Clan estates and traditional ownersClan estates and traditional owners

Clan estates and traditional owners

Kakadu includes the traditional lands of a number of Aboriginal clan groups.

‘Land and people go together. Every place has a clan name, and every place has a clan.’

Jacob Nayinggul, Manilagarr clan

In English the term ‘traditional owner’ is commonly used to refer to someone who is a member of the clan associated with a particular clan estate (and has a particular meaning under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976). Both men and women may be acknowledged as senior traditional owners. Traditional owners make important decisions about the management of a clan estate through patrilineal descent. Aboriginal people who are connected to a clan estate through their mother are also involved in decision-making. These people, who refer to a clan estate as their mother’s country, have important management responsibilities, namely protecting sacred sites and assisting with the protection of religious objects associated with their mother’s country.

‘These laws need to be explained to non-Aboriginal people in the same way it is taught to children so we can all hold on to it and teach it to children who will grow up learning about their land with this law.’ (Jacob Nayinggul, Manilagarr clan)

Making decisions about country

Bininj who have cultural responsibilities for management of a clan estate are key people in the planning and management of the Park. Everyone who lives, works in or visits Kakadu must respect Bininj rules and it is important that these rules are passed on to young Bininj.

‘I had to learn it when I was growing up and I have to teach it to my family – my sisters and brothers have to learn it. Parks needs to learn it too.’ (Senior Jawoyn Bolmo clan member)

‘Bininj/Mungguy try hard to learn Balanda law to make informed decisions. Balanda need to make an effort to learn Bininj/Mungguy law.’ (Russell Cubillo, Jawoyn Bolmo affiliate)

‘Bininj laws must be followed, with Balanda law backing up Bininj law.’ (Jonathon Nadji, Bunitj clan)

‘When I want to do something on country I have to ask the right person. To go and burn country or do weed control I have to ask the right person, traditional way, because there’s many important sites there or whatever. This is our way.’ (Bessie Coleman, Wurrkbarbar clan)