Juru People Ban Welcome to Country Ceremonies to Preserve Integrity and Unity
The Juru people of the Burdekin, Qld, have made the significant decision to ban Welcome to Country ceremonies on their ancestral lands, citing concerns over the commercialization and perceived loss of meaning behind the practice. The move, supported by community members and local leaders, reflects a desire to restore authenticity and unity to their cultural traditions.
The decision, made by Juru elders during a meeting on Thursday night, was driven by discomfort with how the ceremonies have been exploited by individuals without ancestral ties to the Burdekin. Spokesperson Randall Ross explained that the elders had grown weary of the practice being turned into a profit-driven venture.
“The elders have had enough,” Ross stated on 4BC Mornings with Bill McDonald. “It is being abused, and they want to put a stop to it.”
While the Juru remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting their land and heritage, they have drawn a clear line against practices that they feel undermine the sacred nature of their traditions.
Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration within the community.
“I’m happy to work with the traditional owners,” she said. “We’re multicultural, we’re one country, and we’ve all got to learn to live and work together.”
Mayor Dalle Cort also acknowledged that the move resonated with many in the community, describing it as “an early Christmas present” to those who had grown frustrated with the divisive aspects of the ceremonies.
Prominent Indigenous leader Warren Mundine applauded the Juru people’s stance, criticizing how Welcome to Country ceremonies have, in some instances, devolved into a platform for political statements or commercial gain.
“They’re meant to be a welcome, but some people are charging exorbitant fees or making political speeches instead,” Mundine said. “This is causing anger and division, especially when the ceremonies are performed by individuals who have no genuine connection to the land.”
The decision by the Juru people underscores the importance of respecting Indigenous culture without allowing it to be misused or commodified. By taking this stand, the Juru elders hope to protect the integrity of their traditions and foster a sense of shared understanding and cooperation among all Australians.
Their decision sends a powerful message: cultural practices should honour their original purpose and meaning rather than being co-opted for personal or commercial gain. In doing so, the Juru people aim to inspire a more unified and respectful approach to Australia’s diverse heritage.
