A Native group in Tasmania is accusing a rival group of faking Aboriginal heritage in order to obtain government benefits and services.
The Palawa are considered the main tribe in Tasmania and are recognized by the government. They say a group called the Lia Pootah are mostly white Australians and wannabees.
Lia Pootah leader Kaye McPherson doesn't deny that she looks white and that she can't prove she has a Native ancestor. She says members of her group are the result of interracial marriages.
The battle comes as the Tasmanian government has introduced a new law to place limits on who is and who isn't Aboriginal.
Get the Story:
Tasmania embroiled in dispute over white tribe of Aborigines
(The Telegraph 7/14)
Relevant Links:
Lia Pootah - http://www.tasmanianaboriginal.com.au/liapootah
Natives in Tasmania battle over race and identity
Thursday, July 14, 2005
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