Dear Friends,
Two years ago, I issued Adani with an eviction notice demanding the mining company immediately stop all extractive activities on our Country. Adani did not leave, giving us no choice but to reassert control of our Country to protect our land, sacred water, and culture.
As we approach one year of continuous reoccupation of our homelands, I have today issued a Declaration calling on governments to recognize our original sovereignty of the land and enter into treaties with us as the rightful Custodians of Country.
Today, we again declare that Adani does not, and never will have, our free, prior, and informed consent. We, the Wangan and Jagalingou Nagana Yarrbayn Cultural Custodians, are the original First Nations people and the common law possessory title holders of our ancestral lands and waters.
Our continued sacred ceremony, called the Waddananggu, confirms our connection to Country and our presence is evidence that our rights and interests have never been abandoned, lost or signed away in any Indigenous land use or cultural heritage agreements, or mining lease.
We, the Wangan and Jagalingou original Custodians of the area being destroyed by the Carmichael Mine, believe that damage to the integrity of our moiety dreaming will have catastrophic consequences for all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people across the continent for all generations.
Today, I’m calling on supporters like you to join with us by demanding that your governments recognize the original sovereignty in the land, the source of our laws and customs, and enter into treaties with us as the rightful custodians of Country.
I invite you to read our Declaration in full and to show your support by sharing on social media, or emailing it to state and federal governments. You can share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or read it on our website.
Almost a year on, and Waddananggu is making history. Despite Adani’s attempts to remove and antagonise us, we have continued our cultural ceremony unhindered. Our rights to practice our culture on a mining lease have now been recognised under the Queensland Human Rights Act. This could be a turning point for Indigenous peoples’ rights to say NO to mining companies.
You’re now invited to be part of the Waddananggu ongoing ceremony for our one year celebrations!
Waddananggu Celebration: One Year of Reoccupation
WHAT: A five day gathering, with ceremonies, workshops, speakers and music, to celebrate one year of Waddananggu.
WHEN: Monday 22nd to Friday 26th August 2022. You are more than welcome to come before the start of the celebrations and are also welcome to stay after the event.
WHERE: Wangan and Jagalingou country in central Queensland, based at the Waddananggu Cultural Ceremony site, around a 13 hour drive north from Brisbane and 9 hours drive south from Cairns.
COST: This event is Free for First Nations people. Supporter tickets are: $250 waged, $100 concession or $50 kids (12 and under).
This covers meals for 5 days, hiring of equipment and purchase of critical infrastructure. You can also donate to “Pay it Forward” to support someone else to attend.
Registrations are essential. Spaces will be limited, so please register as soon as you know you’re coming to avoid missing out. Find out more, sign up for updates and register for the Waddananggu One Year Celebration here.
Want to find out more about how you can attend the gathering or help from home? We’re hosting a special webinar online on Wednesday 20th July at 6.30pm AEST to share our exciting plans and answer all your questions. RSVP for the webinar here.
Come be a part of history in the making!
For Country,
Adrian Burragubba
Senior Wangan & Jagalingou Cultural Custodian
P.S. You can also support us to maintain our presence on Country by purchasing a Wangan and Jagalingou flag t-shirt here, or by making a donation to support Waddananggu here.
Aboriginal Social Media & Communications Network 2021
