The University of Notre Dame Australia Fails to Acknowledge Djukun Traditional Owners

Image Credit Supplied: Notre Dame University Australia’s Broome Campus, 2024.

The Djukun Nation is deeply concerned that The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Broome Campus fails to properly acknowledge the Djukun Traditional Owners.

Despite being recognised as Native Title Holders of the Country on which the university is situated, the Djukun are not properly acknowledged.

This omission appears on the university’s website, which inaccurately claims:

“Apart from its rich European and Asian history, the town of Broome is situated on Rubibi land, the land of the Yawuru Traditional Custodians".

The exclusion of the Djukun raises critical concerns about transparency, fairness, and respect for Djukun rights.

As a Djukun Nation representative I, Jaala Ozies wish to state “the statement is not only incomplete but also misleading.”

“The Rubibi Native Title Determination of 2006 recognised both the Djukun and Yawuru peoples as Traditional Owners of Broome,”. 

“Ignoring the Djukun undermines this important determination disregards and disrespects the Djukun connection to Country.”

Efforts to address this issue with the university have so far been unfruitful.

A representative of the university responded to concerns by stating that "staff personally acknowledge the Djukun on campus".

However, he redirected responsibility for addressing this matter to the Native Title holders of Broome.

Despite a formal request from a representative of the Djukun Nation who are Native Title holders of Broome to correct the website and confirm action within seven days, no response has been received.

”We the Djukun Nation respect the acknowledgment of Yawuru people but insisted the Djukun must also be recognised as Traditional Owners also”.

“This recognition is not just a matter of respect; it is a reflection of historical accuracy and cultural integrity consistent with the existing Rubibi Native Title determination of 2006,”.

“We call on the University of Notre Dame Australia to act immediately to correct its website and formally acknowledge the Djukun Nation and all traditional owners of the land.”

“By doing so, the university has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity, reconciliation, and respect for all traditional owners.”

“The Djukun Nation will continue to advocate for recognition and inclusion. We invite allies and community members to support our call for justice and acknowledgement.”

“The truth of our shared history matters, and it is time for institutions like the University of Notre Dame to lead by example.”

-ENDS