In a powerful display of unity, an Aboriginal group has crossed the Tasman Sea to stand shoulder to shoulder with Māori at Waitangi, highlighting the shared struggles and triumphs of Indigenous peoples worldwide. But here's where it gets even more meaningful: their journey isn't just about solidarity—it's a testament to the enduring strength of culture, language, and land in the face of government policies that often threaten their very existence. And this is the part most people miss—how Indigenous communities across borders are watching, learning, and drawing inspiration from one another's resilience.
Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
The group, known as a rōpū, arrived in Aotearoa earlier this week and participated in a WugulOra, a sacred dawn ceremony, at the Upper Treaty Grounds. For them, being at Waitangi is about more than just presence—it's about learning, strengthening ties, and reaffirming a shared commitment to Indigenous sovereignty. Ellie Buchanan, a Gumbaynggirr woman, attended the ceremony with her young daughter, Raya, emphasizing the intergenerational nature of this struggle and celebration.
'We're here to show support for our Māori whānau, to stand in solidarity,' Buchanan told RNZ, her words echoing the sentiment of many. 'Toitū Te Tiriti.' She highlighted how Indigenous communities in Australia closely observe Aotearoa's efforts, particularly in language revitalization and cultural rights protection. 'If that changes, it has a significant impact on us and Indigenous people globally,' she added, underscoring the interconnectedness of these movements.
Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
Buchanan explained that the relationship between Indigenous nations is rooted in a shared responsibility to the whenua (land) and to future generations. 'Indigenous people have the strongest connection to our country and our earth,' she said. 'To sustain that, we must look to our First Nations people and Indigenous communities.' She drew parallels between Gumbaynggirr and Māori values, particularly in caring for children, elders, and the land. 'It’s about filling our bellies, loving our babies, looking after our old people, and singing our songs,' she said, capturing the essence of Indigenous life.
But here's where it gets controversial: Buchanan also addressed the political climate in Australia, where a recent referendum for an Aboriginal treaty was rejected. 'Unfortunately, this has opened the door to more racism and denigration of our people,' she noted. Yet, her community remains focused on strengthening its foundations, exemplified by the Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School, a 'place of freedom' for their people. 'We’re not dealing with that,' she declared. 'We’re standing up for what’s right for our community.'
Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
Troy Robinson, a Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung, and Dunghutti man, emphasized the importance of gatherings like Waitangi for Indigenous peoples to reconnect across borders. 'We say different cultures, but we’re actually quite similar in everything we do,' he said. For Robinson, witnessing te ao Māori—especially the strength of te reo Māori and tikanga—was a key reason for the journey. He’s involved in establishing a bilingual school on Gumbaynggirr country, and visiting Māori immersion programs in Aotearoa has been invaluable. 'Showing our children the importance of language and unity is crucial,' he said.
Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
Robinson also spoke about the dawn ceremony, a long-held cultural practice. 'Setting the mind, body, and spirit free in peacefulness and solidarity—this is what our people have done since time immemorial,' he explained. Bringing rangatahi (young people) on the trip was a key focus, with 15 to 20 of them traveling to Aotearoa. 'They’ll go back and share, leading the way with strength, resilience, and love,' he said.
And this is the part most people miss: Robinson framed their presence at Waitangi as part of a much longer story of exchange between Indigenous peoples across oceans. 'The passing of knowledge, the sharing of country—our people have been doing this for a long time,' he said. Both Buchanan and Robinson emphasized that their presence was about standing beside Māori as fellow Indigenous peoples. 'We’re here to show our solidarity,' Buchanan reiterated.
Thought-provoking question for you: How can Indigenous communities worldwide further strengthen their solidarity and learn from one another's successes and challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this important conversation going.
