A Kaurna Elder has issued the challenge of renaming Adelaide/Tarndanya to Kaurna Land in her January 26 address.
Speaking at the city's Mourning in the Morning event, Aunty Rosemary Wanganeen asked the audience what the city would “feel” like if it was renamed Kaurna Land.
“We have other states, or a state in this country, called Queensland – so why not Kaurna Land?” she said.
Her third time speaking at the event, Aunty Rosemary told NITV she believed it pushes beyond reconciliation, into re-imagining.
“I think that would be so deep and meaningful because it has been Adelaide for 183-years,” she said.
“It might not happen in my lifetime but being here today to plant the seed. I felt it was my responsibility.”
Aunty Rosemary also acknowledged the recent news of the Australian government purchasing the copyright licence to the Aboriginal Flag from Luritja artist Harold Thomas.
Kaurna Elder, Aunty Rosemary Wanganeen. Source: Peta Doherty
“Growing up with the Aboriginal flag, is something that has always felt like a protection over us. We can all come under the one flag,” she said.
“It’s not politics, it’s about healing. The flag does that for us, so to have it back in our care so to speak is really powerful.”
The flag was first flown at Victoria Square in the city on 'National Aborigines Day' in 1971.
Mourning in the Morning also saw performances, dance ceremony and an art installation by artist Derick Lynch.
Despite the heat and pandemic, people came out in solidarity for the event.
“I think this is an indicator of how much they still want to see, feel and hear what this day means to Aboriginal people,” said Aunty Rosemary.
“They want to be a part of it, to take our messages back out to their family, friends, community and to their workplace. There is nothing stopping them from planting the seed of re-imaging Adelaide being renamed Kaurna Land.”
The push for change continued into the day, as crowds gathered at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga for the Invasion Day rally.
Wiradjuri and Ngarrindjeri woman Marcia Carter was amongst those marching.
Marcia Carter Source: Peta Doherty
“We want healing, we want unity between… white and black, we don’t discriminate, we love everybody, we just want peace for our children and our elders and our future generations,” she said.
Ms Carter told NITV News she felt this year was different.
“A lot has come to light within the Government and I think that there’s a lot more understanding as to what our people have been put through and the issues that we face,” she said.
“I’m thankful for all non-Indigenous Australians that are here today.”
Despite the sense of difference, many felt it isn't enough.
Tarndanya Invasion Day rally participants. Source: Peta Doherty
Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Narungga community leader and rally organiser, Natasha Wanganeen said she doesn’t want Australia Day to exist.
“There’s been a few things change but not enough, not on the scale that we need it to be…. Especially if we’re gonna come together as a country and do days like this,” she said.
“It was the start of destruction so I don’t think we should celebrate anywhere near January at all… maybe find a whole new month you know and start something new, with a new meaning together.”
Ms Wanganeen is a veteran of the Invasion Day march. Now 38, she began attending rallies at the age of 7.
“I’m tired, I can only imagine what my Elders are feeling,” she said.
“It’s the 50th anniversary this year of the Tent Embassy in Canberra…. This first Aboriginal Tent Embassy that stood up for our rights…and a lot of the people who started that are no longer here.”
