Gwalwa dorennage – This is our land

This triptych documents the hearing for the Larrakia's Kenbi Land Claim over the Cox Peninsula region north of Darwin. First lodged in 1977 it is the longest running land claim in the history of the Land Rights NT Act. The painting documents the first hearing by the Land Commissioner who then decided that 'traditional ownership' under the terms of the Act was not substantiated. His decision was overturned by the Federal Court and a second claim hearing was undertaken between 1995 and 1999. In 2000 the Land Commissioner found that one of the four claimant groups were traditional owners of the majority of the land and that this claim would also benefit another 1,600 people with Larrakia affiliations; however, his recommendations were still awaiting endorsement by the Federal Court in 2002.'Transfer of knowledge' (panel 1) – Sometime before the land claim was heard some of the old people took younger Larrakia by boat to the claim region to teach them about the area. This action took place just in time as, sadly, some of the old people died just before the claim went to court. One person in particular may have ensured the success of the claim had she not died. 'Larrakia girl gives evidence' (panel 2) – During the hearing one of the young Larrakia girls gave evidence about hunting and foraging in the claim area. The spirit of her mother peers through the paperbark trying to assist her. The girl is aware of the weight of responsibility placed on her and tried her best to show confidence but lowers her head, embarrassed by the probing camera and the alien nature of the visit to one of her favourite places. 'The judge inspects the witness' (panel 3) – During an important stage of the Kenbi hearing the court visited Kulaluk, where a number of people gave evidence. A principal witness was a Larrakia man who the judge was satisfied fitted the requirement according to the Land Rights Act. However under the Act he had to be part of a group and needed at least another person before the Judge could recommend the land be granted. He went on to say that if a particular Larrakia woman was still alive (the mother of the girl who gave evidence) that it is likely that the criteria for traditional ownership would have been met. The witness being inspected by the judge has taken a strong confident pose. He knows who he is and is not overawed by the attention he is being given.' —Koolpinyah Richard Barnes © Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory