Northern Edition

June/July 2020 • www.nlc.org.au COVID-19: VOICES FROM OUR MOB

1 Australia’s oldest Aboriginal newspaper. Since 1973. NEWS NEWS

EDITORIAL Land Rights News We are (still) all in this together COVID-19 and quotes from the bush: ‘We’re Northern Edition is published by Samuel ALRA land do not require ALA permits. The permit system waiting it out in paradise’ Bush-Blanasi for the Northern Land Council. provides a clear and documented mechanism for checking authorisation to be on land, but at the end of the day is Contributions essentially a formalisation of rights that private landowners Samuel Bush-Blanasi, NLC Chairman, told NLC Land Rights News everywhere have to exclude trespassers. Full Council Members on 3 April: welcomes stories and When it became clear that Australia was facing a photos about Aboriginal coronavirus pandemic, and that the NT was at risk along “This coronavirus is very dangerous. We’ve got to listen and follow the rules. Stay put in people and organisations. with everyone else, the NLC made a decision to stop issuing your community to protect yourself and family from the virus. Don’t travel out of your Editors non-essential permits. This was before the internal travel community. restrictions in the NT commenced. Leah McLennan When the internal travel restrictions kicked in, the NLC “So you mob, keep a distance of a few steps away from other people. No hugging or Robert Gosford (and the other three land councils) worked closely with the handshakes. And no sharing drinks or smokes. Stay on country, care for family.” Contact NT government and the police to make sure that the health protections provided for under the Commonwealth Health [email protected] Minister’s Biosecurity Determination were effective. This Cover photos included assessing applications for exemptions. Glenn Campbell NLC staff worked tirelessly - many from home, many from NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour their offices out bush - to help more than 800 Aboriginal Lisa Mumbin, NLC Full Council Member, told Back cover remote residents travel to and from their communities and Chips Mackinolty A message from the NLC Chairman Samuel outstations during the lockdown to sort out urgent family or NLC TV on 27 April: medical business. Layout Bush-Blanasi and CEO Marion Scrymgour “Being home, being on country, living on our traditional food makes us safe and healthy Those NLC staff also issued more than 3,000 emergency jenda27 always, so I’d like to pass on my message to be safe. We are doing well but for the safe worker ALA permits to make sure that doctors, nurses, health side family, we need to look after our health.” FOR us the past few months have been pretty tough. And we workers, police officers, Council workers and other essential know it has been even tougher for our mob out bush. service providers could keep our remote communities Jawoyn leader Ms Mumbin has been working for decades advocating for Indigenous NLC CONTACT DETAILS While it is good to know that we can all move around running and our communities safe from COVID-19. Territorians. She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on 8 June 2020. inside the NT and travel to see family we’ve been kept away This was particularly important in the early weeks of the Northern Land Council from for months and go to town for long overdue shopping Biosecurity restrictions, when the NT government had not 45 Mitchell St for our families, now is not the time to get slack about the yet developed its own essential worker form for processing Darwin NT 0820 coronavirus and the disease that it causes, COVID-19. access applications. 08 8920 5100 The big issue overshadowing Reconciliation Week for Witiyana Marika, NLC Full Council Member, 2020 was the international focus on deaths in custody, 'Remember, stay on country, www.nlc.org.au told The Guardian on 8 May: radiating out from Minneapolis to countries outside the USA, care for family.' Facebook including Australia. @northernlandcouncil We should all remember that the recommendations of “We are all just waiting, waiting. The homelands are maybe two or three hours’ drive away. the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody At that time it fell to the Land Councils to ensure that It’s very, very nice. And clean. And beautiful. We are just waiting, just living in paradise. Twitter We are away from distraction. People are fishing, catching mud crabs, oysters, stingray, (RCIADIC) were extremely broad-ranging and were not our internal documentation ticked both the ALA permit and @NLC_74 mangrove worms – yummy! It’s their season now. We don’t need Woolies any more. Being restricted to police and prisons but were meant to try and Biosecurity screening ‘boxes’. It was the Land Councils who Instagram there brings peace and power. We can feel freedom there, peace and power. Whenever you address the underlying causes of the high rate of Indigenous were vetting and facilitating essential travel and protecting @northernlandcouncil feel tired from the day to day, that’s where the power is to regenerate your spirituality. We arrest and incarceration, including dispossession of land. communities from COVID-19 infection. might not come back to Yirrkala.” YouTube For many years after the RCIADIC report was handed down The NLC’s Regional Development teams based in Northern Land Council in 1991, State and Territory governments used to routinely Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Timber Creek, assess all kinds of policies and actions against the RCIADIC Borroloola, Jabiru and Ngukurr and at our main office in recommendations checklist. Darwin have processed more than 3,000 Remote Emergency SUBSCRIPTIONS The recent death in police custody of a young Aboriginal Worker permits for essential workers to travel out bush man in Yuendemu highlighted that there is too much and between Biosecurity Act declaration areas to provide To subscribe fill unfinished business in this space for the Territory, but community safety, medical and essential services work to out the online form Esther Bulumbara, Beswick the focus should not be just on how police interact with keep our communities and outstations operating. at www.nlc.org.au Aboriginal people and communities. We want to thank Chief Minister Michael Gunner for Traditional Owner, told The In the Territory we need to take into account the valuable listening to and working with all of the land councils and Conversation on 24 April: ADVERTISING (although limited) autonomy which many Aboriginal to also thank staff in his office - deputy CEO Andy Cowan, Territorians enjoy due to the Aboriginal Land Rights Bridgette Bellenger and Bo Carne in particular - that did “Suddenly everything stopped. It was a great shock to the NT. We Next publication (NT) Act (‘ALRA’). fantastic work with us and our NLC staff and members. We thought only that overseas mob would get that. But police said date: August 2020 The enactment of ALRA, as part of what was in the late also thank Dr Christine Connors and her staff at the Top End everything had to close. Government mob, shire. Rates are at www.nlc.org. seventies a push for a national system of land rights was Health Service. au/media-publications or the high point in a process which has for the most part The NT Police, with assistance from reinforcements from "It was lucky it was quick. If they didn’t know about it, it would have gone through the NT.” email [email protected] been underwhelming in terms of what it has delivered for the AFP, manned checkpoints throughout the Territory and Aboriginal people in other parts of the country. ensured compliance with both the Biosecurity Determination Circulation Pictured here are Crystal Bulumbara, Esther Bulumbara, Claire At the heart of ALRA is the capacity to grant or deny entry and the ALA permit system. 4,500 print Smith and Nell Brown at Barunga. The women were interviewed onto Aboriginal land. The significance of this property right Finally, we want to thank you, our mob, especially the for an article in The Conversation called Friday essay: voices underpins the High Court’s Blue Mud Bay decision, and the traditional owners and custodians of Aboriginal land. from the bush - how lockdown affects remote Indigenous method of implementing that property right is via the permit We were and always will all be in this together and communities different. Search for it online. system (established under a piece of NT legislation – the for some time yet. And remember, stay on country, Aboriginal Land Act (‘ALA’)). care for family. Only Aboriginal people with traditional interests in

2 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 3 NEWS NEWS Aboriginal Territorians are ‘significantly represented’ ‘COVID-19 is a reminder of how vulnerable in disease outbreaks, but not COVID-19 we are’: Patricia Turner While residents of the NT are ‘extremely have avoided widespread lucky’ to have avoided community spread community transmission and Now more than ever we need a new are enormously relieved and national agreement in place to address of the virus, the Territory’s challenge now grateful,” she told ABC News. is to avoid becoming complacent, say NT “The great concern at this the needs of Indigenous people, writes point is whether there is a Patricia Turner. health experts. likelihood of a second wave of infection and whether this IN the Northern Territory, Torres Strait Islander people, is a matter of ‘when, not if’. ONLY three months ago, Partnership Agreement Aboriginal people are who make up 30 per cent of That is a major fear.” the Prime Minister stood came into effect in March often over-represented in the NT’s population. Commonwealth up in Parliament to report 2019 between Australian the health system — but Dr Heggie explained strict Biosecurity Act restrictions that the gap in mortality Governments and a coalition it’s a different story for border controls, restriction applying to the Territory’s The ADF and police check cars at NT crossing points. Picture: rates between Aboriginal of nearly fifty Aboriginal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Health Organisation and systemically work with us COVID-19, with official data of non-essential movement remote communities were Defence Media and Torres Strait Islander and Torres Strait Islander Islander people face arising community-controlled to re-build our organisations indicating there have been into remote communities, lifted on 5 June. Strict social people and non-Indigenous community-controlled from years of unmet need. health organisations have a and communities and no Aboriginal coronavirus mandatory quarantine distancing rules and hygiene with stage 3 of COVID-19 Aboriginal people living on Australians increased last peaks (Coalition of Peaks). It will establish formal strong formal relationship address the inequities our patients in the NT to date. and physical-distancing protocols remain in place. restrictions easing in the NT. homelands and outstations year. Now, COVID-19 is an The Partnership Agreement partnerships between with governments; our people face is stark. NT Chief Health Officer requirements had been The NLC and Central “Our mob living in remote in comparison to non- immediate reminder of just sets out shared decision governments and Aboriginal sector is well-established; This policy vacuum is why Hugh Heggie said Aboriginal “highly effective” so far Aboriginal people. how vulnerable we are. making on closing the and Torres Strait Islander we know our people and the Coalition of Peaks was Territorians were usually in slowing the spread of 'The great concern at this point is whether “Despite the fact that The coronavirus is a gap for the first time representatives across people feel safe to access formed and why we have “significantly represented” in COVID-19 in the NT. there is a likelihood of a second wave of the intent of the biosecurity pathogen, but it is also a between representatives the country; strengthen our services. Together, we been continuing our work, in most disease outbreaks. But, “most significantly”, measures was to protect diagnostic test being run on of Aboriginal and Torres our community controlled have been able to respond partnership with Australian “Aboriginal people Dr Heggie said there infection and whether this is a matter of Aboriginal people — and Australia – and the results Strait Islander people and organisations to deliver the quickly and decisively to governments, to chart a have a high risk of chronic had been no cases of ‘when, not if’. That is a major fear.' this was made clear by both are not good. Aboriginal Australian governments. services we need; make sure protect our people. meaningful way forward. The disease and make up a high community transmission of the Prime Minister and the and Torres Strait Islander Through the formal governments are changing Likewise, the new National Agreement will proportion of patients in the COVID-19 in the NT. Land Council backed the communities want to come NT Chief Minister from the people are at significant partnership, the Council of the way they work with us; relationships between be crucial to the post-crisis health system in the NT,” Danila Dilba Health NT Government’s proposal into major centres to get start — there were elements greater risk of being Australian Governments and ensure shared access governments and Aboriginal reconstruction. There will be he told ABC News. Service chief executive to lift coronavirus travel food, other essential items of the process that were profoundly impacted. (COAG) is working with the to data and information so Peaks Organisations in long term social, economic, “It is not unreasonable to officer Olga Havnen said restrictions for remote and medical treatment they unfair to some Aboriginal The risk presented Coalition of Peaks on a new that our communities can the NT and the Aboriginal health and cultural costs assume these patients are the Territory’s challenge communities on June cannot get out bush. We people, particularly those by COVID-19 reflects the National Agreement on make informed decisions significantly represented in now was to avoid becoming 5, instead of June 18 as want to move about with our living on Community Living structural inequality that Closing the Gap. The National about our lives. 'Our organisations are best placed to statistical evidence in most complacent and to remain originally scheduled. kids and family members Areas — those small areas already exists in Australia, Agreement will identify This pandemic has respond to this crisis and to drive progress disease outbreaks.” ready for any future NLC CEO Marion without having to quarantine of land excised for the the direct result of years of shared priorities and actions shown just how important Health groups have COVID-19 cases. Scrymgour said in mid-May for 14 days,” she said. benefit of Aboriginal people neglect, disinvestment and built around four priority those reforms are. Where towards closing of the gap. Yet, these are warned those rates of “We consider that the she wanted the Biosecurity Ms Scrymgour said from very large pastoral failed policies. reforms to accelerate Aboriginal and Torres Strait the same organisations that have borne disease make COVID-19 a NT and our community Act to be lifted on June the act “adversely stations,” she said. Thankfully, those three improvements to the lives of Islander organisations have the brunt of repeated funding cuts....' higher risk for Aboriginal and are extremely lucky to 5, a date that coincided affected” the movement of months ago in Parliament, Aboriginal and Torres Strait strong existing partnerships the Prime Minister also Islander people. with governments, we have Advisory Council of WA of the pandemic – all talked about a circuit- Once in place, the been able to respond quickly has meant informed areas fundamental to US Navajo Nation loses elders and tradition to COVID-19 breaker that he had National Agreement will to the threats of COVID-19. responses to the needs of closing the gap. championed and had been be a platform to address The National Aboriginal our remote communities Governments must work says. “How do we retrieve health care facilities across Christensen, Chief Medical put in place. A formal the structural inequalities Community Controlled impacted by the swift in full partnership with the that knowledge that these 70,000 square kilometres Officer of Navajo Area Indian travel restrictions. The NT Coalition of Peaks to ensure elders once knew now and many Navajo citizens Health Service, says they’re Coalition of Aboriginal Peaks that, as we emerge from this that they have died with suffer chronic health issues a particularly “vulnerable has supported our young crisis, policies take account those ceremonies?” like diabetes and heart nation” unable to heed people stay engaged in of the needs of Aboriginal The Navajo Nation disease, according to the basic warnings. education; and the Victorian and Torres Strait Islanders, is facing a unique set Aboriginal Executive Council strengthen our community of challenges amid the 'You’re telling people ‘Wash your hands is making sure our kids can controlled organisations and coronavirus outbreak. The for 20 seconds multiple times a day’ and continue to access early that a backwards step is not nation, which straddles the childhood services. taken on closing the gap. borders of Arizona, Utah they don’t have running water.' Our organisations are This pandemic should and New Mexico, is home to best placed to respond galvanise our collective about 175,000 people - and outlet, which puts those who “You’re telling people to this crisis and to drive efforts and sharpen our The Navajo Nation has been hit hard by coronavirus. Picture: yet it has more cases of contract coronavirus at a ‘Wash your hands for 20 progress towards closing focus to the task of closing National Guard COVID-19 than eight states, higher risk of severe illness, seconds and they don’t of the gap. Yet, these are the gap. Resolution from according to The New the Centers for Disease have running water,” said the same organisations all governments for a new IN Navajo culture to speak of medicine man Ty Davis, York Times data. Control and Prevention Dr Christensen. “Or you’re that have borne the brunt of National Agreement on death is taboo. But since the who knows at least five Navajo Nation’s first (CDC) has said. saying ‘Go buy groceries for repeated funding cuts and a Closing the gap is needed tribe’s coronavirus infection traditional practitioners positive case was reported Considering many two and shelter in place and roller coaster of policy and now more than ever. rate has become the highest who have died from on March 17, and as of May residents have underlying don’t come out,’ but people administration changes. in the United States, they COVID-19, told US media 30, there have been 5,145 health conditions and lack can’t afford groceries for two In this time of crisis, the can’t help but talk about it. organisation NPR. cases with 231 deaths. basic necessities such as weeks. So it’s just a setup for absence of a national policy “It’s killing every day,” “It put me into shock,” he The area has just 12 running water, Dr Loretta frustration and concern.” Patricia Turner is the Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks. platform for governments to

4 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 5 NEWS NEWS NLC works with Coles to provide essential items to remote community members

COLES teamed up with the provided to residents across delivered to Elliott. leave biosecurity areas to to do everything we could Northern Land Council and Darwin, Alice Springs and to NLC CEO Marion shop in regional centres has to provide some relief and other Aboriginal corporations many remote communities Scrymgour said the been a priority for the NLC,” support to those lacking and local charities in April to such as Santa Teresa, organisation was proud to Ms Scrymgour said. essential supplies. deliver and donate food and Beswick and Elliott. work with Coles to bring “This action by Coles Unfortunately, we grocery essentials to remote is exactly the right kind of know that many in the Indigenous community 'This action by Coles is exactly the right corporate support for our communities have been members impacted remote communities and the unable to leave their homes by the COVID-19 crisis kind of corporate support for our remote NLC applauds Coles and its to access essential food across the Territory. communities and the NLC applauds staff for this initiative.” and groceries at these Coles NT team members Coles and its staff for this initiative.' - Coles Regional Manager times,” Mr Clegg said. prepared the care Daniel Clegg said his Coles is recognised packages, which included Marion Scrymgour team was passionate as the largest corporate fresh and tinned produce, about supporting remote sector employer of pasta, rice, biscuits and In the NLC region, 240 these essential items to Indigenous communities Indigenous Australians, breakfast cereals. Spring boxes – seven pallets – communities at Beswick who were severely with a total Indigenous water plus toilet paper, were delivered to Beswick (Wugularr) and Elliott. impacted by COVID-19. workforce of 4,800. infant nappies and sanitary (Wugularr) and surrounding “Making sure residents of “The current situation items were also delivered. communities and a further Aboriginal communities stay in remote parts of the NT The deliveries were 480 boxes – 14 pallets – were on country and don’t have to is critical and we wanted

Coles' Brodie Little, NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour and Coles Regional Manager Daniel Clegg. Picture: Charlie Bliss

Packing up the Coles truck.

NLC's Ashleigh Yanner and Nathalia Wauchope. Picture: Charlie Bliss NLC staff help out with boxes. Kelly Raymond, Kesley Nish, Anthony Nish and baby Carlina Cooper.

Daniel Clegg, Deanna Kennedy, Samuel Bush-Blanasi, Brodie Little. Coles Casuarina store manager Brodie Little. Peter Farrell Jnr with a box of groceries. Tony Sandy, Marrazita Bill and Taylan Liddle.

6 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 7 NEWS NEWS New NLC permit system to be a win-win for Know your rights: traditional owners and permit applicants Accessing pastoral leases and sacred sites in the NT process and streamlining land in the NLC region. non-essential travel to access arrangements for “We want to ensure remote communities permits, applicants will find our mob is kept to ensure the safety the process faster and be safe from the risk of and protection of properly informed about contracting coronavirus.” Aboriginal people in their their obligations while on Tougher restrictions communities who were Aboriginal land,” said NLC on access to remote very concerned about the CEO Marion Scrymgour. communities took spread of COVID-19. “At the same time, the effect on 27 March when Restrictions under the permit reform undertaken by the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act were lifted the NLC will allow traditional Government’s Biosecurity on 5 June. Despite this, the owners to have a greater Declaration was introduced NLC continues to require Signs warn visitors that they need a valid permit. say at the local level about under powers in the anyone who needs or wishes setting conditions for access Biosecurity Act. Under the to access Aboriginal land in BY MATT GREEN will provide improved and activities and granting NLC visibility for the NLC, and revoking permits for 'The global coronavirus pandemic quickly PERMIT REFORM MANAGER traditional owners, rangers their land and seas.” brought into focus the importance of the and police about who is The permit reform team The law protects your rights to access your country in many ways. Picture: Bullo River Station, Tourism NT THE NLC is launching a coming onto Aboriginal will be continuing the NLC’s permit system as a means to know new online permit system land and waters, and more process of engaging with BY CATH MCLEISH and control who is on Aboriginal land.' as you find them, keep clear Sacred Objects from damage that will allow the NLC to comprehensive rules traditional owners to set the NLC SENIOR LAWYER of mustering and cooperate and interference. manage permits to enter about what visitors can do terms and conditions that restrictions, anyone other the NLC area to complete THIS time of year, you might with reasonable requests It is a criminal offence and remain on Aboriginal when they visit. will be applied to visitors than essential service a COVID-19 declaration. think about getting back from the pastoralist. for someone to interfere land more efficiently, while The new system also accessing their country. workers wanting to enter a For the foreseeable future, onto country and visiting Under s 38(5) and (6) of with Sacred Sites or Sacred ensuring the privacy of will allow the NLC to gather The global coronavirus remote community had to permits will be issued with your sites. What if your the Act, interfering with the Objects, no matter who communities, homelands important information, such pandemic quickly brought self-isolate for 14 days prior, specific conditions about country is part of a pastoral 'full and free exercise' of your owns or leases the land. and sensitive areas. as trends in visitor numbers into focus the importance of including residents wanting hygiene, separation and station? Well, there’s good rights (such as telling you to Interference can be by Since the late 1970s, when and compliance hotspots. the NLC’s permit system as to return home. what visitors should do news: the law protects change your plans, or locking the person entering a Site, the Aboriginal Land Rights This information will give a means to know and control On March 14 the if they have symptoms. your rights to access your you out, for example) is a working at or using a Site, Act (NT) came in to force, traditional owners greater who is on Aboriginal land in NLC’s Executive Council For any questions: permit. country in many ways. criminal offence. or damaging the Site or any non-Aboriginal person control in managing visitor the NLC’s region. had already stopped [email protected] Sacred Object. Someone who accessing Aboriginal land numbers and their activities. “The coronavirus The NT Pastoral Native Title breaks this law is at risk of a for work or recreational For permit applicants, pandemic shone a spotlight Land Act Do you have a Native Title maximum penalty of 2 years’ purposes has had to the improved system on the need for traditional All pastoral stations claim or determination over jail. If you want a Pastoralist possess a valid permit. will provide a clearer owners to know exactly (‘pastoral leases’) in the NT your country on a pastoral to help you to protect a Site, The NLC administers the and more streamlined who is accessing Aboriginal are governed by the Pastoral station? Native Title law you might discuss this with permit system for most experience and in the land, and for what purpose,” Land Act. Section 38 says says that Aboriginal rights to them first. It is also a good of the Aboriginal land in future it will provide more said Ms Scrymgour. that Aboriginal people county and pastoral leases idea to put your request in the Top End of the NT, information about directions, “For the foreseeable have rights to access the ‘co-exist’, meaning both writing. The NLC or AAPA can a process that involves distances and points of future, the NLC will continue station, to go anywhere that sides share the country. help with this. checking applications, interest, be they historic, to impose specific COVID-19 Aboriginal law allows. ‘Native title holders’ are Top Tips for visiting country setting conditions and geographic or cultural. permit requirements on This means that you legally entitled to enter the on a pastoral station: monitoring compliance. “By moving permits anyone who applies for a can access any area where station, including to hunt The new permit system from paper form to a digital permit to access Aboriginal A permit is required to access Aboriginal land in the NT. you are a traditional owner, native animals, look after [ Call the station before Know your rights. Picture: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo jungayi / kulyungkulyungbi, sites, camp, have cooking you go, to let them know you’re coming or have other connections fires and take plants, and check that gates or permission from the right water and ochre. Inquiry into food pricing in remote communities won’t be locked. This people under Aboriginal law. Legally, you are free to can help to build a ROYALTY ENQUIRY The Act says you can do enjoy the country in all the good relationship. The Federal Parliament has launched an inquiry into food prices things including accessing ways Aboriginal law allows. You can discuss any Do you have a payment in remote NT communities. natural water sources, Again, to co-exist with changes to the country disbursement (royalty) enquiry? hunting for food or ceremony the pastoralist, make sure and how to care for “THERE have been significant and the effect of supply consult with communities, and taking plants for your visit doesn’t interfere it, and if you have car contact NLC Royalites Hotline reports of very high food and chains and local businesses community stores and food or ceremony. You’re with the cattle and pastoral trouble, someone will grocery prices in remote on the cost of food. The supply chain businesses free to camp, swim and work. If you have questions, know you're there! 1800 769 2589 communities and issues inquiry will also look at the and Government agencies conduct ceremony. you can speak with NLC’s around the secure supply of role of regulators in dealing to determine if Indigenous The restrictions are that native title team. [ If they don’t know about Visit us at 45 Mitchell Street in Darwin fresh food,” said the Chair with the situation.” communities have you leave a buffer of 2km your rights, tell them or email us at of the Indigenous Affairs “I strongly encourage access to reasonably to the homestead (unless The NT Sacred that you will bring this Committee Julian Leeser MP. Indigenous people and priced healthy food. NLC article to ex- the pastoralist agrees) and Sites Act [email protected] “The inquiry will look people in the food industry to For more information plain the law, or they that you don’t interfere with The Sacred Sites Act at the situation in remote make a submission.” visit www.aph.gov.au/ Products in remote community shops can cost more than can call the NLC. double the price of city supermarkets. Picture: Flickr the cattle - so leave gates protects Sacred Sites and Indigenous communities, The Committee will IndigenousAffairs.

8 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 9 HISTORY HISTORY University of Sydney seeks help with NT photos ‘We live on our land, we love it, we are nothing The University of Sydney is seeking assistance in identifying the content of without it’: Galarrwuy Yunupingu’s historic speech about 1200 images from NT. On 10 November 1977, former Chairman of the Northern Land Council, Galarrwuy Yunupingu , presented this speech to the National Press THE photos are of of the anthropologist, individuals, landscapes and Professor Adolphus Peter Club Luncheon in Canberra. The speech is historic. It possibly marks ceremonies from places (AP) Elkin. Elkin’s field notes the first time than an Aboriginal Australian was accepted into a such as Areyonga, Bagot, and research papers are Beswick, Delissaville, Elsey, included in the University’s European Australian meeting place, where journalists listen to Goulburn Island, Haasts Bluff, Anthropological Field political and international leaders. Hermannsburg, Mainoru, research and Teaching Maranboy, Roper River, Records 1926 - 1956, which Tandandjal, Warrabri, Wave are listed on the UNESCO Hill and Yirrkala. Australian Memory of the Many of the images World Register. have only their general Other photographs location identified, for within Elkin’s papers, which example, ‘Arnhem Land’ or have been described, are ‘NT’. Most of the images of from the Kimberley and people do not identify the South Australia. There are individuals photographed. also photographs from The University of Sydney Queensland, NSW and certain Archives intends to provide to Pacific Islands. the relevant communities a For more information A group of Aboriginal and European women, men and children gathered outside a building, possibly descriptive list and copies of please contact the University a school. NT. University of Sydney Archives. any images claimed by them. of Sydney Archives via The photographs are the email: university. within the personal archives [email protected] I spoke this in Gumaitj, in 1976 gave us more land in the amended. More than six has done to the land, and an outstation called Australian, in one of the NT than the whole State of months ago we wrote to the the holes and the pollution, Peppimenarti. So far this languages of Australia. I Victoria. It was a big advance Minister about it. and the big buildings and Aboriginal company has spoke it like this for my own in our Government’s thinking. Four months ago the noise of the heavy branded 9,000 cattle, people, the Gumaitji people But now, as Chairman of the in Darwin the Minister vehicles, they were shocked. trucked hundreds to the and other people in Australia NLC, I must tell you that the said he would act They thought that the hole meat works in Darwin and who will be listening today. Government has failed to within two months. was going to be small, but Katherine, and exported 400 Now let me speak it again in do what the Parliament told He still hasn’t acted. The when they actually saw it live to Hong Kong. the English language, which it to do almost 12 months land is still not ours. If the it was too big. I have told you this is only my second language ago. In law, we still have Government will not act, Last month helicopters story because you must and it is difficult for us. Land no land. We have no title to the NLC demands money from Tipperary Station, understand how we feel Rights were born in 1963 at any land. People we don’t from the Government which is owned by Sir when our efforts are Yirrkala in Arnhem Land, like come onto our land and to hire surveyors to get Frederick Sutton, a motor car being frustrated by the where I too was born – and stay on our land, and we on with the job. dealer who lives in Sydney, Government which can act my father, Mungarrwuy, and cannot get them off. For example, I took two trespassed on Aboriginal with vigour to meet the other clan leaders lodged How would you feel if land at Daly River, and took needs of Darwin people after a claim on behalf of the your home was invaded by 'How would you feel away several thousand Cyclone Tracy and to meet A group of women, men and children and one European man stand around a man wearing a Gumaitj people and our strangers and you couldn’t if your home was head of cattle which the needs of miners on our breastplate / king plate / gorget. Elsey, NT. University of Sydney Archives mother clan, the Rirratjingu get rid of them? belong to an Aboriginal land. Why can’t it act with people, whose leader was We are bitterly invaded by strangers company call UNIA. vigour to meet our needs? Milirrpum. It was a petition, disappointed by the and you couldn’t get I would call that stealing Of course, we will get written on bark, to the Government’s laziness and rid of them?' and so would you, I’m sure. the titles eventually. But Parliament in Canberra. inefficiency. More than three But the land is not yet legally remember how much our It was rejected at that years ago Judge Woodward land owners of the Ranger ours, so it is not stealing. people have suffered over time, and so in 1971 was said that Aboriginal land country where uranium The law cannot help us, only the years from betrayal and our appeal in court before should be owned and is being mined, or will be our friends in the Darwin broken promises. Is it any Justice Blackburn, when we looked after by Land Trusts. mined, the two brothers, Toby Trades and Labour Council wonder that they are anxious claimed the minerals under He said he accepted our Majandi and Jimmy Gangali, who have put a ban on and fearful now, still with no our land, as well as our land, Council’s advice. across to Gove where bauxite Sutton Motors and all cattle land? So families and clans and tried to stop the mining More than six months is being mined already, to from Tipperary. suffer. But now I can feel the and spoiling of our land by ago Judge Fox said the show them what mining is So the laziness rising spirit of our people, Nabalco. So that was in Land Rights Act should be all about, because they were and inefficiency of the the same spirit, which English for our European amended to allow Aborigines told that mining will take Government is damaging moved the Gurindji to walk Australian brothers and registered title to their land, place in their country, which a vigorous company of off Wave Hill in 1966. We are A group of men standing in a row. Tandandjal, NT. A version of this image featuring the same men is sisters who have given us so even though its boundaries involved uranium. I took Aborigines, led by Aboriginal patient people. But we are published in NWG Macintosh's March 1952 Oceania article as Plate I (A) with the caption, "Twenty natives at Tandandjal, of whom 15 are full Djauan; the remainder are Djauan-Ngalpun and much of our land at last. were not surveyed. But them across to Gove and Harry Wilson, who left determined. *To be cont. in Djauan-Yangman". University of Sydney Archives The Parliament’s the Parliament has risen here when they actually saw Daly River Mission about the next Land Rights News. Aboriginal Land Rights Act of and the Act has not been the damage that Nabalco five years ago to set up

10 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 11 LEARNING ON COUNTRY LEARNING ON COUNTRY Strong start to the year for Learning on Country Bawinanga Djelk internship program growing (LoC) Program the next generation of rangers through CORONAVIRUS restrictions meant students in the LoC Program spent more time in the class room. Now everyone is looking forward to getting back out on country, writes LoC Program Coordinator Shane Bailey. Learning on Country Before the coronavirus Training (VET), Conservation Homelands and at Barunga; significantly affected the best to engage students The LoC Program is unique in that it defines a pathway to employment in Indigenous land and sea turned the world upside and Land Management feral animal management on-country delivery of and maintain some stability management thereby ‘growing’ the next generation of rangers and traditional custodians to work and care for down, the new school (CLM) training, first aid works with exclusion LoC Program activities. amid the anxiety that all year saw a strong start to courses and cultural fencing installation at Coordinators’ travel to some communities have felt their country, writes LoC program coordinator Shane Bailey. Learning on Country (LoC) bush-craft workshops all Maningrida; and marine sites was impossible and during the coronavirus activities across all of proudly supported and debris collection and all site camps and day trips lockdown. During the first our program sites. delivered by rangers, school identification at Umbakumba were postponed. term holidays, instead During term one LoC cultural staff, teachers and and wetland and horticulture Where possible of taking leave, the LoC students were engaged in a traditional owners. studies at Milingimbi. coordinators have adapted coordinators chose to stay wide range of cross cultural Specific activities From mid-March up their program to focus on put to ensure community educational activities, included: plant identification until now, coronavirus class room activities and wellbeing and the Vocational Education and surveys on the Yirrkala travel restrictions have CLM studies, doing their continuation of the program.

Cedric Ankin celebrates his year 12 graduation at Maningrida with LoC program coordinator Alex Ernst.

Barunga School student identifying plants. In nature's classroom studying plants. Students from Barunga School studying outdoors. THE LoC Program is always her passion. School into a career with by teachers, rangers, in both the Western and unique in that it defines Both Cedric and Grestina Bawinanga Djelk Rangers. cultural advisors, trainers Aboriginal society. a pathway in Indigenous have participated in the Jonah is amongst a group and LoC coordinators, The LoC Program land and sea management. LoC Program since middle of eight ‘Maningrida LoC ensures participating operates on the primacy of A great example of this is school, where their passion graduates’ who over the last LoC students are able to Indigenous ownership and in Maningrida, where the to be rangers was apparent is guided by the governance Bawinanga Djelk Ranger in their participation in LoC 'Last year Cedric completed Year 12 and of an Indigenous Steering internship program supports activities and completion of Committee. It employs over LoC students transition into Certificate I in Conservation he is now employed as a ranger intern.' 150 part-time Indigenous full time ranger work. and Land Management cultural staff in the delivery Last year, Cedric Ankin (CLM). Their commitment to two years have completed complete their Year 12 NT of local activities. celebrated his year 12 the LoC Program has never their Cert II CLM, first aid Certificate of Education and The LoC Program is graduation at Maningrida and wavered, as both Cedric qualification and got their Training (NTCET). funded by the National he is now employed as an and Grestina commenced learner drivers’ licence. The LoC Program is now Indigenous Australians’ intern with the Bawinanga their Certificate II in CLM Maningrida has another four being delivered at 15 remote Agency (NIAA) and is Djelk Rangers. Grestina and the Bawinanga Djelk senior students currently Indigenous community managed by the NLC. LoC Wilson is currently in her internship program. participating in the ranger schools in partnership with funding ceases in December senior year at Maningrida Cedric and Grestina have internship, however Cedric local ranger groups. The 2020 and the NLC’s LoC school is also on the been well supported by the and Grestina are hoping Program has almost 1000 team is working closely with internship program working LoC coordinator, rangers to transition into full-time student participants who NIAA to ensure timely advice with the Women Rangers. and their school teachers. ranger employment within are engaging in culturally about ongoing funding For Grestina, daughter of They are also mentored the next month or so. responsive learning activities for the program. long-time Senior Ranger by former student Jonah The integration of that develop their skills, For information contact Greg Wilson, working and Ryan, who two years ago classroom and on-country knowledge and confidence LoC Program Manager Anna LoC Program Coordinator Harry Thorman with students on the Yirrkala Laynhapuy Homelands. Senior students from Yirrkala Homelands working in class. caring for country was transitioned from Maningrida activities, supported to walk strong and proud Morgan, [email protected]

12 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 13 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Five year strategy for Community Planning and Tech key to keeping ancient Malak Malak Development Program tongue alive THE NLC’s Community of their own income to proof of that is traditional Planning and Development community projects. Over owners choosing to invest Traditional owners have funded the the group’s community The app is now available 300 words and phrases, (CP&D) Program is just over a quarter of that money more money and committing development of a language app containing development work, said it’s for access by the Malak such as conversational three years old. It started in has been planned and will to more community so important to preserve the Malak traditional owners. phrases like ‘what’s your 2016 when NLC’s Full Council deliver 32 community-led development,” said Dr over 300 words and phrases. It’s now language and hand it on to Matthew Shields, a name?’ (Wari ni eyiny?) and set the direction to work with projects. A third of those Lorrae McArthur, Manager of available on the Google Play and App store. the next generation. Malak Malak traditional region specific words, like Aboriginal groups interested have been completed, and the CP&D Program. “We needed to capture owner and Working Group Banyan tree (puenyu). in planning and managing the remainder are at various “We have learnt a lot the language while the member, was one of the first Over 200 new illustrations their own development stages of delivery. along the way. So, it is timely MANY years ago visitors to fishing value payments to Aunties are still alive, to to download the app when were created for the app using income from their land Projects are strongly to reflect on some of the the NT’s Daly River region community development. keep the language and Malak it was released. to reflect the people and use agreements. focused on sustaining challenges and gaps that may have heard the Malak Early in this journey the Malak clan strong, and to “This is the first time culture, as well as the flora The Program uses an language and culture, we have faced along the Malak language being Malak Malak group identified pass it on to our children,” we’ve seen our language and fauna of the region. eight step process that increasing local job way, as well as build on the spoken. These days that their priorities as preserving said Joy Cardona. on websites … I feel Dr Hoffmann said builds group capacity opportunities, connecting Program’s strengths and would be a rare experience, culture and language, and Dr Hoffmann began really happy, I can hear it she’s delighted to see the in delivering projects elders with youth and opportunities.” given native speakers are in increasing recognition of working on a vocabulary over and over.” app come to life. that support their local getting family out on country The NLC has engaged short supply. You can count The app is organised “I hope it will help aspirations into the future. by making outstations independent consultancy the number of fluent Malak 'We needed to capture the language while into 22 lesson categories, this beautiful language Since starting, the CP&D liveable with running firm Social Ventures Malak speakers on one hand. including my family, animals to thrive and gain new Program now works with water and shelter. Australia to develop a Besides some grammar the Aunties are still alive, to keep the and useful words and so interest,” she said. Aboriginal groups in eight “A huge amount has been strategic plan, it will be work undertaken by a language and Malak Malak clan strong, on. It contains around locations across the NLC achieved in a short time. ready later this year. researcher in the 1970s, there and to pass it on to our children.' Benigna Bunduck Dooling (in yellow) and NLC's Anna Yeo. region. Those groups have The value of our work is has been limited focus on committed over $7 million being realised by groups, the preserving and revitalising the language. Then in 2012, their belonging in the region. builder app, using existing Dr Dorothea Hoffmann, Projects undertaken so far technology from The Galiwin’ku elders hard at work for the community a linguist with nonprofit include culture camps and Language Conservancy. HAVE you noticed more funded six community projects are going. organisation The Language an interpretive sign project Her work involved visiting support for young people benefit projects, pouring “It’s important to hear Conservancy, began for the Daly River region. Wooliana to meet with the around Galiwin’ku in the last about $1.3 million into how things are going, working on documenting The group also set a goal native speakers. few years? Have you seen their community – what what has been done,” said and recording the Malak of developing a language With project support extra raypirri camps, youth a contribution. Working Group member Malak language. learning mobile app, in order from the NLC’s Community diversion activities, and law “This is maynmak Geoffrey Gurwanawuy. For four years Malak to inspire the production Planning and Development and justice work happening? way using money for The group gave feedback Malak traditional owners of teaching and learning team, two trips were made All of these activities are community… one mind, to each of the partners have been working with the materials to help preserve to Wooliana between a result of traditional owners one djama. We are who deliver the projects. NLC’s Community Planning and revitalise their language. September and December coming together to do working and benefiting the Galiwin’ku traditional owners and Development Program, Malak Malak traditional 2019, to review words and projects that support young community,” one traditional want to make sure the allocating a portion of their owner Joy Cardona, who images, ensuring accuracy in Nicole Brown, Joy Cardona and Jamie Damaso show young Josh people. Using ‘community owner explained. projects continue to deliver income from NT Government is closely involved in the app’s development. Brown how to use the Malak Malak app. benefit’ money from the Top In February, the important outcomes. and Bottom Shop leases, representative Traditional They are already looking traditional owners have Owner Working Group - forward to planning the Native title holders take refuge at Marralum planned and funded projects Galiwin’ku Community next series of projects so that are making a difference. Gungayunamirr Mala – had together they can continue THE last issue Land the water supply to the check the water filters. Since 2017, Galiwin’ku a meeting in Galiwin’ku. to drive positive outcomes in Rights News reported on outstation dried up. Once the water was Galiwin'ku children participating in the funded youth program. traditional owners have They looked at how all the their community. the upgrade of Marralum Fortunately, the water supply flowing, family members Outstation in the Victoria could be fixed through the came from town and back River District, just on the NT Government’s outstation to the outstation. They got border of Legune Station. essential services program. out of town just before ‘We’re happy with the project’: New ablution The upgrade was funded through the Project Sea 'I brought all my family out here to stay block at Ngukurr Church Dragon Land Use Agreement until the virus has passed and everything with native title holders THE Ngukurr Church has a traditional owners identified project and they chose and managed by NLC’s is back to normal.' - Maurice Simon Snr. new addition that traditional the need for an ablution partners to construct the Ngaliwurra Wuli's Keith Mutton, Marralum resident Marcus Hall. Community Planning and owners are proud to say block so that public facilities. Now their plans Development team. Outstation resource the coronavirus pandemic they made happen. amenities were available for have become reality and The upgrade of the centre Ngaliwurru Wuli started to close in. “We did the planning these important occasions. the toilet block can be used outstation included new sent a team from Timber “I brought my mother and its happening,” said Traditional owners for years to come. solar power, water supply, Creek, who found the bore and my sister and all my a Milwarapara-Yutpundji decided to work through the Traditional owners are air conditioning, kitchen was silted up. After blowing family out here and we will traditional owner. NLC’s Community Planning satisfied with their work. and wash house facilities. the silt out of the bore the stay out here until the virus Ngukurr Church is and Development Program. “The toilet project is good,” Following the repairs, the water flowed again. The is passed and everything a popular place that They used their own income said one traditional owner. Simon family moved back to team completed repairs on is back to normal,” said often hosts big events. from land use agreements Marralum last year. the outstation and showed Marralum community leader Marralum Outstation in the VRD. Picture: Sarah Duguid Milwarapara-Yutpundji to plan the public amenities The new loo at the Ngukurr Church is ready for action. After a few months Marralum residents how to Maurice Simon Senior.

14 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 15 Community Planning and Development

Program in action Gapuwiyak traditional owner Thomas Marrkula and waku (newphew). Traditional owners planning and doing projects

South East Arnhem Land IPA planning community development projects.

Nyomba Ganda\u and Gaylene Garruwiwi, Community of Practice Forum Alice Springs. On country at Rak Papangala, east of Palumpa.

Minjin family members at their new outstation.

Diminin traditional owners on country sharing stories. Walter Rogers workshops community development projects in Ngukurr.

Ngukurr Community Planning and Development Working Group: Eddie Tapau, Damien Sailor (observer), Callus Tapau, Janita Ponto (proxy), Rayleen Woods, Samantha Woods (observer).

The traditional owner funded painting crew at Gapuwiyak take a break from their day of paid work. Malak Malak traditional owners, Puliima 2019 Indigenous Language Conference. Galiwin’ku community members and NAAJA write reference letters for court.

16 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 17 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Outstation can serve as safe haven from virus threat ‘I haven’t been there since I was a kid’: Diminin outstation project, east of can continue to look after Palumpa community. their outstation. traditional owners visit sacred sites Early this year, the NLC’s The outstation also DIMININ traditional owners the project. Traditional Geraldine Kolumboort said my father was alive was sacred sites project. Community Planning and now serves an additional from the Thamarrurr Region owners decided to partner she hasn’t visited certain a long, long time, maybe I “This work aligns Development Program purpose – as a safe haven have been visiting important with indigenous owned sacred sites near her Wadeye was 15 years old.” with what we as an (CP&D) team visited for the Minjin family cultural sites – some of Thamarrurr Development home since she was a girl. “My father and I went indigenous development the outstation with the with the current threat which they haven’t been to Corporation (TDC) and the “We went up to Mimal up there and see where corporation have made a traditional owners to see of coronavirus, or any for decades. The traditional Thamarrurr Rangers who where that dreaming the honey bee mother bee commitment to,” said TDC how the house had fared future viruses that might owners have used their own have been coordinating pandanus. We went up there dreaming site. It’s good to go CEO Tobias Nganbe. over the wet season. pose a risk to residents of money to make the trips the visits and assisting and up to where milky way back there. See the country “TDC works to “Whilst there are a few remote communities. happen, and are collecting with documentation. support healthy country minor issues needing to be Current homelands information that will be Thamarrurr ranger Peter 'Make you feel like happy' - through the Thamarrurr fixed, the outstation itself is residents living in Wadeye stored in a database for Sheldon and six traditional Geraldine Kloumboort ranger program, which in good order for the family have been encouraged in future generations. owners - Patricia, Geraldine, provides local jobs and to live there over the dry recent months to return to The NLC’s Community and Norma Kolumboort, dreaming start, and we up in the hill, something like meaningful work on season,” said Senior CP&D their outstations to help Planning & Development Anna and Concepta Karui, went up to another place to spirit country. country and the support of Officer Anna Yeo. with social distancing and Program has been working and Loretta Tunmuck - see the honeybee mother “Make you feel like traditional land owners in The family have also set isolation measures; and so with Diminin traditional travelled to several sites bee,” she said. happy,” she said. the expression, engagement aside money for ongoing the Minjin family outstation owners to help them near Wadeye last November. “I haven’t been to this TDC said they are proud and conservation of repairs and maintenance, is all set up to help serve this plan and coordinate Traditional owner place for long time. When to be supporting the Diminin Thamarrurr culture.” partnering with West Daly purpose now too. Regional Council so they

The Minjin family's outstation near Palumpa community.

THE Minjin family have 'Coronavirus has highlighted an realised their dream – to unexpected perk of having a family live on country, in their new home, completed last outstation - a place to October. Now coronavirus wait out a health crisis.' has highlighted an unexpected perk of having track, bore, tank, and a base for the family for many a family outstation – a house. By setting aside generations to come. place to wait out a health income from their gravel “Before we used to crisis, where you can extraction agreement the spend on other things keep your mob safe. Minjin family from the Rak that don’t last… it’s a good Geraldine Kolumboort (third from left) and family are visiting important sites. Diminin traditional owners visit sacred sites. The family outstation Papangala traditional owner thing to have Land Council project included group created outcomes help,” Wally Minjin said constructing a new bush they want and value, a home as he reflected on the An outstation can serve as a place to wait out a health crisis. Unique camps are supporting young Yol\u people GALIWIN’KU traditional rightful dreaming. Reminding know that being on country Murru\ga, that’s the best NLC’s CP&D team is NLC's housing team pushes for housing wins owners have funded a the kids of the real Mälarra presents opportunities to way,” said Jonathon. “Those supporting traditional governments, commits $1.1 and standard of remote and investment. series of on-country camps dreaming, leave it where it pass knowledge onto the children get healthier, the owners with project billion of funding over five housing and aims to Land Councils are that teach kids the Yol\u is. On the island teaching next generation. country gets healthier and I planning so Aboriginal- years to the 73 remote NT reduce overcrowding in responsible for engagement way and culture. how to hunt and cut it and “What we’re doing in feel healthier too.” led development projects communities and 17 Alice Aboriginal communities between the NT and Raypirri camps (respect eat it. The kids come back become a reality. Springs Town Camps. across the Territory by a Commonwealth Government and discipline camps) that very healthy,” said traditional Over the life of the combined 22 per cent. agencies and Aboriginal aim to help young people owner Jonathon Roy. agreement, the total capital It also intends to increase residents in their regions connect with elders, country During the raypirri works to be completed Aboriginal employment and regarding housing needs and Yol\u culture have been camps young people learnt is equivalent to 650 participation of Aboriginal and reforms, this includes held on Murru\ga Island, part language and practical life three bedroom homes - business in the construction a review of the housing and through either additional and maintenance of leasing models. 'Those children get healthier, the country or replacement houses. community housing by 40 Our Engagement Officers In total, this equals an to 42 per cent over the life will be back on the ground gets healthier and I feel healthier too.' A recently upgraded home. Picture: NTG additional 1,950 bedrooms of the agreement. soon to talk with and support split between extension The four NT Land traditional owners and of the Crocodile Islands. skills, he said. DID you know the The team, made up of existing houses and Councils (Northern, Tiwi, Aboriginal organisations Traditional owners “I’m taking kids to family Northern Land of three officers, was construction of new houses. Anindilyakwa and Central) in communities and partnered with Milingimbi islands and lands, and established to monitor The agreement commits each have a function on the homelands, which will better Outstations Progress teaching the names [for Council has a the implementation of the two governments Joint Steering Committee place the NLC to inform Association for logistical places]... they’re really happy. Remote Housing the National Partnership to working together to ensure housing is policy reform and monitor support to deliver six Teaching them when you in Agreement on with Aboriginal people delivered in line with the the implementation of camps involving 45 young the islands you will survive Engagement Unit? Remote Housing NT. to improve health and frameworks developed the National Partnership people between July and with fire, fish, collecting, The Agreement, between physical outcomes through under the agreement and Agreements on Remote October last year. making a fire, making shade.” the NT and Commonwealth increasing the supply to monitor the outcomes Housing and Closing the Gap. “We are lifting up the Traditional owners Gerald, Jonathan and Millie Roy. Picture: Michaela Spencer

18 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 19 CARING FOR COUNTRY CARING FOR COUNTRY Wagiman Rangers carbon abatement journey Rangers inspire women prisoners in Darwin

THE savannah fire the prospect of deriving funds to the Wagiman, THREE NLC senior rangers visited the female section of and carbon story increased resources from Thamarrurr and other ranger Darwin prison for a great yarn about ranger work in February. the fire management groups assist with acquiring Karen Noble, Eva Nunggumajbarr and Elizabeth Hogan in the western Top income, and also valuable resources, fixing and Penny Mules, NLC’s Women and Youth Engagement End region of the future opportunities. up access roads to remote Coordinator, talked and answered lots of questions about Due to the vast expanses areas and increasing the how you become a ranger. NT is hotting up. of land they manage, ability to employ traditional During the visit one of the women inside the helicopter pilots work with owners to get out on country Darwin Correctional Centre stood up and thanked the Wagiman rangers recently the Wagiman ranger groups to look after it. rangers for coming. entered the fray, with the to drop incendiaries as part Twice yearly, rangers “You ranger ladies make me so proud, seeing strong black NLC signing an agreement of what is known as Aerial from Wagiman, Fish River, women. It makes me feel really happy inside,” said one of the with the Indigenous Land Prescribed Burns (APBs). It’s Thamarrurr, Wudicupildiyerr, women at the Darwin Correctional Centre. and Sea Corporation (ILSC) hoped that aerial operations Malak Malak, Peppimenarti Wagiman Rangers having a laugh. Picture: Kathrine Carver to start a savannah fire will lessen to be replaced and other communities get 'You ranger ladies make me so proud, management project on the by paying countrymen and together to plan regional fire seeing strong black women. It makes me Upper Daly and Wagiman women, either on foot or in management activities in the Aboriginal Land Trusts. vehicles, to cover areas that WTE with Bushfires NT and feel really happy inside.' Pine Creek region are currently out of reach. other partner agencies. traditional owners have The increasing bond The women also had long discussions about controlled been burning country for a Thamarrurr Rangers between these ranger burning, conducting animal surveys and weed control. long time. Now, under the start fire project groups, with fire as the The visit was part of the Women of Worth program, run guidance of elders, such as Recently the Thamarrurr magnet, will hopefully result by YWCA Australia. Thank you to Women of Worth and the Karen Noble, Elizabeth Hogan and Eva Nunggumajbarr. Jabul Huddleston, a new crop Rangers commenced the in a much more collaborative Darwin Correctional Centre. of rangers have started their operations phase of their regional approach to not just asset protection burns. savannah fire management fire management, but other Wagiman Coordinator project. Also funded through aspects of land management Yugul Mangi fire calendar details the changing seasons Kathrine Carver, aka KC, the ILSC, ultimately provided and protection of biodiversity and her Sunshine Band by oil and gas company and cultural knowledge. THE Yugul Mangi Rangers’ lighting fires.” of rangers are excited at INPEX, these additional Wagiman Rangers are 'excited' about carbon journey. knowledge of the land Travelling on country to and how it changes has take photos of the important been put into a seasonal animals and plants for the calendar with the help of calendar, Mrs McKemey Protecting rock art on Wardaman country Michelle McKemey, a PhD collated all the stories and student at the University information shared with her WARDAMAN country holds can act as fuel during the Fortunately, the work enables traditional their kids and grandkids. of New England. by the Yugul Mangi Rangers more than 200 recorded wildfire season, causing Wardaman Rangers owners to access the sites, Many Wardaman now live Shortly after the and the traditional owners. rock art sites, containing fire and smoke damage were successful in their providing opportunities in town so it can be difficult to South East Arnhem Land “We can bring in some 6,000 individual paintings to the paintings. A lack of application for a NT for the older generation to regularly get out bush and visit Indigenous Protected Area of the Western science and 41,000 engravings. These fencing around the sites Government’s Aboriginal share dreaming stories and these sites. One of the ways (SEAL IPA) was declared when we talk about all the rock art sites hold important can allow animals, such as Ranger Grant Program to traditional knowledge to rangers are helping to preserve in 2016, Mrs McKemey different plants and animals dreaming stories and cattle, to rub up against the their elders’ knowledge is by visited the rangers and that are there and provide history of Wardaman land, paintings. Access can also 'Wardaman country has more than 200 recording many of their stories, interviewed them and the that scientific knowledge which tie in significantly be a problem when tracks recorded rock art sites that rangers are with the aim of creating a traditional owners about for fire management as to Wardaman traditional are are washed away by video library that would be how they use traditional well,” she said. knowledge and culture. heavy rain, making it difficult working to protect.' accessible for all Wardaman burning, and what seasonal The calendar contains Many of these rock for Wardaman traditional traditional owners. changes they look for. seven Indigenous languages art sites are susceptible owners to visit the sites for help maintain 11 of these “We talked about from the different tribes to damage. Long grass cultural enrichment and sites. Extra funding has bio-cultural indicators in the South-East Arnhem growing up against the rocks sharing of stories. enabled rangers to get out — so when the seasons Land Indigenous Protected on country and slash the are changing, what Area (SEAL IPA), as well as grass around the sites before wildfire season. 'A fire calendar like this has never been Rangers have also been done before.' - Winston Thompson able to clear trees and branches that have fallen things they notice in the Kriol and English. on fences, and repair the environment that are A fire calendar like this fences, which are now at important,” Mrs McKemey has never been done before, a standard that will keep told the ABC News. according to traditional large livestock out. “All these little things owner and Yugul Mangi Pre-existing roads have that they notice in the Assistant Coordinator been graded making it environment that might not Winston Thompson. easier for rangers to access be directly related to fire “It tells us what sort of the sites for repair and management, but indicate animals are available in that maintenance. The Wardaman that it’s either a good season,” he told ABC News. Wardaman rangers clean up around important sites. Rangers are proud that their Rock art on Wardaman country. Picture: Kathrine Carver time or bad time to start

20 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 21 CARING FOR COUNTRY CARING FOR COUNTRY Fire forum shows Indigenous people in north Meet NLC's female leaders of tomorrow

Australia are leading the world in fire management BY PENNY MULES Strategy states that a in the workplace. The success of Indigenous fire management CFC BRANCH goal for the branch is to Lenore Dembski ran in the north has gained renewed attention, WOMEN AND have Indigenous women in a mentoring session and writes Indigenous Carbon Industry Network YOUTH COORDINATOR leadership positions across the rangers identified their all ranger groups. own mentoring needs. This (ICIN) coordinator Anna Boustead. INDIGENOUS women’s During the day-long information will be used to AS australia grapples with driving worsening fire workforce participation in workshop, rangers honed develop the branch’s mentor unprecedented wildfires that weather; the challenges of the ranger sector across their skills in supervising help program over the have caused widespread measuring and monitoring northern Australia has staff and mentoring. next 12 months. devastation over summer, landscape scale changes to taken a huge step forward The participants had the As part of the workshop, the success of indigenous biodiversity under different in recent years, but there’s fire management in types of burning; how to still more to be achieved 'Women now make up 43 per cent of the the north has gained ensure Traditional Owners when it comes to Indigenous Caring for Country Branch’s renewed attention. are recognized for their women rangers stepping into ranger workforce.' Over 320 people from knowledge and cultural leadership roles. across Australia attended protocols are respected by In February, 14 Indigenous opportunity to contribute rangers were given an insight Rangers undertake leadership training in Darwin. the North Australia Savanna scientists and other land women rangers took part to the development of a into the complexities and Fire Forum held in Darwin on managers; the opportunity in leadership training, Caring for Country mentoring issues around organising on- 18-19 February. Following the to share for north Australian organised by the NLC’s program and networked country land management success of the 2019 forum fire managers to share their Caring for Country branch. with Indigenous women activities, such as fire and the Bushfires Crisis, experience around Australia The ranger sector offers a leaders, including Deputy burning or culture camps. the 2020 forum was highly and around the world; mass of career opportunities Treaty Commissioner Ursula Caring for Country anticipated and tickets the opportunity to enable for both men and women and Raymond, Member for support staff also delivered sold out well in advance. more fire management comes with the major draw Karama Ngaree Ah Kit and training on 12 different CDU's Rohan Fisher and Tiwi Land Ranger Willie Rioli interviewed at the recent Savanna Fire Forum. Building on the 2019 forum, by engaging in the carbon card of caring for country. Paperbark Woman business aspects of administration Indigenous-led discussions market; and how to promote Women now make up operator Lenore Dembski. tasks required by ranger and presentations by better understanding of 43 per cent of the Caring As part of a panel session, groups. To test their Indigenous fire managers savanna carbon farming. for Country branch’s ranger the Indigenous women administration abilities, the gave proper context to Networking is a key driver workforce, but just under leaders answered questions inaugural Admin Olympics knowledge sharing, and for participation. half of the 13 ranger groups from the rangers, allowing were held! The Arnhem were a key highlight for ICIN steering committee have Indigenous women in diverse conversations around Land region took home this many participants. member and Tiwi Land leadership roles. challenges, motivation and year’s Women Rangers’ The forum heard that Council senior ranger Willie Caring for Country’s dealing with the many issues Olympics Trophy. Kylie Burn, Natalie Blitner, Mayleen Frederick, Cindy Archie and by bringing together their Rioli said the forum is an Women’s Employment faced by Indigenous women Kathrine Carver at fire training.. traditional knowledge opportunity for the groups with modern science and to get together to share technology Indigenous experiences, lessons and Aboriginal rangers leading the way on fire managers have cut discuss the future. uncontrolled bushfires by “Our fire management progressive fire management half, reduced the nation’s is a big success story greenhouse gas emissions and one that Aboriginal BY ANTHONY KERR Wagiman Rangers located of control’. But the reality Daly region have started Burns (APBs). In time, it is and provided much-needed people feel strong and CFC BRANCH in the Darwin Daly region of is that the early dry season their asset protection burns, hoped that aerial operations employment in some proud about,” Mr Rioli said. WOC PROGRAM COORDINATOR the NT, is about using fire to fires lit by rangers, Park burning off grass fuel loads will lessen to be replaced of the remotest parts “We know how to manage sensitively nurture and clean Rangers and other land around properties and by paid countrymen and of the country. fire to look after country IN northern Australia, fire the landscapes. managers are on the whole, creating vital fire breaks women to cover regions Scientists, Indigenous and it’s good our cultural management operations We hear stories of well prepared, well planned around communities and that are currently out of land managers, government knowledge of the land and conducted by the many southern visitors making and calmly conducted. cultural sites of significance, reach. It’s all about getting representatives and carbon our work with scientists Aboriginal ranger groups, calls to Bushfires NT or the All concerned have which would otherwise people back on country to industry experts discussed is being recognised and Karen Noble and Crystal Burgher at the forum. Picture: ICIN such as the Bulgul, police in May to report that a good understanding be at great risk from late manage it the right way. key issues affecting fire keeps growing every year... Wudicupildiyerr and wildfires are ‘blazing out of fuel loads and timing season wild-fires were these Savannah fire/carbon management, including: the we’re happy to share our of burning activities as measures not put in place. abatement agreements are impacts of climate change knowledge with people.” MEET OUR RANGERS the practice of burning Armed with a box of matches the way forward in providing country has occurred for or a drip torch they walk, alternative sources of Natalie Blitner thousands of years. or drive at the right time of income for ranger groups Wardaman IPA Ranger Today’s burning practices day and light slow trickling to expand their operations. are based on that knowledge, “cool” burns that are easier Rangers in West Arnhem "I have been working as a ranger for nearly 12 months which has been passed to manage than the fires that Land led the way in 2006 now. I love getting out bush, learning about our country down by those with a keen occur later in the year. with the West Arhnem Land from the old people and it feels good to tell family understanding of what a Due to the vast expanses Fire Abatement project, about the work we are doing and what is happening symbiotic existence with of land that they need an agreement with the NT out on country. the land really means. Now to manage, experienced Government and Conocco- We work hard as a team and have a lot of fun doing it, I it is May, and despite the chopper operators work Phillips. Now many groups hope more of our young ones step up and can work out challenges posed by the with the ranger groups to are following their example on country too." coronavirus, Aboriginal drop incendiaries in what is of how people, land and fire Mimal Rangers. Picture: RIEL/Veronica Toral-Granda Wagiman Rangers light up. Picture: Kathrine Carver ranger groups in the Darwin known as Aerial Prescribed can work together.

22 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 23 CARING FOR COUNTRY NEWS Progressing Indigenous careers with new Another step taken to restore Kakadu workforce development plan with handing over of Jabiru A big step has been to return has signed off on $216.2 wealth of the region. STEPHEN VAN DER MARK the Kakadu town of Jabiru to million in funding over Ms Scrymgour welcomed CFC BRANCH Aboriginal control. 10 years and the NT the introduction of the Bill TRAINING & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR The Aboriginal Land Government another into Federal Parliament. Rights (NT) Amendment $135.5 million to improve “On the passage of this (Jabiru) Bill 2020 has infrastructure in the town Bill later in the year, these NORTHERN Land Council’s and activities that ensure been introduced into and world heritage-listed amendments to the Land Aboriginal staff members are Caring for Country branch Federal Parliament. Kakadu National Park. Rights Act will return land positioned to make the best employs 116 people across NLC chair Samuel Bush- While Kakadu has seen to the control of the Mirarr use of future opportunities. 12 ranger groups and three Blanasi and CEO Marion a steady decline in tourism, traditional owners. This As rangers comprise the Indigenous Protected largest part of the Caring Scrymgour welcomed the well before coronavirus will allow for a long-term Areas. In addition, Caring for Country workforce, the move on 13 May. came along, the Ranger township lease of the town for Country employs many team’s initial focus has been The legislation provides uranium mine is also being area that will provide future seasonally engaged casual on the ranger workforce. for the return of Jabiru rangers and a small support through a township lease. 'The Mirrar people have put up with team in Darwin. New skills The lease will allow A Jabiru takes off in Kakadu. Picture: Tourism NT/Steve Strike Rangers undertake weed spraying on the Cox Peninsula. uranium mining on their country for too Almost 75 per cent of our to maximise for the transition of the staff are Aboriginal and the opportunties Rangers must be how we can integrate further The COVID-19 pandemic township from a mining town long.' - Samuel Bush-Blanasi recognise the collaboration traditional owners. Caring for Country Branch supported to build the work requirements or has obviously impacted to a regional service centre between the NT government “The Mirarr people is committed to employing Indigenous ranger groups are competencies and streamline the work load. the ability of the Branch and tourism hub which will and the traditional have put up with uranium more Aboriginal people, facing evolving workforce capabilities required to thrive The tool will also enable to deliver training to hopefully drive economic shut down next year. opportunities and economic owners to develop Jabiru mining on their country for especially in specialised and challenges as they adapt to in this new environment. ranger groups to share with remote ranger teams. activity throughout the The Mirarr people and social certainty for Kabolkmakmen Ltd, a too long. It is a tribute to leadership positions. different social, economic The Caring for Country Traditional Owners how they The team has explored west Arnhem region. have been planning for businesses and residents at company that will work their strong cultural ties With this in mind, the and political drivers – such Branch is developing divide their time across fire ways to deliver training While Jabiru was built by the shutdown for many Jabiru,” she said. closely with the NLC, other to country that they will branch put in place a as the impacts of climate NLC’s Ranger Workforce management, traditional electronically - in some Energy Resources Australia years and have developed “I am pleased that both local agencies and ERA, the now have a bright future Training and Workforce change, opportunities to Development Strategy. owner engagement, cases this has been possible. in 1982 to service the Ranger a plan to allow for the the Federal and Territory operator of the Ranger mine, for themselves, their kids Development Program, gain ranger compliance This new strategy sets ferals and weeds, youth We have released a poster mine it is still intended transformation from an governments have made to set the economic future of and grandkids - not through supported by Rachael powers and new enterprise out recommendations engagement and so on. with information about free the town’s school, health economy focussed on mining substantial financial the township,” she said. mining on their land but by Thurlow, Penny Mules, myself opportunities, like carbon and actions that aim to online courses, which cover centre, fire station and police and ancillary services to commitments to the Jabiru NLC Chairman Samuel relying on their culture and (Stephen van der Mark) and abatement projects. encourage Indigenous Indigenous trainee a wide range of topics. station will remain. one based on the social, revitalisation plan. Bush-Blanasi praised the tradition,” he said. an Indigenous identified For the ranger workforce people to become a part of plan to provide new One of the positive The Federal Government cultural and natural resource “It is important to commitment of the Mirarr vacant Training and this means developing new the ranger workforce and opportunties outcomes of these Administration Officer role. skills and working in new to progress their careers in challenging times is that Our aim is to develop ways to make the most ranger work or beyond. The Branch has also the Training and Workforce New ferry unlocks opportunities on Tiwi Islands and implement strategies of the changes. One of the main been working on the Development team has structural changes to development of a new negotiated with one of our piece of public transport inter-island transport in Funded by the NT how rangers work is that NLC Traineeship Strategy. donors and we will now infrastructure” contributing to the economic Government through a the strategy proposes a Traineeships will form a key be able to deliver Cert IV Since 2008 the council and social development $500,000 grant to the Tiwi new workforce structure. part of NLC’s Learning and qualifications in Training had largely borne the cost and community life on Islands Regional Council, the This new structure offers Development drive. The aim & Assessment to selected of running the ferry, which the Tiwi Islands.” ferry was built by Territory multiple career pathway of the traineeship plan is staff. This qualification will could carry up to 24 people On 24 February this year business, Custom Works NT options to rangers, compared to offer Aboriginal people a equip staff with the skills to and one vehicle, preventing traditional dance and song at its workshop in the Darwin to the previous approach structured training and on- deliver better and stronger it providing other important and ceremony marked the suburb of Winnellie, and which involved a more linear the-job work experience. mentoring support to services to Tiwi islanders. In official launch of a new comes with a custom-built career path for rangers. rangers so that rangers can 2017 the ferry was operating 14.4 X 5.5 metre ferry called trailer that will be stored The new strategy also Making the most of work towards stepping into on a $205,000 loss. Murantingala 1 that is now at Wurrumiyanga. makes Work Health & COVID-19 lockdown leadership positions. Ms Scrymgour told Mr providing a reliable and vital NT Chief Minister Michael Safety and Conservation McCarthy the ferry “keeps link across the Apsley Strait Gunner, who presided over Matt Green and Matthew Shields flying a drone. Land Management training families connected, enables for Tiwi islanders. the launch with Tiwi Islands compulsory for all rangers affordable transport to Karen Tipiloura, who Regional Council Mayor so that rangers can be Tiwi Islands have a new ferry. Picture: NTG sorry business and access safe on Country. to cultural obligations, 'It's good to have a big ferry like this one.' To find a way to make all DURING the 2017 Top End dry maintenance overhaul transports tradespeople - Karen Tipiloura this fit into ranger groups’ season the ageing ferry that costing the operator, Tiwi providing essential services annual work plans, the had plied the often-turbulent Islands Regional Council, to remote communities and Branch developed a tool waters of the Apsley Strait tens of thousands of dollars. facilitates business and witnessed the official Leslie Tungutalum, said his to assess the work loads between Bathurst and Marion Scrymgour, then tourism opportunities”. launch, said the new ferry Government “always looks of individual ranger teams. Melville islands for 17 years the council’s Chief Executive Mr McCarthy, the Minister has much more space and at the best investments When we understand was becoming increasingly Officer, wrote a letter in June for Local Government, can carry two vehicles. for communities which if ranger teams are costly to operate, with that year to NT Government Housing and Community “It’s good to have a is why we swung our ‘overcommitted’, ‘right on frequent breakdowns. Minister Gerry McCarthy, Development, quickly replied big ferry like this one. support behind a new ferry”. track’ or ‘need additional The hull had been asking the NT Government to Ms Scrymgour, saying the The other one was too Murantingala 1 means work’ we can have a more reskinned three times to help replace the ferry, Government recognised the small…it got pretty full “Morning Star". First aid training bush style. informed discussion about Rangers undertake fire training. Pictures: Shane Eecen and it was due for a major saying it was a “critical “importance of a reliable sometimes,” she said.

24 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 25 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Ways to track community development projects ‘Strong for young people and for future’:

BY HAYLEY BARICH development projects. The members to check-up Participatory monitoring and evaluating projects Gapuwiyak traditional owners creating own opportunities CP&D MONITORING three monitoring approaches on their wellbeing on with Galiwin’ku that takes seriously the AND EVALUATION are shown in the table. an ongoing basis to see and Gapuwiyak authority and sovereignty started in April 2017. small businesses. It’s coming months, developing PROJECT OFFICER the long-term impact of traditional owners of Aboriginal knowledge Their first project was to also about young people governance and looking into Checking-up to keep on Project Sea Dragon. Traditional owners in authorities and elders and fund the establishment of sharing the knowledge of some business ideas. MONITORING is like doing a track with DjarranDjarrany The next step is to Galiwin’ku and Gapuwiyak their various places. their own development trust, Milintji. The group invite “The group is working check-up of your car – you native title holders train DjarranDjarrany are working with researchers Over the last 12 months called Milintji Development. the young people to attend very carefully through all need to make sure the tyres Wellbeing for in community research from Charles Darwin community based and Arnhem Land Progress their meetings so they can the things to consider when and engine are good so you DjarranDjarrany native so local people can do University’s Northern CDU researchers have Aboriginal Corporation can keep driving. Monitoring title holders of Legune the checking-up. Institute (CDU) to develop worked together to monitor (ALPA) helped traditional 'Milintji is for the next generation. We put helps the NLC keep on track Station means strong lives a system for monitoring the CP&D projects. owners to complete the our heart, our mind, our vision, our dream and heading towards goals and futures. This includes: establishment of the Research Monitoring approach Region Location for Milintji' - Margaret Marrkula set by traditional owners. healthy and happy; teach project partner trust last year. The NLC committed to country and culture to One of the trust’s Checking-up establishing a Community young people; kids looking to keep on track Legune directors Margaret Marrkula learn, she said. making business decisions,” Victoria River District La Trobe University Planning and Development after country in the Looking at social and (Project Sea Dragon) said creating opportunities The group has funded said Matrix’s Sally Clifford. (CP&D) monitoring system future; living on country; wellbeing measures for the next generation is Matrix on Board Training “There have been lots in 2018 to strengthen the education and schooling; Participatory monitoring Gapuwiyak traditional owners have set up a trust called Milintji. important for Milintji. to partner with them and of long discussions. The process and track progress running the community Working with “Milintji is for the next deliver a governance paperwork and processes Charles Darwin traditional owners of the Program. ourselves – strong East Arnhem Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak University’s GAPUWIYAK traditional allocate portions of their generation. We put our project. Since starting are frustrating and to find good ways to Right now the NLC is leadership; running our own Northern Institute owners have a story to tell income from land use and heart, our mind, our vision, their governance project, sometimes it’s hard to see trialling three monitoring business; employment; tell the community about how they have set up leasing agreements to our dream for Milintji … to the group have had board progress but setting up a development story approaches. These trials and to be recognized as their own development trust projects that benefit to the make Gapuwiyak manymak meetings, worked on a solid base to the business, Expanded community help traditional owners and native title holders. Daly River, Palumpa, and are now working hard wider community. [‘good’], strong for young strategic plan, discussed understanding how they development process Darwin Daly Wagait, Wadeye, South the NLC work out the best NLC and researchers Using traditional East Arnhem, Ngukurr, La Trobe University to help it grow. For Gapuwiyak traditional people and for the future.” business ideas, and learnt work as a group and making East Arnhem way to measure the success from La Trobe University are project Victoria River District It’s also an example of a owners, their community Margaret said the trust a lot about running and sure everyone is coming Land IPA, Ngukurr and value of community working with DjarranDjarrany monitoring processes broader movement among development journey with fund will help to create developing a trust. along together is important.” traditional owners across NLC’s Community Planning learning and training Matrix will continue to A Yol\u approach to monitoring and evaluation the NT who are choosing to and Development Program opportunities, jobs and work with the group for the NYOMBA Ganda\u, a and I] act with care, and seen by a broader Yol\u community based researcher learn, and come together, group and is known as having describes a distinctly Yol\u in our place?)” been achieved. approach to monitoring and Ms Ganda\u explains: “I’m Ms Ganda\u describes Are you ready for the election? evaluation at Galiwin’ku. looking at monitoring is the evaluation as involving not “Monitoring is a practice way that how we monitor our just Balanda seeing and that Yol\u are always environment, in ceremony, recognising something has You must register on the electoral roll by 31 July 2020 engaged in as part of in workplaces, in family been done, but also having everyday collective life, and also in the community. this recognised by Yol\u. assessing and caring That’s how I understand for “Nhaltjan nhe ga nhäma Fill out an enrolment form at your local council office for children, helping monitoring, like in three nhokal community\ur It’s easy! or visit the website www.ntec.nt.gov.au ceremony to happen and ways like safety, learning and Yol\uny \alapalnha ga Nyomba Ganda\u, Community Based Researcher, Galiwin'ku, Samantha Togni from NPY Women's Council and NLC's Hayley working together in various education, and wellbeing.” djamarrkuli’, worru\uny Barich. different ways. Monitoring is an ongoing miyalknha, worru\uny “Nhaltjan \ali dhu practice of finding out and dirramuny, even Nyomba Ganda\u. when people are out on djäga ga mar\githirri checking up with work that \unha bu\gul\ur. He points out that country, using for example ga wa\gany-manapan, is happening. Evaluation is (How do you see within homelands like Murru\ga the right “clay, rock, ochre litjala\gal wä\a\ur?” to do with a moment where your community [not what do are places where raypirri for lifting up the rightful Voting teams will (How will we [you what has been done is also you see in your community, camps can be conducted dreaming – reminding the visit communities but how do you do the work in such a way that they kids of the real Mälarra Don’t forget to of seeing] senior Yol\u and children, old women and 'Learning the right way to cut up and put a number in old men, and even in the share a turtle makes the kids come back every square on ceremonial practice?)” from 10 August to very healthy.' - Jonathon Roy the ballot paper Yol\u evaluation 21 August to make your of raypirri camps conform to, support and dreaming, leave it where it vote count! Jonathan Roy helped with strengthen traditional ties is. Learning the right way monitoring and evaluating of to land and to its elders and to cut up and share a turtle some raypirri (respect and ancestral connections. (with all the right kinfolk discipline) camps held on In the large communities, being given the right parts) Murru\ga by participating in people are often mixed up makes the kids come ntec.nt.gov.au 1800 698 683 [email protected] an interview with community with each other. Community back very healthy”. Authorised by Iain Loganathan, Northern Territory Electoral Commission, 80 Mitchell St Darwin NT 0800 Nyomba Ganda\u, Community Based Researcher, Galiwin'ku. based researcher development works well

26 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 27 ARTS TEACHING ‘It was the biggest honour to film at Hawk Teaching program to increase Aboriginal educator numbers Dreaming in Kakadu’: Miranda Tapsell A remote teaching program will be revived next year to inspire more Aboriginal people to become educators IN this extract from Travelling with Gwilym and pulled over on the side of the announced, ‘That’s my niece!’ the eye could see. her new book, Top the crew was fabulous. road to shoot some buffalo. Not too subtle, Aunty. It was the biggest honour THE NT Labor Government teachers are seen as role at Batchelor Institute and cultural advisor Anita stronger,” she said. One of the many stops we With the camera, that is. Even though Jabiru had to film at Hawk Dreaming has revived a teaching models and leaders, not only of Indigenous Tertiary Camfoo Painter wrote “Strong mentoring and End Girl, MIRANDA made along the Arnhem Still, the poor things all changed quite significantly and First Rock in Kakadu. program to boost the within schools, but within Education,” she said. on Facebook that she support will help Aboriginal TAPSELL shares Highway was at a visitors’ huddled together and looked since I was a kid, I was still Tourists do not come to Territory’s frontline their communities. “I have spoken with was “so excited” about educators stay on the path centre called Window on up at the drone fearfully it touched to be back on the these sites as you can only Aboriginal workforce. She said significant community members across the reintroduction of to gaining further skills and her feelings on streets where I’d grown up visit if you are formally Under reintroduction numbers of locals who the Territory and there is a lot the RATE program. experience to support our returning to Jabiru. 'At one point, we had pulled over on the and gone to school. invited by the Traditional of the Remote Aboriginal participated in the RATE of interest in the program’s “Hooray! Got trained children in community.” One of the greatest Owners, and rightly so. Teacher Education (RATE) program in the 1980s and reintroduction.” up with the RATE program A RATE pilot program side of the road to shoot some buffalo. honours of this journey was Sometimes only nice people program, remote Aboriginal after I left school. This is will begin next year in With the camera, that is.' when we were formally should have nice things. residents will be helped 'Got trained up with the RATE program the best for our Indigenous partnership with Charles invited to shoot out at a Sean Neidjie, grandson pursue careers in teaching at educators. I’m so excited, Darwin University and the the Wetlands, where we seemed to me. They were place called Hawk Dreaming. of ‘the Kakadu Man’ Big remote schools and in early after I left school. This is the best for our fantastic news,” wrote Anita Batchelor Institute. pulled over to shoot on making little noises, as if It is a very special and sacred Bill Neidjie, had looked childhood care. Indigenous educators. I’m so excited, Camfoo Painter. Under the program Limilngan-Wulna country. having a conversation to place, and tourists are after us out there with two The RATE program was fantastic news.' - Anita Camfoo Painter Gapuwiyak Early remote residents will We had a drone following figure out what this little restricted. The fact that we other Traditional Owners. wound down in the 1990s Childhood teacher Alison receive formal training our car as we drove to buzzing thing around their were offered this opportunity They knew how to look after Commonwealth 1990s continue to work in Ms Uibo said there Wunungmurra hoped the while working in remote capture the incredible heads might be. I guess is an incredible privilege that after us on country. funding was withdrawn. their community schools are concerns among the program would inspire childcare centres and backdrop of floodplains. It we were the talk of the was not lost on any of us. It had been a beautiful NT Education Minister as assistant teachers Territory’s older remote indigenous youth to pursue a schools. Participants will be was very green at the time, town everywhere. We were in stone country, dry season morning, with Selena Uibo said: “As and fully qualified and educators that it will be career in education. supported to take the next thanks to the monsoonal As we arrived in Kakadu, now. We had left all of the clear blue skies and soft a former remote area registered teachers. difficult to recruit young “Creating strong and steps into higher education rain that had fallen in the my Aunty Yvonne’s sister, aqua blue coastline, and breezes. The sky had been teacher myself, making “Many went on to become teachers for remote schools meaningful educational if they want to become fully lead-up to the shoot. This Aunty Annie welcomed us were surrounded by ancient so clear that you could see pathways for local Aboriginal senior teachers and school in the coming years. pathways for aspiring qualified teachers or early was the Territory at its most to country. She didn’t hold limestone rock formations the Whistling Kites soaring educators is something I am principals, including my “This program will inspire Aboriginal educators childhood educators. lush and beautiful. anything back as she pointed and incredible floodplains above us—just like Josh had passionate about”. mother, Didamain Uibo, a new generation,” she said. will only make our At one point, we had me out in the crowd and that stretched as far as written in the script. Ms Uibo said Aboriginal who studied on campus Barunga School language community that much Together we rise: East Arnhem Land artists respond to COVID-19 with music

By University but it is also an ingenious of Adelaide’s way for Arnhem Land’s prolific musicians to share Professor AARON their music with audiences CORN, published in around the world. The NT’s Arnhem Land is The Conversation. home to dozens of remote Indigenous communities, Professor Steve Larkin, CEO of the Batchelor Institute, Alison Wunungmurra, early childhood educator and Selena Uibo, NT Education Minister. Picture: supplied Recent weeks have been including the Yol\u a blur of livestreams communities in the far as politicians and chief northeast. While there are medical officers have presently no known cases Learn Yol\u Matha and Bininj Kunwok at university taken to Facebook and of COVID-19 in Arnhem CHARLES Darwin University offered at CDU for more authority and education. the other tribes around the to us by our ancestral beings; YouTube to announce Land, the region’s economic (CDU) is offering courses in than 25 years, while Arrernte Mr Wa\ambi, a Marra\u East Arnhem Land region,” it is a part of who we are Australia’s emergency stability relies heavily on three Indigenous Australian had recently relaunched man, said many different Mr Wa\ambi said. and our identity." measures to contain the artists’ income, which is languages. Students can and Bininj Kunwok would be languages continued to be “Our language was given COVID-19 pandemic. greatly supported by local choose from Yol\u Matha offered for the second time spoken by tribes across East But on Saturday evening, tourism during the dry from East Arnhem Land, after starting last year. Arnhem Land, as well as the I eagerly logged onto season and international Arrernte from Central “CDU recognises more widely known form of Facebook, along with more touring to festivals Australia and Bininj Kunwok the value of Indigenous common Yol\u language than 50,000 others, to enjoy all year round. Djakapurra Munyarryun performing at Bawaka. Picture: Ryley Heap from West Arnhem Land. knowledge and ensuring its taught in CDU’s Yol\u a livestream of an entirely Streamed on Saturday, showcase Arnhem Land’s of Dhamitjinya and long collaborations with All courses are available place in academic life across Studies program. different kind. It was the April 24 and still natural beauty, the concert (East Woody Island). local musicians there. Yirr\a online and in a variety of a range of disciplines,” He said it was important first in a series of four East available online, the first was filmed on location At a length of four songs Yunupi\u’s four-song set formats, including short Professor Wallace said. to remember that every Arnhem Live music concerts East Arnhem Live concert at Gälaru (East Woody over 14 minutes, it was a exemplified the very best of courses, undergraduate and Yol\u Studies Lecturers, clan has its own language, to be streamed weekly. featured singer Yirr\a Beach) against the sun tantalisingly brief event that Yol\u songwriting, building postgraduate study options. Gawura Wa\ambi and which is central to identity, It not only offers a Yunupi\u, the current setting over the Arafura Sea, left me wanting more. It significantly on the heavy Indigenous Futures, Arts Joy Bulkanhawuy work communication and culture. welcome respite from frontman of rock band Yothu and incorporated stunning stirred deep nostalgia for my traditional influences of the and Society College Dean closely with Yol\u “My language describes the social isolation many Yindi, with Arian Pearson aerial cinematography own experiences in Arnhem style developed by Yothu Ruth Wallace said the Yol\u teachers and students, who I am and allows me Australians are now feeling, on acoustic guitar. To Land over the past 25 years Yindi around 1990. Studies program had been providing guidance, cultural to communicate with all Brenda Muthamuluwuy, Joy Bulkanhawuy and Gawura Wanambi.

28 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 29 HOUSING SPORT COVID- 19 highlights NT housing needs: AHNT Sound the siren; the return of NT footy is set AN UPDATE FROM the housing program. It’s the same timings for set of protocols. It takes into Government and AFL. AHNT Members AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) has the new-look BRFL women’s consideration the feedback Clubs and players will be ABORIGINAL Thamarrurr and Mabunji announced that footy is returning to the competition that expands harnessed by the clubs, as required to train and play in HOUSING NT (AHNT) restricted access to public from three teams in 2019 to well as the health and safety line with all advised hygiene areas, as did Bawinanga, Territory with the commencement of the five teams in 2020 with the advice issued by the NT measures and protocols. installed public wash- 2020 TIO CAFL season in Alice Springs, re-introduction of the Tindal THE Territory's first stations and had crews Magpies and the addition peak body of Aboriginal continually sanitise surfaces, along with the BAFL in Tennant Creek and of a new team, the Arnhem Community-Controlled hand rails and handles in BRFL in Katherine. Crows. The women will Housing Organisations is public areas. Yilli installed play 10 rounds from 27 June now incorporated and was ‘No Visitors’ signs at the before crowning a premier officially launched last entrance of Darwin Town THE NT is the first place in before three rounds of finals, on 19 September. August. Aboriginal Housing Camps as requested by Australia to welcome the finishing on the weekend In what is the 30th year NT (AHNT) has continued the residents. return of Australian football of the 19/20 September. of the BAFL competition, to progress, held its first ALPA worked hard at a community level since The season also gives all Barkly footy has a tentative AGM and elected a Board of trouble-shooting food the COVID-19 pandemic put a teams two bye rounds to start date of 4 July and Directors. AHNT is working security issues on the stop to all activity in March. account for the Papunya and will conclude in late as a strong united Aboriginal ground and the government’s The TIO CAFL Town Yuendumu carnivals. September/early October. voice to government to territory-wide response. competitions will commence In Katherine, the The return of NT on 19/20 June for a 10-round BRFL has some exciting community football comes Tiwi Islands School Carnival at the end of 2019. Picture: AFLNT 'How can you be protected from a highly season plus three weeks developments with three earlier than first anticipated contagious disease in overcrowded housing, of finals, culminating on extra teams added to the due to the NT Government’s Saturday 12 September. mix on a provisional license. announcement that or worse, living rough with no housing at all?' The TIO CAFL Community The Ngukurr Bulldogs will biosecurity measures competitions, that involves join the men’s competition, lift on 5 June, thus improve housing policy and Kalano, Julalikari and teams from remote which commences its nine- permitting free movement outcomes for Aboriginal Tangentyere managed the communities in Central round season on 27 June. The between communities people in the NT. Return to Country in their Australia, will stick to proposed fixture framework and regions, which is COVID-19 has seen AHNT regions. Kalano ran the their traditional Sunday includes a competition bye crucial to the success of Members play a critical role quarantine program also, timeslots for the majority round plus three rounds of AFLNT’s competitions. responding in every region and Julalikari worked with of the season, starting on finals with the grand final Over the past few weeks, in the NT. This pandemic Anyinginyi on COVID-19 21 June. They will play nine scheduled to take place AFLNT has been working on has highlighted again the public health education to all regular-season games on 19 September. a ‘return to play’ strategy and Players are looking forward to getting back on the field. entrenched failures in the households in Tennant Creek. Territory’s housing system Bawinanga, Laynhapuy and the challenges of trying and Ingkerreke increased ABORIGINAL HOUSING NT (AHNT) to be protected from a their efforts on the highly contagious disease Homelands keeping people joined forces to develop a more than ever the dire with a regional model that in overcrowded housing, well-informed, well- COVID- 19 protection and need to expand the Housing provides local employment or worse, living rough in resourced, and well-fed, management resource with program and address the and career pathways; the Long grass with no and went to battle on ‘free’ Health Habitat and Fulcrum legacy issues in the Territory. embed a Housing for Health housing at all. public phones that needed Agency. The Department of To make inroads in health, approach, in partnership AHNT Members and their fixing so the most isolated Health are promoting this education, employment, with Aboriginal controlled staff worked really hard on Territorians were not cut- COVID- 19 resource as a we need to fix the housing health services, to create multiple fronts to protect off from communications tool for Tenancy Managers, system, and it isn’t just about better health outcomes; against a COVID outbreak in a pandemic. Housing and Maintenance building more houses. and apply culturally led, and prepare and manage in Tangentyere Council Officers, Support AHNT has assembled sustainable design principles the event of one. and Central Australian Workers and Tenants. a great combination of a that place Aboriginal people Some things AHNT Affordable Housing, Covid-19 has highlighted Membership with a lot of at the centre and respond Members did included: expertise in housing in the to local environments and facilitated Return to Country AHNT inaugural AGM - Board of Directors elected: NT and a Board of Directors climate change. of 2000+ people across the with deep knowledge The Council of Australian NT; transported people onto Leeanne Caton, AHNT Chair - Yilli Rreung Housing CEO of housing issues from Governments has agreed to their Homelands and provide Barbara Shaw - Tangentyere Council lived-experiences in our include a housing target in increased support and Yananymul Mununggurr - Laynhapuy Homelands Remote Communities, the new National Agreement services; convened regular Alan Mole – Kalano Homelands/Outstations on Closing the Gap, so there Community Meetings to Mickey Wunungmurra - ALPA and Town Camps. There is important work ahead give updates on the latest Max Gillet - Mabunji Aboriginal Corp. is a lot of work to do and at a national level through public health advice, the Norman Frank - Julalikari Council AHNT has a big vision to the Coalition of Peaks, and Maria Thompson - Ingkerreke Resource Services Biosecurity Act and changes match. Development of here at home to ensure the Eileen Hoosan - Central Australian to restrictions; managed AHNT Strategic Plan is AHNT agenda is also on Affordable Housing Co. the compulsory two week in development and will the government’s COVID quarantining in regional * Thamarrurr Development Corp., Bawinanga, Anindilyakwa build on a reform agenda Recovery plans. centres; and advocated to Housing Aboriginal Corp. and Tangentyere Constructions will to: devolve housing to Further information government for stimulus to nominate for existing Board vacancies. Aboriginal controlled contact Louise Weber, AHNT fast track repairs and expand housing organisations, Secretariat 08 8944 6676. Tiwi Islands Grand Final. Picture: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

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