First Nations Australian traditional custodianship

Imaluk Beach on Darwin Harbour. While these lands and seas are widely recognised as Larrakia Country, some sources also list the Belyuen and Wadjiginy people as traditional custodians.[3][4][5]

The concept of First Nations Australian traditional custodianship derives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' strong traditional connection with the lands and seas they reside on, known collectively as "Country".[6][7][8] The term "traditional custodian" is often used interchangeably with "traditional owner" in the context of native title in Australia, including in acknowledgements of Country.[9][10] The role of a custodian, however, implies a responsibility to care for Country, reflecting a worldview that is not necessarily compatible with the Western concepts of land ownership and the right to property.[11][12]

While specific practices and interpretations of custodianship may differ among the hundreds of distinct Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander groups, they all seemingly share a close affiliation with the land and a responsibility to look after it.[13][14][15] Since the 1980s,[16] First Nations and non-First Nations Australian academics have developed an understanding of a deeply rooted custodial obligation, or custodial ethic, that underpins Aboriginal Australian culture, and could offer significant benefits for sustainable land management and reconciliation in Australia.[17][18][19]

  1. ^ "Aboriginal Custodianship – Background Information – NARvis".
  2. ^ "Our Demands".
  3. ^ Scambary, Benedict (2007). "8. 'No vacancies at the Starlight Motel': Larrakia identity and the native title claims process". In Smith, Benjamin R.; Morphy, Frances (eds.). The Social Effects of Native Title: Recognition, Translation, Coexistence (PDF). ANU E Press. p. 154. The area is predominantly occupied by the 'Belyuen' who have a custodial relationship with the Larrakia in relation to their residence on Larrakia country
  4. ^ Dennison, Bill; Williams, Lorraine (10 April 2020). "Engaging with the Belyuen people and Larrakia people, Traditional Owners of Darwin Harbour, Australia". University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Integration and Application Network. Belyuen people live in the Belyuen Community, they are made up of three language groups, Batjamalh, Emmiyangal, Mendheyangal. Their traditional lands are further down south of the west coast, but maintain custodial responsibilities for the area of Belyuen Community on the Cox Peninsula.
  5. ^ Day, Bill (2012). "Larrakia Family groups" (PDF). Dr Bill Day Anthropologist. Larrakia knowledge of country and rituals flourished on the Cox Peninsula, albeit through intermarriage with the Wadjiginy people as custodians.
  6. ^ Queensland Studies Authority (March 2008). "Relationships to country: Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people" (PDF). Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
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