Australian Employment Covenant Coordinator Wesley Aird* plans to discuss 'Oppression of Indigenous People By Indigenous People' when he visits CQUniversity Rockhampton for a public talk, from 1pm-2.30pm on Tuesday, April 21.

Part of the Nulloo Yumbah (Uni Indigenous Centre) Occasional Conversation Series, the FREE presentation at Building 33 Room G.22 is open to all interested people. Details are available via 4930 9649.

Wesley Aird - due to visit Rockhampton

The talk will be videoconferenced to CQUniversity's campuses at Gladstone, Emerald, Bundaberg and Mackay.

Mr Aird explained the context of his talk involved the 'time and energy' spent by Indigenous Australians to overcome unjust or unhelpful legislation and administration.

"To add complexity and difficulty, sometimes the problems are caused by our own people," he said.

"I intend to explore the theme of oppression of Indigenous people by Indigenous people using examples stemming from the Native Title Act, the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act, and general community conduct.

"There are many very good people working in Indigenous affairs that have great intentions.  But there are times when outsiders simply don't have the tools or the support to effectively work with Indigenous people.

"This can often result in Indigenous communities being torn apart either by the outsiders or from the inside."

Mr Aird's presentation will be followed by question and answer time.

* Wesley Aird is the Coordinator of the Australian Employment Covenant, the initiative to create 50, 000 jobs for Indigenous people in Australia. He has been:

• A member of the National Indigenous Council Member (an advisory body to the former federal government)
• The Business Manager at the Eastern Yugambeh Ltd,
• A prominent member of the Gold Coast Native Title Group, and
• An Officer within the Australian Army

He also remains a board member of the Bennelong Society.