Wodda Moolie – Welcome.
Welcome to the Whitsundays the land, sea and sky country of the Ngaro and Giya/Gia People. Ocean Rafting respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners whose land we are privileged enough to live, work and play in every single day. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging who have cared for these 74 islands for tens of thousands of years. As a high-standard operator we carry this respect daily into our tours as we take visitors out to enjoy beautiful days on country.
Our First Nations Mission Statement
For the team at Ocean Rafting we are lucky enough to call the Whitsundays home, but for the Traditional Owners of the region, we recognise they have a deeper connection to country that traces back 60000 plus years. But what we share is a passion for this incredible place and a felt responsibility to best protect and preserve this iconic stretch of the Queensland Coast. We believe that a mutual respect builds relationships, which in turn builds capacity to work together to take action to protect, preserve and educate our guests on the UNESCO world heritage Great Barrier Reef.
The team at Ocean Rafting have proudly worked alongside some of the Traditional Owners of the region, learning from their culture about sustainability and the role each element of the environment has to play in maintaining balance for its future. In return, we support numerous environmental initiatives to actively contribute to the protection of the region. Together tourism, science and culture can paint a complete picture of the complexities of our environment to best support a brighter future for our reefs and natural environments.
It is also our belief that it is for them to tell their story. The Whitsundays always was, and always will be Ngaro Country. Yooribaya Cultural Experiences are proud Ngaro People with incredible stories to tell.
About the Traditional Owners of Australia
Australia, known for its rich cultural diversity and ancient history, is home to a unique group of people who have inhabited the land for tens of thousands of years. These are the Traditional Owners, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have maintained a deep connection to the land, sea, and culture across generations.
Aboriginal Peoples
The Aboriginal peoples are the original inhabitants of mainland Australia and nearby islands. They have a rich cultural heritage that spans over 65,000 years, making them the oldest continuous culture in the world. Aboriginal societies are diverse, with each group having its own language, customs, and spiritual beliefs.
Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The Torres Strait Islander peoples are the traditional inhabitants of the Torres Strait Islands, situated between the northern tip of Queensland, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. They have a distinct cultural identity and have lived in the region for at least 2,500 years. Their culture is deeply connected to the sea, with fishing and maritime activities playing a significant role in their traditions.
Connection to Country
Central to the identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is their connection to “Country.” Country refers not only to the land itself but encompasses the spiritual and cultural connection to specific territories, including landscapes, waterways, and natural resources. This connection is maintained through songlines, stories, ceremonies, and art, which pass down knowledge and traditions from one generation to the next.
Custodianship and Stewardship
Traditional Owners are custodians and stewards of the land, responsible for caring for and managing their ancestral territories. This role involves preserving cultural sites, protecting biodiversity, and passing on cultural knowledge to future generations. Their custodianship is recognized under Australian law through various agreements, land rights legislation, and native title determinations.
Challenges and Resilience
Despite the challenges of colonization, dispossession of land, and cultural assimilation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have shown remarkable resilience in preserving their cultural identity and connection to Country. Today, they continue to play a vital role in shaping Australia’s cultural landscape, contributing to art, music, literature, and environmental conservation.
Acknowledgment and Recognition
Acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work, and play is a significant step towards reconciliation and respect. It recognizes the enduring custodianship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and promotes understanding of their cultural heritage and rights.
Conclusion
The Traditional Owners of Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, embody a profound connection to Country, culture, and community that spans millennia. Their resilience, cultural richness, and custodianship of the land continue to be integral to Australia’s national identity and future.
