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Aboriginal tribe defy BHP Billiton

The Kokatha have issued the following STATEMENT re: BHP & Native Title ;Kokatha have denied their signatures to BHP Billiton for both an open cut and an expansion.Kokatha denounced Native Title who are not appointed to speak for Kokatha or their lands. Native Title are not recognised by the Kokatha.

Native Title have been notified of the above in writing and have continued to conspire with mining companies and collect  “people” claiming to be related to Kokatha.  A meeting was staged on the 14th December 2008 with participants allegedly willing to accept payment in exchange for some signatures on Kokatha land, for BHP Billiton. 

Individuals who attempt to sign on Kokatha lands are not Kokatha. Any Native Title negotiations with any Kokatha person, past or present are undoubtedly coerced as noone understands Native Title…………………………………

Maralinga, was our lesson and is a prime example of reckless and long term environmental damage sustained to aboriginal lands and people, including your own white communities, Native Title have no authority to attempt alteration of our history, geneology or land areas. Native Title may not touch our business. You have betrayed our trust.

The horror that followed Maralinga has not been forgotten by the Kokatha and we remain united.”

Ms Dingaman warns communities using underground water for drinking to insist on RADON testing now, before it is too late.

“We continue to suffer radiation poisoning and do not wish to see other innocent people subjected to this slow genocide and terminal illnesses”. 

Ms. Dingaman says she doesn’t believe there is any more respect for white people than there is for the aborigines.  This water is contaminated and everyone has a right to legitimate testing”.

“What do these people expect after Maralinga and now three uranium mines operating near them”, Ms Dingaman said, Radon testing must be done.

“You ignore this poison being leached into the waterways because it’s invisible. You need to demand tests independently or you and your children will become sick as we did.”

“Your governments thirst for nuclear and power has stolen this country’s water.  They are out of control and you must speak up and demand that this madness stops.”

Isabelle Dingaman (Executive Member) on behalf of Kokatha

KOKATHA REFUSE BHP EXPANSION AND DENOUNCE NATIVE TITLE “MINING CO. AGENTS” «

January 19, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | indigenous issues