Indigenous peace activists from Guam (Guahan) are visiting Brisbane June 26-29. The Chamoru people have had their homeland annexed by the US and used as a major strategic military post – with a third of the land used by the US military. Now this is set to increase as community opposition to US bases in Okinawa and the Philippines has lead to US plans to seek other stations for its troops. The strengthening of China, in particular, and changes in the former USSR have lead the US to want to strengthen its position in the Pacific.

Guam and Australia play a major part in the US “strategic realignment.” Shoalwater Bay, near Rockhampton , hosts huge US war games (Operation Talisman Saber) every two years – and will be doing so again in 2009. Brisbane hosts US military visits including nuclear powered and nuclear capable war ships.

Dr. Lisa Natividad and Julian Aguon will be sharing their community’s story of struggle and striving for sovereignty and peace in the face of US occupation in a series of events.

The groups organising this tour will be also welcoming Auntie Olive Donald and Janette Yoi Yeh, Darumbal elders (Shoalwater Bay) at this event.

Date and time: 6pm, Thursday June 26

Please bring: something to eat or drink or a song, poem, etc to share!

Place: St. Mary’s House (behind the church), cnr Merivale and Peel Streets, South Brisbane

Details: For information – or to help out - Queensland Nuclear Free Alliance, Peace Convergence, Robin: 0411 118 737