Most famous for their sea of hands exhibition around Australia, ANTaR or Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR), is an independent, national network of mainly non-Indigenous organisations and individuals working in support of justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.

 

ANTaR receives no grants from Federal or State governments and is non-party-political. Almost 250,000 Australians have put their signatures on a hand in the Sea of Hands and helped in its installation in locations around Australia. Nature's Child joined ANTaR in 2003 in recognition of the important role of supporting active community participation in genuine reconciliation and nurturing relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. ANTaR's purpose has always been to support Indigenous people speaking for themselves, rather than to speak for Indigenous people.

 

From 2011 – 2013 – A key issue for Discussion in Australia is the upcoming referendum. The federal Government has agreed to hold a national referendum on constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by the time of the next election, due in 2013. Visit http://www.antar.org.au/constitutional_recognition to find out more.

 

ANTaR has a close and unique working relationship with Indigenous leaderships. Much of ANTaR's work is carried out by peak state and territory ANTaRs and by numerous local groups. This includes activities focused at a grass-roots level local reconciliation initiatives which are carried out in conjunction with local Indigenous groups and other members of the local community.

 

There are in excess of 200 local ANTAR groups. ANTAR's purpose: To generate in Australia a moral and legal recognition of and respect for the distinctive status of Indigenous Australians as First Peoples. Recognition of Indigenous Australians' rights, which include self-determination, their relationships to land and the maintenance and growth of their cultures, is essential to creating a just and fair society for all Australians.