A handful of soil: 50 years since iconic land hand-back
Half a century ago, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam poured a handful of soil into the hands of a man who directed a eight -year protest for his people’s rights.
On August 16, 1975, Mr. Whitlam returned to the Wave Hill station, about 600 kilometers south of Darwin, to the Gurindji people.
During an official transfer ceremony, Mr. Whitlam, who transferred the title of the lease to a parcel to a parcel at the Wave Hill Cattle Station, poured the land into the hands of senior elderly old Vincent Lingiari.
Prime Minister Anthony Arbanese said that the IConic image of Mr. Lingiari, one of the hands of Mr. Gough, was a permanent praise of the courage, determination and solidarity of the Gurindji people.
“There is more to ensure that traditional owners can unlock the economic potential of their territory and create long -term prosperity to see that their communities have developed.” He said.
“Let us inspire us for the next journey.”
Mr. Lingiari was a stockter at Wave Hill, and almost ten years ago, 200 Gurindji, Mudburra and Warlpiri Stockmen pioneered a strike to local workers and their families.
As he left the station, the workers were taking an attitude towards injustice, demanding a fair wage, better working conditions and return of traditional lands.
The group was founded in Daguuragu, and for eight years of strikes remained intact in their demands.
The Wave Hill march helped to pave the way for federal laws, which enabled people to claim rights for the country, the first nations of the Northern Aborigin Land Rights Legislation in the Northern Region and the first nations in NT.
Domestic Affairs Minister Malardirri McCarthy said that the strike laid the foundations of the territorial rights of Aboriginal in Australia.
“The official overthrow of the land to the Gurindji people – and on the one hand, the earth – Achorijin is a decisive moment in the history of the land rights movement and Australia.” He said.
Annual Freedom Day Festival brings people together to mark the walk and return every year.
Gurindji Aborigin Corporation says it is extra importance by marking the 50th anniversary of this year’s festival.
“The festival is the recognition of a national story that changes the Australian view and history forever.” He said.
“Vincent’s legacy is still living through his grandchildren, great grandchildren and all Gurindi people.”
The Freedom Day Festival will be held in Kalkarindji between 22-24 August.
