Cultural Protocols

We, the Larrakia people, have always welcomed visitors onto our country.  From within a context of ongoing struggle for our land rights, we have continued to welcome and care for people when they are on our traditional lands. 

We aim to foster partnerships according to the cultural protocols, which we ask you to understand and respect.

The Larrakia Cultural Protocols are:

1. The Larrakia people are the Aboriginal traditional owners of all land and waters of the greater Darwin area, including identified Aboriginal living areas.
2. Aboriginal law requires respect for the cultural authority of the traditional owners.
3. Larrakia speak for Larrakia country; other traditional owners speak for their traditional lands.
4. We have a mutual obligation to care for our country with our neighbours.
5. Visitors should be aware that we have a body of knowledge in our land and waters, which includes sites of significance.
6. Larrakia people expect visitors and service providers to be aware of Larrakia cultural obligations and to respect and acknowledge them.
7. Visitors have the right to be treated with respect and understanding.
8. All visitors are responsible for their behaviour and should respect guidance of Larrakia.
9. Learning about country is everybody's responsibility and it is also the responsibility of government and non-government agencies.
10. Inappropriate behaviour reflects badly on Larrakia people and we do not accept it.