Descendants of Larrakia people who fought for greater recognition and rights for Indigenous people half a century ago say they want to be the first Aboriginal group in Australia to negotiate a Treaty with governments.
Hundreds gathered on Friday near the Northern Territory's Parliament House in Darwin, at the site of the old Supreme Court, to mark 50 years since the first of two Larrakia Petitions was sent to then-Prime Minister William McMahon in March 1972.
The document called for Treaties to be signed with Indigenous peoples, but never received a response from Canberra.
The renowned Kenbi Dancers performed at the 50 year commemoration
Later in the year another petition, boasting more than 1000 signatures from Aboriginal communities around Australia was prepared in the hope it could be personally delivered to Princess Margaret during her visit to Darwin in October, 1972.
Larrakia people camped outside Government House where the Princess was staying but were not provided access.
The document was damaged when those carrying it attempted to break through a police barrier.
Damaged, but not destroyed, the petition was then sent to England, addressed to the Queen. It was returned to the Australian Governor-General and placed on file with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
The Larrakia Petition sent to the Queen in October, 1972
At Friday's event, current Larrakia leaders celebrated the struggle of their ancestors, while lamenting a lack of progress on the Treaty front.
"Larrakia people should be the first to negotiate a Treaty with the Northern Territory and Australian governments. Don't make us wait another 50 years," Larrakia Nation deputy chairperson Wayne Kurnoth said.
"We must follow the lead of our ancestors and come together as a united group as we renew our call for Treaties with the Australian and Northern Territory governments.
"We want to build a better future for the next generation of young people, both Larrakia and our fellow countrymen and women just like our ancestors did 50 years ago."
Helen Secretary's grandfather helped create the Larrakia flag which was raised at today's 50 year commemoration.
Helen Secretary's grandfather fought for a better deal for Indigenous Australians
She's the chairperson of Gwalwa Daraniki Association which administers Aboriginal communities on Larrakia Country.
She said without a Treaty, Indigenous Australians were effectively "refugees on our own land".
"Larrakia people do exist. We are still here today as custodians and Traditional Owners of these lands from our ancestors of Darwin and Larrakia Country," she said.
Another event will be held during October to mark 50 years since the second Larrakia Petition. It's hoped some of the surviving signatories can attend.
Larrakia Elder Bilawara Lee said she hoped commemorating the petitions would help inspire younger Larrakia to continue to fight the fight
"I have nine grandchildren and they hadn't realized that this was part of their history and when I was telling them about it you could see the pride and they were like 'Wow, our ancestors did this!'."
