Yesterday marked the second anniversary of a historic native title agreement acknowledging the Quandamooka People as the Traditional Owners of North Stradbroke Island, Peel Island, Goat Island, Bird Island, Stingaree Island, Crab Island and the surrounding waters of Moreton Bay.
On 4 July 2011, Redland City Council also signed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Quandamooka People.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was important to celebrate the anniversary, as it served as a reminder of how far reconciliation efforts had come, and the goals ahead to be achieved in partnership with the Quandamooka People.
“The fourth of July will now always be a day of significance for the Quandamooka People, who not only celebrate the signing of the ILUA with Redland City Council but also the anniversary of the Federal Court officially acknowledging native title, which was the first agreement of its type in south eastern Queensland,” Cr Williams said.
“The anniversary is also an opportunity for us to reflect on how our partnership has strengthened and grown over the past two years.
“We have been proud to work with the Quandamooka people on many exciting community initiatives, including the inaugural Quandamooka Elders forum in February 2013, the transfer of the island’s camping grounds management to ‘Straddie Camping’ and many cultural opportunities such as Reconciliation Day celebrations.
“Redland City Council is dedicated to ensuring we have a continued relationship with our Traditional Owners based on mutual respect and partnership, and a shared commitment to forge a strong and vibrant future for our region.
“Council will continue to strengthen its ties with Traditional Owners, support their role as custodians of their traditional lands and help to educate our community on the living indigenous cultural heritage of the Quandamooka people.”
The anniversary was celebrated with a community gathering of Quandamooka Elders and family members, who shared their rich culture and history with people on North Stradbroke Island.
Speech makers paid homage to the Aboriginal leaders and Elders for their fierce determination in successfully bringing about the consent determination for Quandamooka People two years ago.
Division 2 Councillor Craig Ogilvie said the event paid tribute to those who continued to pursue the native title claim over so many years.
“It was moving to see Aboriginal leaders and Elders being recognised, with an amazing photographic display capturing the original 4 July event and celebrations,” Cr Ogilvie said.
Yesterday’s celebrations included a water blessing and sand blessing and ended with a cultural demonstration of artefacts from the Quandamooka region.
