Media Statement: Rubibi Survival Day Highlights Exclusion of Djukun Nation from Welcome to Country Ceremony

The Djukun Nation is deeply disappointed by the exclusion and lack of consultation during the Rubibi Survival Day event hosted by Goolarri Media Enterprises (GME), a subsidiary of the Broome Aboriginal Media Association (BAMA). Despite being joint Native Title holders under the Rubibi Native Title Determination (2006), the Djukun were denied the opportunity to participate in the Welcome to Country ceremony and were not consulted about the event, held on Djukun Country.

Djukun Nation formally requested to participate in the Welcome to Country ceremony, emphasising the importance of inclusion, transparency, and respect for all Traditional Owners. However, this request was declined, with GME event organisers citing long-standing BAMA policy to follow the guidance of Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs). As a result, Nyamba Buru Yawuru (NBY) was engaged to provide a representative for the Welcome to Country ceremony, further sidelining Djukun voices.

During the Welcome to Country ceremony, the NBY representative, who is a Yawuru Native Title Holders Aboriginal Corporation member and BAMA board member, stated, "This country is Yawuru Nation. Yawuru Nation is made up of so many powerful language groups. We were bought up to respect everyone. The first one I'd like to give acknowledgement to the Djukun People, I say thank you".

This statement has caused significant distress among the Djukun people, as it undermines their distinct identity, culture, and sovereignty.

The Djukun refute these comments. Djukun Country, known as Jirr-ngin-ngan, has its own unique boundaries, place names, language, laws, and traditions that are upheld to this day. The implication that Djukun is a subset of Yawuru erases the Djukun Nation's autonomy and diminishes their rightful recognition as Traditional Owners.

It is also notable that GME’s email signatures and historical practices only acknowledge Yawuru people, further contributing to a lack of inclusion and respect for Djukun and all traditional owner’s contributions and rights.

Survival Day is intended to celebrate inclusion, reconciliation, and the shared histories of all First Nations peoples. However, the exclusion of the Djukun from participating in the welcome to country ceremony and the lack of acknowledgment of their unique cultural identity contradict these principles.

The Djukun Nation calls on GME, BAMA, and NBY to address these concerns, ensuring that all Traditional Owners are included and respected in future events. The Djukun Nation also calls for broader dialogue about fairness and transparency in cultural representation within Broome to prevent further marginalisation of Djukun voices.

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