A native title claim, first made by the Wirangu people more than 25 years ago, was partially finalised in December, with a consent determination held on Country in Streaky Bay to officially recognise the group as the Native Title holders of part of the Eyre Peninsula.
The Federal Court’s handing down of the determination was a historic day recognising the Wirangu people as the Traditional Owners of land from Acraman Creek in the North to Port Kenny in the South and inland to the Eyre Highway. They first registered their claim in August of 1997.
Speaking at the Federal Court hearing, claimant Barry Dean (Jack) Johncock said it was a shame that many of the people who started the journey were no longer around to enjoy the outcome.
“I’ve been a board member for a long time. When we lost our Chairman, Mr Miller, I was pushed up front to be the voice of the claim. I took most of the bullets, I suppose, I put myself up the front, but it was a team effort,” Mr Johncock said.
“I think they’re looking down and smiling and saying to the current Board, well done, it’s been a battle.”
New Wirangu Chairperson Keenan Smith echoed his words that the victory was bittersweet.
“Along the way we lost a lot of Elders. It’s amazing that we have got here, but, like I said in my speech, I wish my grandmother was here to celebrate this with me. We lost her over 10 years ago now, and I’d like to think that she’d be proud of me, and proud of my involvement in this and that she’d be here celebrating with us, and hopefully she’s there looking down on us.”
South Australian Attorney-General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher attended the Federal Court hearing.
“There was a real sense of achievement and a sense of recognition today, at the foreshore of Streaky Bay, as the Australian legal system caught up with what has been known for millennia; that this has been, and always will be Aboriginal land,” Mr Maher said.
“It was emotional… there are some who are no longer here who started this journey for that native title recognition; that formal recognition in a European legal sense of what is the self-evident truth that this land was owned and was occupied before colonisation.”
SANTS would like to congratulate named applicants and management committee members Caroline Wilson; Cindy Morrison; Barry Dean (Jack) Johncock; Elizabeth Pool; Neville Miller; Kenneth Wilson; Vernon (Penong) Miller, Neville Bilney, Harry Miller Sr, Cheryl Saunders, Kaylene Wombat, Keenan Smith and Susie Betts who fought hard on behalf of the Wirangu people to reach their consent determination. We pay our respects to applicants who passed away before they could be recognised.
Listen to our Podcast episode about it at nativetitlesa.org/aboriginal-way-news
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WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following publication may contain images, names, and stories of deceased persons.
The State Government must respect First Nations leadership and seek to strengthen that leadership in South Australia.
First Nations are the rights holders in South Australia with significant authority around country, community, and culture. The proposed Voice model would establish a State and regional (local Voice) with no defined representation, linkages, or accountability back to First Nations.
The establishment of well-resourced regional and statewide bodies that are empowered to provide a Voice to Parliament with no connection to First Nations organisations has the potential to undermine the authority and recognition First Nations have fought for over many years. The proposed model would be creating new institutions, rather than investing in and strengthening the existing First Nations leadership.
Walka Wani Oodnadatta No.1 and No.2 and Arabana No.2
Judgment in Appeal reserved.
Wirangu No.2, Wirangu No.3 and Wirangu No.4 Sea claim – Parts A
Determined 10 December 2022.
Nauo/ Nauo No.2/Nauo No.4
Timetable for determination by second and third quarter of 2022/2023.
Malyankapa
Court orders regarding connection.
Far West Coast (FWC) Sea claim
South Australian Native Title Services supports in principle the State Government’s proposal for a First Nations Voice to Parliament. A Voice to our State’s Parliament is a fantastic opportunity for First Nations in South Australia to continue the legacy of our Elders and leaders before us who have fought for land rights and native title rights, and interests.
However, it is important that First Nations views, interests and aspirations are considered and embedded within any Voice to our State Parliament. SANTS, and many other First Nations representatives, are concerned that the draft First Nations Voice to Parliament draft legislation will create complexity by introducing a new layer of institutions fully supported and resourced by the State Government, rather than investing in and strengthening the existing First Nations organisations recognised under the Native Title Act, and legislated bodies in Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara and Maralinga Tjarutja.
The proposed model for a First Nations Voice to Parliament in South Australia has many positive elements. These include:
• Direct connection to Parliament with reporting and addresses
• Direct connection to State Cabinet
• Relationship to the State Government through Departmental Chief Executives
• Female and male representation and leadership
• Commitment to administration and resources.
However, SANTS is concerned that the failure to build First Nations organisations into the proposed Voice model threatens the rights of First Nations to speak for country, to speak for community, and to speak for culture. Native title and land rights legislation has provided the legal basis for First Nations to be recognised in this country through their laws, customs, rights, and interests that underpin First Nations.
We want our First Nations peak bodies established through native title to be strong, sustainable and empowered to provide the ‘Local Voice’ and supported to connect and partner with other First Nations to provide the ‘State Voice’. The proposed model in many ways reflects ATSIC (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission) by holding elections, yet the First Nations landscape has changed dramatically since ATSIC was abolished nearly 20 years ago.
SANTS and First Nations leadership is concerned with the proposed election process. First organisations go through regional and member-based election processes to elect leaders, and an additional election process through the Electoral Commission would be unnecessary. SANTS is also concerned that the election process disenfranchises many Aboriginal people who are not enrolled to vote, and then they can only vote where they reside.
SANTS supports a First Nations Voice to our State Parliament which would:
• Strengthen First Nations leadership
• Recognise the representative position of First Nations organisations
• Utilise existing First Nations organisations as the building blocks of the Local and State Voice
• Encourage and support local decision-making to elect or appoint representatives to Local and State Voice, through considering existing corporate processes for the appointment of directors
• Be securely and well-resourced, including with staffing independent of Government.
The development of a First Nations Voice to Parliament must be informed by First Nations –that is the First Nation groups whose country now constitutes our State.
The building blocks for the Voice to Parliament already exist. Why isn’t the State Government recognising and investing in the existing First Nations leadership to achieve a Voice to Parliament?
Final submissions, judgment reserved.
First Peoples of the River Murray and Mallee No.2
Responding to State assessment of native title report and programming orders.
Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka
Trial is part heard.
Ngadjuri No.2
Timetable for consent determination in second or third quarter of 2023.
Wilyakali No.1
Timetable for consent determination in second or third quarter of 2023.
First Nations of the South East No.1
Discussions regarding the effect of various grants on native title continue.
First Nations of the South East No.2 and Ngarrindjeri
Discussion regarding 47C, and timetable for consent determination in 2023.
Narungga Nation
Timetable for consent determination in first or second quarter of 2023. Compensation matters continue to be negotiated.
“Obviously, something has changed here in the National party,” Pearson told Radio National at the time.
The referendum, expected to be held in the second half of 2023, perhaps as early as August, is under review by several groups of experts set up by the government to advise on the best way forward.
A parliamentary committee of representatives from the Australian Electoral Commission and a panel of legal, electoral, and constitutional experts is one of these groups, looking into proposed changes that would modernise Australia’s referendum law to ensure it is up to date ahead of the planned referendum.
In late November, the federal National Party made headlines around the country by announcing it would not publicly support a First Nations voice enshrined in Parliament.
“Unfortunately, we got to a position where we don’t believe this will genuinely close the gap,” said leader David Littleproud, who said at the time that his party had consulted with regional communities nationwide on the matter.
Not everyone in the party agreed with this decision, however, with Federal MP Andrew Gee resigning from the National Party just before Christmas in disagreement.
“I can’t reconcile the fact that every Australian will get a free vote on the vitally important issue of the Voice, yet National Party MPs are expected to fall into line behind a party position that I fundamentally disagree with, and vote accordingly in Parliament,” said Mr Gee in a statement.
“While I respect the views of my colleagues, this just isn’t right.”
The Shadow Minister for Regional Education, Health and Development will now sit as an independent.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said it was “very disappointing” that the National Party had decided to oppose the Voice, saying it was premature to make such a big public decision before the campaign had begun and before the question to the public was finalised.
Prominent Indigenous Cape York leader Noel Pearson called the Nationals party leader David Littleproud a “kindergarten kid”, saying that his party was in danger of being “left behind in history”, and that it was a complete turnaround from the impression he had got from many party members he spoke with just before the election.
The last referendum held in 1999 used what was available at that time, but there have been updates to electoral processes, methods of communication and technology since then that will be reviewed by the committee.
“Australians are not being asked to vote on a specific Voice model. Rather the Voice will be determined by parliament with the input of the community and the Voice itself, and will evolve and change over time.
In an open letter, Mr Dutton posed 15 questions he said needed to be answered so that Australians could make an informed decision at the upcoming referendum. His main queries were around how the advisory body would be composed, how it would function on a regional basis, and how it would tackle issues in remote areas.
But Uluru Dialogue’s Senior Engagement Officer, Wemba Wemba man Eddie Synot, who is also a public lawyer and researcher, said those answers were already there.
“The detail exists, the detail is there and there’s more detail to come to be able to inform people about how the referendum works and what the Voice is going to do,” he said.
“Overwhelmingly, the Australian people are onboard. They’re the reason we’ve gotten to this point… where it’s now a national policy and we’re about to go to a national vote. The Australian people are leading this, not politicians. We had to drag the politicians to the point where we get the opportunity as Australian people to be able to have our vote. We’re more than ready.”
Mr Synot also recently penned an article focusing on the detail of the Voice to Parliament vote, writing:
“There is real danger in providing a full, detailed model of the Voice prior to a referendum (for instance, in the form of a draft bill). A complete “model” of the Voice will mislead voters and impair the constitutional function of the referendum. Voters may think they are voting on the detail of the model, and not the actual constitutional provision they are required to vote on.
“And if the referendum is successful, it would likely “lock in” that specific model (if not legally then politically). Future parliaments would be reluctant to disturb the model that was passed with the referendum, even though it wouldn’t technically be attached to the amendment itself.
“This would undermine the objective of allowing the model to adapt and evolve as future circumstances require, and would also undermine the authority of parliament to do so as required. But that doesn’t mean there should be no detail. The proposal for a constitutional First Nations Voice is the result of more than ten years of dedicated inquiries and consultations on constitutional recognition.”
At the time of print, the federal opposition was yet to announce whether it formally supports or opposes the Voice.
Peter Dutton started off the new year saying that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is “treating people like mugs” over a lack of detail on the proposedAbove left: Eddie Synot, Uluru Dialogue’s Senior Engagement Officer, public lawyer, researcher and Wemba Wemba man. Above: Uluru Statement from the Heart.
South Australia’s renewable energy industry is expanding, with many developments proposed on native title land, waters and freehold Aboriginal land.
The Department for Energy and Mining is seeking input from PBCs and community members on the proposed development of a Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act to regulate largescale hydrogen and renewable energy projects on their land and waters.
Worldwide demand for clean, renewable energy, including energy from hydrogen, is increasing as countries work to decrease their carbon footprint by shifting from fossil fuels to power cities. Energy is considered renewable when it comes from a source that has an endless supply, such as wind or sun.
For Australia to achieve a net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by limiting the amount of coal and gas used to make electricity, renewable sources will need to be about 40 times more than what today’s national electricity market produces.
With our abundant wind, sun, land and infrastructure, SA is well positioned to develop a hydrogen and renewable energy industry.
The State’s first Renewable Energy Forum was held in November last
year in Port Augusta and a paper was developed from that to outline discussions held, before a Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act Bill is drafted. A second, three-day Forum is planned early this year for PBCs to participate in detailed discussions on the draft Bill.
“The next wave of renewable energy transformation in South Australia will largely occur on land under Native Title and will impact on Aboriginal people’s interests, activities, and cultural and spiritual connections to their land,” the Department of Energy and Mining stated in their recent ‘Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act -Issues Paper’.
“Informed, early and ongoing participation of Aboriginal people is essential to achieving the development of a globally significant sustainable renewable energy and hydrogen sector in South Australia.”
The Department said that the South Australian Government intends to work in partnership with Native Title groups that are ready and willing to host hydrogen and renewable energy projects on their land, and will work with other Traditional Owners to respect their rights and interests. For further information and to provide your feedback, go to www.energymining.sa.gov.au/ industry/modern-energy/ hydrogen-in-south-australia
Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in Murray Bridge has been awarded $8.9 million to replace its primary health care clinic, which will be the first stage of a new integrated health hub planned for the town.
Nganampa Health Council in Amata, Oak Valley (Maralinga) Aboriginal Corporation, Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service and Umoona Tjutagka Health Service Aboriginal Corporation will also be able to refurbish their infrastructure from the funding directed at our State.
This makes up part of a $120 million national package announced by the federal government and the National Aboriginal Community-controlled Health Organisation in December to support 52 infrastructure programs across the country.
Early this year another $20 million will be allocated towards Indigenous
health infrastructure, ahead of a second grants round later on in the year.
“We know that there is an enormous gap in every social indicator between Indigenous people and the rest of the community. None more so than in health. The level of renal disease, the level of cardiovascular disease, the level of cancer, and on every score, Aboriginal people fall behind dramatically in terms of health outcomes in this country. It is unacceptable,” said Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney.
“It is not appropriate and Aboriginal Health Organisations; communitybased organisations across the country are absolutely integral to making sure that we close that gap in health indicators. It’s a vote of confidence in the community-controlled sector and in shared decision-making, ensuring our finding decisions are informed and supported by the community. With so many new projects, we will see considerable progress towards better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Ancestors from the south of Narungga Country were finally reburied on the Yorke Peninsula in October last year, following two decades of negotiations with the South Australian Museum.
One ancestor was returned from Washington’s Smithsonian Institute in July 2022, while the remaining 37 known remains were held in the SA Museum’s Keeping Place before they were laid to rest in a community-led ceremony at Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.
Chair of the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park Co-Management Board, Doug Milera, who has been heavily involved in the repatriations, said this is only the beginning of Narungga’s repatriation journey.
“It’s a momentous day for the Narungga people as we return 38 of our southern ancestors to Country in what we hope is the start of the return of all our ancestors, however there is still a lot of work to be done,” Mr Milera said.
Since 2018, the Narungga community has been working with the South Australian Museum and various stakeholders through community meetings and consultations to prepare for the repatriation and ceremony.
Chair of the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC), Anne Newchurch described the challenge of finding a suitable location to rebury the ancestors.
“Narungga park rangers have worked to identify an appropriate area where the ancestors will be laid to rest. This involves ensuring the area is elevated, away from weather disturbances such as wind and rain, and is regularly monitored to ensure any risks are mitigated,” Ms Newchurch said.
“It’s a very emotional day as we finally return our ancestors to Country on a designated piece of Narungga land, but it’s also a sense of achievement because we’re bringing them home.”
The South Australian Museum will continue working with the Narungga community and other stakeholders to find suitable reburial locations for the ancestors disturbed from the northern parts of the peninsula, so that they can also return to Country as soon as possible.
The 2022 annual report on Closing the Gap was released late last year and, despite being the first report from the Commonwealth since the 2020 National Agreement and Implementation Plan was released in August 2021, it again shows that only four of the 18 socio-economic targets are improving or on track.
Targets considered to be on track this time around include babies born with a healthy birthweight at 89.5% and the number of children enrolled in preschool, at 96.7%. The number of young people aged between 10 and 17 years in detention to be reduced by at least 30% is on track at 23.2%, and a 15% increase in Australia’s landmass subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s legal rights or interests is on track for a 30% increase by 2030.
Targets that are either worsening or not considered to be on track are children being school-ready (34.3%), adult incarceration rates (2,222 per 100,000), children in out-of-home care (57.6 per 1,000) and deaths by suicide (27.9 per 100,000).
Another eight targets do not have results yet because there isn’t any new data with which to assess their progress.
“The numbers in the annual report tell an important story – a story of mixed progress,” said the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney.
“The Closing the Gap architecture can only work when all parties are invested and there is a coordinated effort from all jurisdictions in partnership with First Nations peoples. We have to work more closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make real and much-needed progress.”
The Albanese Government’s budget included an investment of $1.2 billion over six years from 2022/2023 in measures to directly support First Nations peoples and states their commitment to Closing the Gap is unequivocal.
“Slow progress in closing the gap is understandably frustrating to so many First Nations communities and organisations who are working incredibly hard to see a better way of life,” said Assistant Minister Malarndirri McCarthy.
“We must work together, listen to our communities and re-focus our efforts to close the gap and improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians –and we’re doing just that under the new National Agreement by working with the Coalition of the Peaks, state and territory governments and local communities.”
Late in 2022, the South Australian Government signed the ‘Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap’, a historic agreement which will require the state government to examine SA’s progress in addressing Indigenous inequality in a committee alongside delegates from Aboriginal organisations.
The new joint committee has been formed with representatives from the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON) who, alongside state government representatives, will monitor the implementation of the Closing the Gap plan, specifically addressing “systematic and structural racism, discrimination and unconscious bias” over a three-year period.
More than 200 commitments were included in the plan, estimated to have cost millions of dollars to implement and finalised in September 2021.
Key commitments include a new mental health and wellbeing facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the creation of a peak body for Aboriginal children and young people and the improvement of state mining laws so Traditional Owners can be better informed of what is happening on their land. The Government will also consider legislation around better recognition of First Nations languages.
• 2022 Closing the Gap Annual Report | Ministers Media Centre (pmc.gov.au)
• Commonwealth Closing the Gap Annual Report 2022 (niaa.gov.au)
• Closing the Gap report shows four targets going backwards as experts call for efforts to ‘empower communities’ – ABC News (abc.net.au)
• SA Govt signs deal to stamp out Aboriginal disadvantage (indaily.com.au)
However, the museum and my colleagues are working proactively to address the wrongs of the past, and the longer I work in the institution, the more aware I am that historically Aboriginal people including my family members have voluntarily contributed to the workings of the museum, including donating objects, and representation of our own cultures.
A big part of the Churchill Fellowship Research for me was seeing what happens when Indigenous and colonised people have control of their objects and interpretation of their cultures, and looking at different types of museum models, including First Nations owned museums, and museums like the South Australian Museum to assess their positives and limitations. To do this work, I met with museum and gallery directors, curators, artists, First Nations communities and academics.
Churchill Fellowships offer a diverse range of people from all walks of life an opportunity to travel overseas for four to eight weeks to explore a topic or issue that they are passionate about.
The Churchill Fellowship builds on my work as Research Fellow, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Material Culture at the South Australian Museum and University of South Australia.
In this role I research and develop exhibitions focussing on Aboriginal material culture (artefacts, artworks, clothing, and tools both historic and contemporary) whilst promoting the voices of Aboriginal people to share their own interpretations of their cultures. My passion for this work is linked to my person background. My Dad is Nukunu and Ngadjuri from the Southern Flinders Ranges and mid-north of South Australia, and mum’s Aboriginal family (the Dodd’s) are from Winton, Queensland.
The research will support me to create changes to the way Aboriginal material culture is presented at the South Australian Museum and assist me to share ideas with those working on the Tarrkarri First Nations Cultural Centre being built in Adelaide.
I commenced employment at the South Australian Museum in 2018 with full awareness of the role that museum’s have played in representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that has produced negative outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Probably most surprising was the way that Sámi people of Finland and Norway considered their museums and archives to be elders, not replacing elders in their own communities but enhancing the opportunity for Sámi people to learn about their cultures and share them with the world. Whereas many international First Nations people consider repatriation of cultural objects to their home communities, Sámi considered repatriation to be the return of objects and archives from international museum to their own Sámi owned institutions.
There were six stand out components of institutions I visited. These include:
The way that First Nations and African American art and employees were presented and supported within the Art Gallery of Ontario
The way that culture was employed to teach science, technology, engineering and math at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York
The revitalised Northwest Coast Hall of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in New York, placing First Nations people front and centre in the telling of their own stories
• The way that the story of cultural appropriation is told through the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC
The combination of telling the difficult story of slavery and political struggle combined with the celebration of African American achievement within the National Museum of American Culture and History in Washington DC And the way that storage display solutions are employed by the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver to increase the number of collection items that can be shared with communities. Other things that were great to see was the way that institutions were working to increase First Nations museum employees, and improve their collection, repatriation and display practices, and engagement with First Nations communities. Before this trip, I last visited North America in 2017 and I was pleasantly surprised to see the increased focus on diversity and inclusion which was reflected through the increased employment of women, First Nations people and people of culturally diverse backgrounds, along with the development of exhibits that prioritises the voices of First Nations and colonised peoples.
I was recently fortunate to undertake a Churchill Research Fellowship, travelling for almost two months across Norway, Finland, the United States, Canada and New Zealand, investigating the way that First Nations and colonised peoples in these countries are telling their stories in galleries and museums.This page, left to right: Exterior of the Smithsonian National Museum of American Indian, Washington D.C.; Lakota wopaha, or eagle-feather headdress South Dakota ca. 1880. Featured at the Smithsonian National Museum of American Indian, Washington D.C.; Michael Jordan’s and Tiger Woods’ clothing worn during pinnacle moments in their careers, featured at the Smithsonian National Museum of African and American History and Culture, Washington D.C.; Muhummad Ali’s headgear and gown, and Cassius Clay’s boxing glove, featured at the Smithsonian National Museum of African and American History and Culture, Washington D.C. Opposite page: Dr Jared Thomas outside the SA Museum where he works.
Dr Jared Thomas is a Nukunu person of the Southern Flinders Ranges, the Research Fellow, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art and Material Cultural at the South Australian Museum and University of South Australia, a filmmaker, and an award-winning author.
I was delighted to be in Canada on 30 September for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a public holiday that “honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools”, and to find that New Zealand now has a national public holiday in July in recognition of Māori reverence of Matariki, the seven sisters. The countries that I visited also have a treaty or rights agenda that increases the ability for First Nations and colonised peoples to be self-determined within museums and galleries.
I was also focused on learning how the best museums are developed from conception with sustainability in mind, the role of architecture in storytelling, and various cost points involved in making high-quality museum displays.
There were so many incredible people that I met, exhibitions and objects, and country that I saw. I felt particularly moved when gaining a deeper appreciation of the meaning of objects such as headdresses to American First Nations people, standing up close to Jimi Hendrix’s guitar amplifier and Michael Jordan’s jersey that he wore when last playing for and winning a championship with the Chicago Bulls, and seeing the way that all people were utilising museums to share their art and story with the world.
It’s difficult to make comparisons between First Nations people of the world, as we’re all a little the same and different, but it was clear that we all want to tell all of the aspects of our history and culture and be supported to do so.
I look forward to presenting full details about my Churchill Research Fellowship through a series of public forums in 2023.
Listen to Aboriginal Way’s podcast with Dr Thomas at www.nativetitlesa.org/ aboriginal-way-news
Are you interested in working with children, young people and families in South Australia who need it most, in a role that is both challenging yet highly rewarding?
Then consider applying for the Child and Youth Worker role. As part of this role, you will receive:
• A competitive salary ($64,636 – $68,886 per annum) plus superannuation and relevant penalties
• Be paid to complete a Certificate IV nationally accredite d qualification
• Be allocated a mentor and undertake shadow shifts to build your confidence and develop your skills
• Receive ongoing learning and development
A s a Child and Youth Worker, you will be part of a team contributing to improving the social and living skills of children and young people in residential care (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal), and assist in their effective transition into the community and/or reunification/ reconnection with their families, family-based care providers or other suitable care options
Supporting our Aboriginal children and families in DCP Department for Child Protection (DCP) is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal children in our care have the opportunity to have connection, culture, community, spiritual identity and that we support traditional ownership of the land through respect and celebration by the people around them and those who care for them.
For further information about the role and enquiries relating to the pool, please contact the DCP Recruitment Team at DCPRecruitment@sa.gov.au.
To submit your application please visit iworkfor.sa.gov.au and search for reference number 490893.
We love to showcase different types of Aboriginal-owned businesses. This edition we’re showing you two different cultural experience tours in different corners of the state. Do you know of a unique Aboriginal business you think should be showcased?
Drop us a line about it at aboriginalway@nativetitlesa.org
Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)
Location: Port Adelaide, South Australia
Cost: from $145 per person
Further information: portrivercruises.com
Enjoy an afternoon on the water with Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Yankunytjatjara Elder Allan Sumner. Allan has a passionate interest in dreaming stories and is also a world-renowned artist and musician.
Allan will lead a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, before providing insight into ochre body art, which you can be part of. You will then set off on your journey down the Port River, where Allan will highlight the cultural history of the region and outline the significant Indigenous connection to the Port Adelaide region. You will travel through the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, the Adelaide Bird Sanctuary and Garden Island to the Ship’s Graveyard, absorbing didgeridoo tunes on board the vessel.
A platter of Indigenous food will be available to enjoy including seafood and local bush tucker, and you’ll also receive a beverage on arrival.
A unique, immersive cultural experience in the heart of Port Adelaide.
Duration: full day
Location: Limestone Coast
Cost: from $180 per person
Further information: focusedexpeditions.com/ tour-category/indigenous-cultural-tours/ Other types of cultural experience tours available.
“Cultural immersion helps to improve mind, body and spirit.”
Join Uncle Ken Jones on a unique full-day adventure, exploring the stunning Limestone Coast.
Uncle Ken will lead a foraging journey identifying, touching and tasting some of the finest bush foods along this stretch of Limestone Coast. Be surprised by the incredible flavours growing along the coast, as we explore nature’s own supermarket. While we’re there, we will take a look into nature’s chemist as well and discover coastal bush medicines that were used by the local Boandik people many years ago.
You’ll never look at a humble plant in the same way again.
Other cultural tour options available on their website include:
• A day in the life of a Bunganditj person
• Southern Ocean Sharing
Work on the $200 million First Nations Cultural Centre proposed for Lot Fourteen has been put on hold after a cost blowout of $50 million.
Late last year the managing contractor of the project advised the SA Government that an extra $50 million would be needed to build Australia’s premier Aboriginal arts and cultural centre, a place of international significance, which was the original proposal by the former Marshall and Morrison governments.
The project’s professional services team Woods Bagot and architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro projected that building the centre within the existing $200 million budget would lead to a significant reduction in scope and result in a centre of only “local state-level standard”.
Premier Peter Malinauskas announced an urgent review to examine the best way forward, led by former Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt, former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr and former investment banker Carolyn Hewson. The panel are due to hand down their findings in early 2023. Mr Malinauskas said that it wasn’t an easy decision to postpone works, but one that he firmly believed was right.
“We only get one chance to get this right. Put simply, it doesn’t make sense to invest $200 million of taxpayers’ money for a sub-standard outcome which will fail to deliver a centre of international significance,” he said.
“I am determined to ensure this is a project which delivers for our state for the long term, both culturally and economically.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher said, “the Centre for First Nations Cultures at Lot Fourteen is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create an internationally significant landmark to celebrate First Nations peoples. Properly honouring and paying respect to the oldest living culture on the planet is something we have a duty to get right.”
The Cultural Centre, which had formerly been scheduled to open in early 2025, is called “Tarrkarri”, which means “the future” in the Kaurna language.
Early remedial and foundational works started on the site of the centre on North Terrace back in December 2021, however further progress is on hold, pending the outcome of the review.
“… I love to share my adventures with likeminded people, seeing the joy of them learning while discovering new experiences and Connection to Country…“
Ken Jones, NAIDOC Male Elder, Boandik Community Pangula Mannamurna.
Professor Buckskin is a Narungga man from the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In December 2019 Professor Buckskin retired from the position as Dean: Aboriginal Engagement and Strategic Projects at the University of South Australia. He has continued his association with the University as an Adjunct Professor to the Education Futures Portfolio. As an educator and professional bureaucrat for nearly 40 years, Professor Buckskin’s passion has been the pursuit of educational excellence for Aboriginal peoples.
The news was announced at the Annual General Meeting on 24 November.
Also at the AGM, Nicole Clinch and Jane Crosby were announced as the newly elected Board Directors.
Nicole Clinch is a Badimia/Yamatji woman who was born and raised on Kaurna land. She has 12 years experience in Aboriginal Health and has a Certificate IV in Indigenous Research Capacity Building, an Associate Degree in Indigenous Community Health and is currently studying a Bachelor of Public Health at the University of South Australia.
Jane Crosby comes with a wealth of experience in strategy and governance and was the Project Manager for Tarnathi Art Fair from 2017–2021, in which time attendances and sales increased substantially. Jane also developed the Art Gallery of SA’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan.
Reconciliation Australia recently released the 2022 Reconciliation Barometer.
One of the key findings of the report is that 60% of First Nations people have experienced racism in the last six months, a figure that has unfortunately grown from 52% in 2020 and 43% in 2018. This indicates a steady rise over the last six years.
It also found that 93% of people of the general population believe that First Nations people should be able to have a say in things that affect them. Similarly, 86% of the general population believe it is important to establish a representative First Nations body, and a slightly higher percentage believe that body should be placed in the constitution so that it cannot be removed.
For more information, visit the Reconciliation Australia website: www.reconciliation.org.au
Around this time in previous years, we would be launching the ticket sales for our Apology to the Stolen Generations commemoration breakfast.
However, in 2022, the breakfast was cancelled due to covid and over the course of a few weeks, Reconciliation SA produced a commemoration video which premiered online to a positive response.
As such, the decision was made that Reconciliation SA would continue to create commemorative videos to premiere online for free to ensure we have maximum accessibility.
This year, we are focusing on interviewing Stolen Generations survivors and descendants from the Ngarrindjeri nation, with the intention of moving around each year to speak with as many communities as we can.
Keep a look out on our social media for more announcements.
The theme for the 2023 National Reconciliation Week has been announced: Be a Voice for Generations. This theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
It has been quite a year for the organisation, with a change of leadership at CEO level, but we also saw respected Board Director and Co-Chair, Professor Peter Buckskin, PSM, FACE retire from that position.
The perfect place to relax With comfortable seating areas, free WiFi, and a welcoming atmosphere, our libraries are a great spot to relax and spend some time.
Endless entertainment
From story times for kids to book clubs and author talks for adults, there’s always something happening at the library. These events are a great way to learn, have fun and connect with your community.
For more information check out your local library
All our libraries have a fantastic selection of books, movies, music and more. And you can borrow these for free with your library card! libraries.sa.gov.au
With your library card you can borrow and return from any library in the State. While you are there you can access WiFi and public access computers.
The library has loads of activities for your little ones to enjoy – dive into a world of fun for the school holidays, join a story time or craft session and come along and meet other parents in your community.
SANTS is an independent Aboriginal organisation with proven experience and expertise in providing a wide range of professional services to South Australian Aboriginal Nations.
We are responsive to the needs and priorities of Aboriginal Corporations and can bring a unique understanding of and respect for culture and communities in our provision of services.
We offer services in:
• Corporate Governance
• Corporate Administration
• Community Development
• Native Title Legal Services
• Financial Management
• Human Resources Management
SANTS offers a very competitive fee structure to Aboriginal Corporations to suit their financial circumstances.
Contact our Manager of Corporate and Community Development for a confidential discussion and further information:
(08) 8110 2800
info@nativetitlesa.org www.nativetitlesa.org
Past and present Aboriginal soldiers have been honoured with four new sculptures designed by Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation Director, Tania Taylor.
The artwork has been permanently installed as part of the Goodwood, Springbank and Daws Road intersection upgrade to recognise Aboriginal heritage. The four sculptures represent a ceremonial flame, a traditional Kaurna warrior, a soldier representing World War I and II soldiers, and another representing modern-day soldiers respectively.
The Kaurna word for remember, ‘mukapaanthi’ is also displayed,
“Mukapaanthi – remember, the struggles during colonisation with the taking of land and massacre of people and Mukapaanthi – remember that Kaurna people and Aboriginal people have been involved defending their country in every armed conflict that Australia has been involved in,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher said.
“Tens of thousands of people who travel along Goodwood Road will get to see these sculptures and give time and a cause to reflect.”
The sculptures, funded by both the state and federal governments, are part of what the SA Government says is part of its election promise to better recognise Aboriginal heritage.
More than 100 Aboriginal leaders have been nominated by South Australian Aboriginal communities to be recognised with a statue or monument, through a new multi-million dollar government program to acknowledge Indigenous heritage in our state.
“The community were very clear and very passionate that it was ‘about time’ and they fully supported this initiative,” said SA’s Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement, Roger Thomas, who has consulted with Aboriginal communities and organisations around the state on the matter.
“If we had more Aboriginal statues and monuments with plaques with details of those people and what they brought to the community, that will facilitate and enhance the education of the broader community.”
Some South Australian Aboriginal Elders, however, have raised concerns that this is not the best way to pay tribute to these leaders and believe that recognition should be broader and ongoing.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher has been tasked with selecting the criteria and shortlisting those nominated, from which six people will ultimately be selected to be commemorated.
For full details go to abc.net.au and seach for ‘Aboriginal leaders’.
Published July 2022
Tour through the Country of Kaanju, Kuku Ta’u, Girramay artist Emma Hollingsworth, engaging with stories, places and totems from her culture in a powerful new way.
Emma invites Indigenous peoples and allies alike along to visit meaningful places from her childhood, accompanied by stories she was told by her ancestors and encountering the community members, wildlife and animals that bring her world to life along the way.
Mulganai features 45 artworks for readers to colour in as they work their way through the book, but the memories and descriptions in Emma’s own words make this more than just a colouring book; it is a celebration of a contemporary First Nations artist and her home community and culture.
About the author
Emma Hollingsworth is a Kaanju, Kuku Ya’u, Girramay woman who grew up in tropical far north Queensland. Her work is a reflection of her heritage and culture, and she uses vibrant colours and designs to pay homage to her youthfulness blending with her ancient culture.
Her work shares her own story of a young Indigenous woman growing up and paving her own path in a modern world and all the trials and tribulations that go in hand with that.
By Marcia LangdonPublished November 2021
Australia is home to the longest continuing cultures on earth, and Welcome to Country highlights a myriad of ways to engage and deepen your knowledge and appreciation of First Nations cultures through travel within our own country. Everything from arts centre to tours is covered in this guide, which includes fascinating insights into Indigenous cultures and histories, as well as etiquette for visitors.
This guide does not shy away from the events and issues facing Australia today.
Native Title, the Stolen Generations, the 2020 bushfires, the Black Lives Matter movement and making a rightful place in the nation for First Australians are all covered.
In this extensively updated edition, Marcia Langton offers a full range of Indigenous-owned or operated tourism experiences across Australia, including an expanded directory with 250 new listings, illustrated maps and photography by Wayne Quilliam.
This book is the essential follow-up to Australia’s landmark travel guide to Indigenous Australia and the first book of its kind, Welcome to Country, from the highly respected First Nations scholar and author, Professor Marcia Langton.
