
State/Country:	Northern Territory, Australia
	Click this link to search this location with google maps
Subject Matter:	Cultural Heritage \| Recognition of Traditional Rights and Interests
URL:	http://www.clc.org.au/Issues/kalkstat.asp
Summary Information:
The Kalkaringi Statement was developed by the Combined Aboriginal Nations of Central Australia at the Kalkaringi Constitutional Convention in August 1998. The Statement sets out the aspirations and concerns expressed by delegates at the Convention regarding issues of Statehood, Constitutional development and governance.
Detailed Information:
The Kalkaringi Statement rejects the establishment of a new State of the Northern Territory on the terms set out in the Draft Constitution, and withholds consent by the Aboriginal people until there are good faith negotiations with the Northern Territory Government leading to a Constitution based upon equality, co-existence and mutual respect. The Statement demands recognition that Aboriginal people were the first to own and govern land, and states that the Land Rights Act should remain under the control of the Commonwealth. The Statement further demands that a new Constitution should address the following issues: - Aboriginal self-determination and self-government; - Aboriginal Law; - Aboriginal land rights and other rights; - Sacred sites and significant areas; - Political participation; - Human rights; - Essential services and infrastructure; - Education; and - Justice Issues.