First Nations
Yirrkala petitions
14 August 1963
The modern land rights movement begins as the Yolngu petition the Australian Parliament.
These bark petitions were the first traditional documents recognised by the Australian Parliament. Although they did not result in the recognition of the Yolngu’s traditional land rights, the Yirrkala Petitions were a milestone in the struggle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.
The petitions were written in response to the removal of land at Gove Peninsula from the Arnhem Land reserve – the Yolngu people’s traditional land – without consulting them. The painted designs proclaim Yolngu law and show the Yolngu’s traditional relationship to the land. The petitions are now on display at Parliament House.
In response to the petitions, a parliamentary committee acknowledged the rights the Yolngu set out in the petitions, and recommended compensation for the loss of their land. However, the Yolngu people of Yirrkala were seeking recognition of their ownership of their traditional lands. They turned to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory for a ruling. Despite losing the case, the land rights movement gained momentum.
Dhuwala wanga napurrunyu balanu larrunarawu napurrungu nathawu, guyawu, miyapunuwu, maypalwu nunhi napurru gana nhinana bitjarrayi nathilimirri, napurru dhawalguyanana dhiyala wanganura.
The Yirrkala petitions. Yirrkala artists, Dhuwa moiety, 14 August 1963 Yirrkala artists, Yirritja moiety, 28 August 1963.
House of Representatives, Canberra
The Yirrkala petitions. Yirrkala artists, Dhuwa moiety, 14 August 1963 Yirrkala artists, Yirritja moiety, 28 August 1963.
House of Representatives, Canberra
Description
This photo shows 2 large rectangular pieces of bark. Each has a border decorated with traditional iconography of animals including turtles, snakes and fish. Inside each decorated border is a piece of paper with typed words, followed by handwritten signatures and stamps. The contrast of the written papers and the imagery of the borders is particularly notable.