The cultural aspect of our tour to the Top End

The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the Darwin region. As shown on the above map, their country runs from Cox Peninsula in the west to Gunn Point in the north, Adelaide River in the east and down to the Manton Dam area southwards.

Acknowledging when in place

“You have come by way of the Larrakia Land. You will hear the voice of Larrakia ancestors. When you leave, the Larrakia message will stay with you.”

- The late Reverend Walter Fejo

As mentioned, this tour is more than history and will involve considerable cultural and geographical learning. In fact, we cannot understand the history of a place without knowledge of the geographical and cultural context of a place. To this end, we will be travelling quite a few kilometres and visiting plenty of locations.  During these travels we will be engaging with the indigenous culture of the area and learning about their culture.

Wherever we are, we need to acknowledge the attachment to place of the Aboriginal people.  Seeing that we are starting in Darwin, early in the trip will be saying the acknowledgement to the Larrakia people when we are in Darwin. I am sure we will also hear the Welcome to Country at various events and activities during our stay.  We will be asking different students to undertake the acknowledgement during the tour at key moments.

The Larrakia Acknowledgement

The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the Darwin region and they have a deep, spiritual connection with our country and are responsible for making sure it is respected by all those that use it.

“I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the Larrakia people, and pay my respect to elders both past and present.”

The Larrakia people say in relation to the acknowledgment that it is fine to make it more personal. We can talk about this more on the trip.

The flag of the Larakkia people

It is important that we acknowledge and respect the people and the land within which we travel on our study tour.  In the first instance, that is the Larrakia people.  Here is a little information to get started to learn about the Larrakia people and their culture.

How to Pronounce Larrakia

How To Pronounce Larrakia: Larrakia pronunciation (pronouncekiwi.com) 

Cultural protocols

The Larrakia people have developed a set of cultural protocols for visitors to Larrakia land through the Community Harmony Project. These protocols apply to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal visitors and both temporary visitors and residents on Larrakia Country. They are as follows:

1. The Larrakia people are the Aboriginal traditional owners of all land and waters of the greater Darwin area including identified Aboriginal living areas.
2. Aboriginal lore/law requires respect for the cultural authority of the traditional owners.
3. Larrakia speak for Larrakia country; other traditional owners speak for their traditional lands.
4. We have a mutual obligation to care for our country with our neighbours.
5. Visitors should be aware that we have a body of knowledge in our land and waters, which includes sites of significance.
6. Larrakia people expect visitors and service providers to be aware of Larrakia cultural obligations and to respect and acknowledge them.
7. Visitors have the right to be treated with respect and understanding.
8. All visitors are responsible for their behaviour and should respect guidance of Larrakia.
9. Learning about country is everybody’s responsibility and it is also the responsibility of government and non-government agencies.
10. Inappropriate behaviour reflects badly on Larrakia people and we do not accept it.

Larrakia History

The Larrakia had a vibrant traditional society based on their close relationship with the sea and trade with neighbouring groups such as the Tiwi, Wagait and Wulna. These groups shared ceremonies, songlines and intermarried.

When the first settlers arrived in the Darwin area, the Larrakia provided them with food. Despite conflict and marginalisation, from the beginning the Larrakia participated in the cultural life of the early settlement, and lived in and around the city, before we were moved out to camps further away from the city. Many popular sites around Darwin also hold specific meaning for Larrakia people, such as Stokes Hill, Mindil Beach, Rapid Creek and Casuarina Beach.

Larrakia Land Claim

The Larrakia have the longest running land claim in the Northern Territory, the Kenbi Land Claim. The court found in favour of us, but there has been no transfer of land ownership. Larrakia’s native title rights were controversially rejected in 2006. Despite receiving no legal recognition of continued connection to country, the Larrakia people continue to care for our land and water. We continue to preserve our stories and culture, making sure they are passed on to the next generation.

Larrakia People Today

Today, we are a vibrant Aboriginal nation numbering around 2,000 people. Larrakia are broadly recognised for their strengths in performance, music and art. Many Larrakia have achieved mainstream success as doctors, lawyers, sportsmen and hold senior positions in government and other organisations.

From the Larrakia Nation

Larrakia people feel particularly strongly about their role as Traditional Owners for the Territory’s capital, looking after visitors to their country. They continue to be active in the political sphere, but  are also diplomatic, willing to work with people to achieve the best outcome even from a position of disadvantage. They aim to foster partnerships according to the cultural protocols, which they ask all visitors to understand and respect.

As visitors to the area it is beholden upon us to have knowledge of the Larrakia people as we visit their land. More to come about that learning when we are in Darwin.