Imagine a city steeped in history, a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the present. Melbourne, a bustling metropolis, is at the heart of an extraordinary story: the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people's quest for recognition of their ancestral lands.
The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people have taken a significant step by filing a native title claim with the Federal Court. This claim seeks official recognition of their connection to the land encompassing much of Melbourne. But why is this so important?
As Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elder Perry Wandin explains, this claim is an intergenerational effort to acknowledge his people's profound ties to the land. They have been at the forefront of protecting their culture and country in Melbourne and surrounding areas for decades. Their vision extends to caring for the waterways and the land itself.
The claim's scope is vast, covering most of metropolitan Melbourne. It stretches beyond the Great Dividing Range, west to the Werribee River, east to Mount Baw Baw, and south to Mordialloc Creek. Intriguingly, the Wurundjeri people are already recognized as traditional owners of a similar area under Victorian laws.
But here's where it gets controversial... Native title, as defined by Australian law, grants rights based on the traditions and customs of Indigenous communities, dating back thousands of years. It grants decision-making power over public land use, the right to protect culturally significant areas, and greater consultation regarding proposed activities on those sites. It is important to note that it does not affect private properties, businesses, or public infrastructure.
Uncle Perry emphasizes that native title recognition is a crucial part of truth-telling for his community. He speaks of a history marked by land dispossession. He clarifies that native title is not about taking over, but about controlling Crown land. The Wurundjeri people want to be the traditional owners of Melbourne, or 'Naarm' as they know it.
The claimants, descendants of over a dozen ancestors, identify as the Wurundjeri, Woi-wurrung, Yarra Yarra, or Yarra Tribes. This claim is built upon historical and anthropological evidence, demonstrating the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung's connection to the land at the time of British sovereignty in 1836.
Uncle Perry's ancestors include William Barak, a Wurundjeri leader who witnessed the signing of John Batman's treaty. Barak was a visionary who sought to secure the future of his people. He is associated with the Coranderrk mission, an Aboriginal reserve north-east of Melbourne. In 1863, he secured the site, providing a physical connection to the land for the Kulin people.
Aunty Di Kerr views the native title claim as a significant step, years in the making. She sees it as a moment of acknowledgement and respect, ensuring their connection to the country is legally recognized, as it has always been in truth.
Uncle Andrew Gardiner echoes this sentiment, emphasizing his people's millennia-long presence in Victoria. He sees the claim as a way to honor their ancestors and protect future generations. The claim group, guided by the Woi-wurrung saying "Jindi Waro Bak" - to join and unite, comprises eleven members. They have received support from several Victorian councils.
Uncle Perry indicates the next step is reaching an agreement with the state government and neighboring traditional owners, aiming for collaborative work.
A difficult history: Several native titles have already been granted in Victoria, including those for the Gunditjmara and Eastern Maar people. The First Peoples of the Millewa-Mallee recently gained exclusive possession of certain land parcels, the strongest form of native title. Other cases are still pending in court, collectively spanning most of the state.
Uncle Perry states that the courts have recognized seven other groups in Victoria, and it's now time to recognize the traditional lore and customs of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.
In 1994, the Yorta Yorta people's native title claim failed due to a lack of demonstrated continuous connection to the land. Uncle Perry has spent the last decade collecting information and research, which he believes will help tell the full story of his ancestors' links.
The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung claim, supported by Slater and Gordon Lawyers, will be considered by the National Native Title Tribunal. "It's full steam ahead for us," says Uncle Perry.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe native title claims are essential for reconciliation and justice? Share your opinions in the comments below!
