Races urged to harness good mood of Olympics

By GREG ANSLEY

The Olympics are set to breathe new life into the ailing process of reconciliation between black and white Australia.

Apart from a loud but peaceful street protest on the opening day, and the vigil maintained at the tent village near Olympic Park, the threatened demonstrations have melted away in the face of widening support for the symbolism of the Games.

Yesterday, one of the most trenchant critics of Prime Minister John Howard's indigenous policies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission chairman Geoff Clark, stood among a sea of hands signed by more than 250,000 people and called for renewed negotiations.

With Djakapurra Manyarryun, who played the spirit guide in the Games opening ceremony, Mr Clark issued a new reconciliation statement promoting talks to strengthen the unity shown by the ceremony, the people's movement and the huge march across Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The unity of the Olympics now needed to be translated into action, he said. "We have made it clear to all the political parties that we are ready, willing and able to remove any blocks to reconciliation."

Mr Clark's statement followed a press conference called by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, the organisation set up by the federal Parliament a decade ago to launch a strategy to combat racism and the enormous disadvantages facing black Australians.

Council chairwoman Dr Evelyn Scott, one of indigenous Australia's most articulate and respected leaders, said the opening ceremony had acknowledged for the first time that Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders were the first people of the country.

"I was greatly moved," she said. "In fact, I was quite emotional.

"And with the closing, with Cathy Freeman lighting the flame, I believe the whole effect of the ceremony will send a clear message for reconciliation."

Dr Scott said that sense had permeated Aboriginal communities across the nation and, with 11 indigenous athletes competing for Australia, protests that had earlier threatened to disrupt the Games with up to 20,000 people in the streets had withered.

"I am delighted there were no protests," she said. "I believe our people saw the number of indigenous participants in the Olympics and decided themselves that rather than protest they would support them."

The council believes Australia still lacks the sensitivity to achieve early reconciliation, with access to many basic services denied to Aborigines.

Council member and Aboriginal author Jackie Huggins said indigenous people faced systemic and institutionalised barriers every day - for instance, going into a hospital, getting proper medical treatment, being able to rent a house and being able to catch a taxi in Sydney.

But there had been progress in the past few years, including new agreements between Aborigines, Governments, mining companies and large corporations in areas such as jobs, health and education.

Dr Scott said the symbolism of the Games was important and would help to build momentum for reconciliation. "I believe reconciliation will go ahead. It will be a slow process but let me hand it to the younger generation, because I believe they will deliver."

Click here for Herald Online Olympic News