Australia backs UN indigenous rights declaration (fwd link)

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Australia backs UN indigenous rights declaration

By ROHAN SULLIVAN – 17 hours ago

SYDNEY (AP) — Australia adopted the U.N.'s declaration of indigenous rights on
Friday, reversing its earlier opposition in what officials said was an effort
to "reset" relations between white Australians and Aborigines.

The support for the nonbinding declaration is a largely symbolic step, but
extends a dramatic shift in policy on Aborigines since Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd was elected 17 months ago.

"In supporting the declaration Australia takes another important step toward
resetting relations between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians,"
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said at a ceremony in the national
capital, Canberra, that was broadcast nationally.

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