AGL Projected Indigenous Art On Their Power Plant For NAIDOC, Missing The Point Of Heal Country
As long as environmental colonialism continues, there can be no healing of Country.
In a now deleted Facebook post, AGL decided to pat themselves on the back for projecting Indigenous artwork on the side of their power plant, but they missed the point of the NAIDOC theme ‘Heal’ Country’ entirely.
On Friday, the cooling towers of AGL’s Loy Yang power station were lit with the artworks of local Indigenous youths and artists. The artworks were chosen because they reflected this year’s NAIDOC theme, Heal Country.
The power plant resides on the lands of the Gunaikurnai people. “We hope that our activities highlight and embrace the values of First Nations’ people through art,” said the plant’s General Manager, Nigel Browne.
Yeah. Ok ? pic.twitter.com/B48P8nzhqi
— ? EZ-cellence (@ezrantsdaily) July 10, 2021
According to AGL’s own news site, the artworks were designed to reflect how Country is inherent to identity and sustains all aspects of our lives; spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and culturally. This is all fine and good except for the fact that AGL has completely missed the point of Heal Country.
Heal Country is about respecting First Nations’ peoples uniquely deep connection to our country and land. It is about recognising how the ongoing colonisation of this continent impacts First Nations peoples sacred lands and reflecting on ways to heal the damage being made.
This damage includes harm caused by companies and corporations. This NAIDOC week is about everyone reflecting on what was taken from First Nations peoples and what must be done to set things right.
Energy companies contribute to a phenomenon known as environmental colonialism. Environmental colonialism refers to the numerous ways in which the colonial practices of individuals, countries, governments and corporations have impacted the natural environments of Indigenous peoples.
Happy NAIDOC Week! This week we’re celebrating our collective excellence, resistance and survival as custodians of the world’s oldest living cultures. Find out more about this year's NAIDOC theme, Heal Country! and our work towards Treaties in Victoria via https://t.co/d3w7FNB8fg pic.twitter.com/eDxEEkHywN
— First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria (@firstpeoplesvic) July 3, 2021
Can we take NAIDOC back from the government and corporations next year? The way Heal Country has been used this year is gross
— 00Devon (@BundjalungBud) July 10, 2021
As long as environmental colonialism continues, there can be no healing of Country. Projecting First Nations artists’ works on your power plant that is polluting the stolen lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is not, and cannot be, the acknowledgement AGL believes it is.
Consider this a reminder to support Indigenous-lead climate activist groups like Seed Mob. Seed Mob is dedicated to building a network of Indigenous leaders to protect Indigenous lands and peoples from the impacts of environmental colonialism.