A SMOKING ceremony at Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE) today (Saturday) will welcome a leader of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Autonomous Bougainville Government former President (2009-2010) James Tanis will visit the Embassy for discussions on autonomous regional governance and customary land.

While visiting the Australian National University in Canberra Mr Tanis expressed interest in visiting the Bulli embassy to understand the struggles Aboriginal people continue to face on their land in Australia’s political environment.

Stop Coal Seam Gas (CSG) Illawarra campaigner and Aboriginal Embassy Ambassador Lyle Davis is fighting strongly against CSG threats to Yuin people’s several occupations, cultural heritage, land, water and air quality and is determined to assert customary land values and form alliances toward community self governance that can stop unconventional gas mining.

“Alliances with Aboriginal Sovereignty, Lock the Gate and the Stop CSG campaigns could strengthen the core of the fight which is against the crowns claim to minerals and gas in our ground against the wishes and customs of the Yuin Nations first people’s,” Mr  Davis said.

SPATE continues court action to protect ancient heritage in the area (a declared Aboriginal Place through National Parks) and fighting for the protection of habitat for endangered birds and animals.

SPATE Ambassador Roy Kennedy said the embassy on the banks of Tramway Creek continues to function as a meeting place for a range of cultural, ceremonial, ecological and educational activities, which is reinforced by diplomatic visits in international indigenous affairs like this weekend’s by Mr Tanis.

The welcome ceremony at 12pm will be followed by introductions and a discussion circle during the afternoon.