History & Background of Lingiari Foundation Australia's Indigenous peoples' movement has been characterised by resistance, determination for survival, spirituality, strong leadership, hope and the call for justice and recognition of rights. It is a movement that has been guided by a timeless spirituality and a firm belief in the 'rightness' of the position of Indigenous peoples. It is a movement that has also been challenged by strong opposition to the claims of Indigenous peoples. There have been many significant events and stages of both celebration and desperation in the movement. In recent decades there has been growing public sector dominance of forums for Indigenous people to organise and engage in advocacy. In recent years there has been increased concern for this domination and calls for an alternative platform for Indigenous affairs. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and a range of Indigenous Non Government Organisations (NGOs) have been instrumental in their advocacy of Aboriginal rights both within Australia and at international forums. While ATSIC remains the peak national Aboriginal organisation, it is a creature of statute and is serviced by Commonwealth public servants. It takes on an effective advocacy role for Indigenous people but brings with it inherent tensions with its other functions of advising the Federal Government and administering programs. The National Indigenous Working Group (NIWG) has given national focus to Aboriginal people's concerns about the wind back of the statutory response to the recognition of Native Title and other Commonwealth legislation that affects Indigenous rights. Australia's relationship with its Indigenous peoples is at a critical time in the Reconciliation process. Australia is also coming under increasing international scrutiny over its human rights record, in particular the treatment of refugees and Indigenous rights. The current deplorable relationship between the Federal Government and the Indigenous peoples highlights the need for independent Indigenous organisations that can speak on issues of Indigenous affairs and which reflects a national perspective. The Lingiari Foundation was founded in 2001, out of a desire to see effective change in Australia generated from the concerns of the Indigenous peoples of Australia as agents in the movement. The Lingiari Foundation’s name comes from a story of great significance in the pursuit of Indigenous rights in Australia – the story of the 1966 Gurindji Walk Off, the central character for the Indigenous peoples being Vincent Lingiari. Also see the Lingiari story. This story is important for the recognition of rights, being a major influence in the enactment of the Land Rights Act, 1975. The story is important for all Australians, as a tangible step in the process of mutual recognition and peaceful settlement. The story is also important in highlighting the leadership qualities of Vincent Lingiari – not just his fortitude and determination, and his astute and strategic nature, but also the wisdom, grace and profoundness that typified him. The Lingiari Foundation seeks to embody those qualities in the nature of the operations and the outcomes of the organisation, to be respectful of, and perpetuate the legacy of Vincent Lingiari. The Foundation is part of a long tradition of freedom fighting for Indigenous people. It is a chance to transform the words and symbolic actions of the Australian people into tangible realistic initiatives to further the cause for the Indigenous people. It is the opportunity to support the work of Indigenous peoples in taking their rightful place in the fabric of Australia's society. The Lingiari Foundation provides the opportunity to hear a fearless independent voice speaking from a considered national perspective.