ENIAR (European Network of Indigenous Rights)

ENIAR (European Network of Indigenous Rights) is an active group of volunteers based in the UK who work to raise awareness of issues facing indigenous Australians and promote indigenous culture and issues in the UK and Europe.

The group was formed in May 1998 from the Australian and European based work of individuals and organisations committed to human rights and social justice for Indigenous Australians.

The group has among other things, successfully organised 3 annual ‘Sorry Day’ events in London, supported indigenous groups visiting London, including representatives of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community (TAC), and brought together indigenous Australians in the UK.

So what is the importance of such storytelling so far away from Australia? The reasons are many. A number of issues currently facing indigenous Australians stem from its colonial history. Practices such as forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families (the ‘Stolen Generations’) continued up until the 1970’s. The international community should be made aware of past practices if they are to understand the issues faced by Indigenous Australians today.

Many young Australians travel to the UK and Europe for short stints to travel and work. ENIAR provides like minded Australians with an opportunity to be involved in Australian issues away from home.