Australian Aboriginal groups

ANTaR has been working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and leaders on rights and reconciliation issues since 1997. ANTaR is an independent, national network of organisations and individuals working in support of justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.

ANTaR is an independent non-government organisation and is non-party-political.

ANTaR has a close and unique working relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.

ANTaR's purpose has always been to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people speaking for themselves, rather than to speak for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

ANTaR's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group, comprising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and prominent individuals from around Australia, provides ANTaR with direction and feedback.

Central to ANTaR's activities has been the Sea of Hands. Over 300, 000 Australians have put their signatures on a hand in the Sea of Hands and helped in its installation in locations around Australia.

ANTaR works on many levels to achieve its goals. This includes maintaining close liaison with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaderships and communities and assisting them to communicate their aspirations and concerns to the wider community; conducting national education and awareness campaigns on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs issues, as well as training, advice and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.

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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and other members of the local community. There are in excess of 200 local ANTaR groups.