‘We can be change’: Indigenous cyclists lead protests in Australia New Galleries

Canberra, Australia – Four indigenous motorcycle clubs recently joined forces to hold a protest in the nation’s capital Canberra and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

January 26 marks the anniversary of the colonization of Australia when it began in 1788 when three convicted British ships reached the shores of the mainland.

It is a holiday celebrated by many Australians with barbecue, beer and fireworks.

But for many of the country’s indigenous people, it is a day of remembrance and mourning, known as Survival Day or Invasion Day.

On January 26, 1972, four young indigenous activists staged a protest in front of Parliament Embassy Tent Embassy.

One of the longest-running public protests in the world, the tent embassy is still alive, as the anniversary is celebrated with marches, speakers and performances at the original site.

This march was led by Indigenous motorcycle groups – Black Death, LORE Men, MOB Sydney and Southern Warriors – through the streets.

Despite their tough looks, they are not criminal gangs.

Motorcycles like this play an important role in poverty-stricken indigenous communities. poor health outcomes and low education rates.

These negative challenges are for motorcycle teams hoping to change.

Cuz – Darug’s man and president of MOB Sydney – said his club was “a brotherhood of different men”. [First] By uniting nations, we can be a platform to revitalize and support each other’s business.

“We take strength from our team and we can go home and be better fathers and husbands. We can all be the change we want to see, ”he said.

He said it was important for past indigenous advocates – such as those who founded the Aboriginal Tent Embassy – to be respected and recognized.

“It’s important to remember where we came from,” Cuz said. “It simply came to our notice then. And for that, we have to be here. ”

Mark Death, a spokesman for the Black Death Club, said his club is an Indigenous Political Club and that his name refers to the ongoing issue of the deaths of Aboriginal people in custody.

“Our goal is to help stop the black deaths of detainees,” he told Al Jazeera. “And also to prevent the arrest of the people of the First Nations.”

Although they make up only three per cent of Australia’s population, Indigenous men make up more than a quarter of the nation’s prison population. More than 470 indigenous people have been arrested in the last 30 years.

Mark – the Kaurna man – walked from Adelaide, more than 1,000 miles (621 miles) away, and said that one way to lower the prison rate is to work with young people.

“We do youth development classes, boxing classes [and] cultural classes. And we also talk to adults about drug and alcohol abuse [and] return to their families. We are fighting for that. ”

He also agreed that it was important to support the 50th anniversary, and in 1972 he took part in the original Embassy and was recognized as one of the oldest members of the club who walked seven hours a day on his return.

“Anniversary means a lot to me. Our leader – Mulla Sumner – was here in 1972, “he said.” He’s 72 years old now and he’s here again. “