Paul Towney, a proud Wiradjuri sovereign descendant from central west New South Wales, travelled to Newcastle over the weekend to join a rally protesting the death of 24-year-old Warlpiri man Kumanjayi White, who died after being restrained by police in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
Mr Towney told National Indigenous Times his attendance at the Newcastle rally was not just about solidarity; but also a continuation of his people's fight for sovereignty.
He speaks proudly of his Wiradjuri grassroots lineage, drawing strength from his ancestor Windradyne, who fought and died to retain sovereignty from colonial invasion in the early 19th century.
Mr Towney noted that martial law was declared on the Wiradjuri in 1824, and to this day, no consent was ever given for the taking of Wiradjuri land.
"When I win back our rightful Wiradjuri Nation lands through the courts, we will return to governing ourselves — as we did before the invasion in 1815, when colonists entered and occupied our lands without consent, agreement, or lawful authority," he said.
"Only Wiradjuri sovereignty and lore can truly guide us forward — it stands above a colonial legal system that has always been corrupt."
The Northern Territory Chief Minister and Police Commissioner have rejected calls from many, including Mr White's family, Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour, the Central Land Council and federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy, for an independent investigation of Mr White's death in custody.
Last week, Mr Towney attempted to organise a silent protest outside the Coles store in Orange in response to Mr White's death, but was refused by both local council and the shopping centre management. He also sought, and says he was refused, a platform with local media.
"I feel now there are no mainstream media outlets who are willing to support real Indigenous sovereignty outcomes here in Australia," he said.
"I never expected that from the ABC — they're complicit in the same colonial media corruption I'm trying to expose."
As the rallies roll out across Australia, Mr Towney's voice joins a growing movement demanding that Mr White's death, like so many before it, does not go unanswered.
