Whinpullin has been returned to Traditional Owners. Photo: Dan Peled/The Guardian.
‘The equivalent of Uluru’ returned to QLD's Ugarapul people
Land forming part of Whinpullin (also known as Minto Crag) has been returned to representatives of Indigenous peoples connected to the land.
The rock formation, located approximately 80 kilometres south-west of Brisbane near Boonah, is back in the hands of Traditional Owners and custodians after the Dhagun Yumba Aboriginal Corporation (DYAC) took freehold title of 26 hectares of land.
Whinpullin is an ancient rock formation which according to one story in Indigenous lore is known as a “giant ancestral eel”.
The land can now only be used for the benefit of First Nations people with a connection to the area after DYAC gained inalienable freehold of the land.
DYAC chair Lynda Maybanks said the handback provides an opportunity for Traditional Custodians to visit the site for the first time.
“The land transfer is exciting for the corporation and the people it represents,” Ms Maybanks said.
The rock formation is known by Traditional Owners as a ‘giant ancestral eel’.
“Some Elders and traditional custodians will be returning to the site for the first time, as the site is not easily accessible for Elders and large groups and is known as a sacred Ugarapul site.
Scenic Mayor Greg Christensen said the handback is a landmark moment for the area’s Traditional Owners.
“The understanding that Minto Crag or Whinpullin is, for the Ugarapul people, the equivalent of Uluru, is a powerful foundation for today’s celebration,” Mayor Christensen said.
“This decision aligns with our belief in the importance of respecting the cultural traditions of our region.
“The Scenic Rim Council is excited by the decision and to celebrate it with the community.
Since 2015, more than one million hectares of land have been returned to Traditional Owners in Queensland by the Department of Resources under the Aboriginal Land Act.
Queensland resources minister Scott Stewart said the land transfer reflects the Queensland’ government’s “genuine commitment to protecting and preserving Indigenous culture, values and traditions.”
“We are blessed in this country to be home to the longest, continuing cultures in history,” Minister Stewart said.
“The cultures and histories of our First Nations Peoples are unique.
“That’s why it is important to work with Traditional Owners to help keep sacred sites protected.”
The Whinpullin handback follows the return of approximately 38,000 hectares of land to Traditional Owners throughout Queensland in 2022, including more than 20,000 hectares of Gulf Savannah Country to the Gangalidda and Garawa people.
Source
Callan Morse
National Indigenous Times
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