May 1 was a day of international solidarity for Australian Aborigines, many whom are in danger of being driven off their ancestral lands and out of communities. Recent months have seen heightened activism in Australia concerning this issue. Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who's dismissed ancient Indigenous ways as "a lifestyle choice," has expressed concern over the expense of providing electricity and water to Aboriginal communities.
Over 85 demonstrations were held across Australia on Friday. Also participating were people in London; Hong Kong; Paris (with involvement of Idle No More, France); New Zealand; Finland; New York; and Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, a rally was held at Echo Park Lake. More than 25 people attended in the middle of the day. Some passersby and people already sitting on the grass took interest in the speakers.
Full story and photos: L.A. Stands in Solidarity with Australian Aborigines by Ross Plesset
Update: Sonali Kolkatkar interviews Samantha Cook of SOSBlakAustralia.com (November 30, 2015)
L.A. Stands in Solidarity with Australian Aborigines