Welcome to Country

Darwin before white settlement was home to a large community of 'saltwater' people, now known as Larrakia. The Gulumirrgin, as we called ourselves (pronounced Goo-loo-midgin) lived, loved, birthed, hunted and survived a life on a pristine coastal area - a place unrecognizable now.

Soon after white settlement many thousands of our people died from new diseases and conflicts. Some of us, though, survived and struggled to adjust to new ways, ways of less freedom, big influences over which we had no input or control.

We are still struggling but still surviving on our traditional lands. We know our country better than anyone. We will always be here.

We are still not recognised - not in the way which really counts - that is: we still don't have land or title to any of our traditional lands.

Welcoming you to our country, through Welcome to County speeches is one way the new community of Darwin can acknowledge and show respect for our history, our culture and our shared future. It is a way for some of our people to earn a small income and it’s a meaningful way for us to connect with you and recognise your role in daily community life. As the representative body of the Larrakia (Gulumbringin) people, we ask that you respect our request that all Welcome to Country performances be booked via the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation. Mumuk.

You can request a booking for a Welcome to Country here.