Aboriginal Peoples and the Law Field Trip

The group walked ‘on country’ with Narungga elder Mr Quenten Agius who shared stories of country and explained the responsibility of caring for country.  Many of the sites visited by the group are in Dhilba-Guuranda Innes National Park which is co-managed by Narungga rangers. Among other things, students saw ochre cliffs, fish traps, a midden and water holes that are thousands of years old, and journeyed to important sites that are associated with Narungga stories. Mr Agius also spoke of the ongoing consequences and intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal Peoples resulting from policies such as genocide, segregation and assimilation; the challenges for the preservation of culture and environment faced by ongoing developments; as well as expressing his faith in people to achieve better outcomes in the future.

This field trip marked the sixth collaboration between Mr Agius and the ALS Aboriginal Peoples and the Law program (previously led by Laura Grenfell). The collaboration aims to illuminate two fundamental concepts: "connection to country" and "land as the source of Law." These themes are integral to understanding Indigenous perspectives and the importance of the land in Aboriginal culture.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey to the Yorke Peninsula/Narungga country, we celebrate the dedication of the Adelaide Law School and ABLE Faculty to this course, the enthusiasm of the students, and the wisdom generously shared by Mr Agius. This field trip serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of building bridges of understanding and empathy as we navigate the diverse and dynamic landscape of Australian law and culture.

In the spirit of reconciliation and cultural appreciation, the "Aboriginal Peoples and the Law" program continues to inspire and educate, ensuring that the legacy of Indigenous culture remains alive and thriving for generations to come.