Australia: Juru People Vote to Ban Welcome to Country Ceremonies on Ancestral Lands

The Juru people of the Burdekin region have taken a bold step, voting to ban **Welcome to Country** ceremonies on their ancestral lands. This decision, driven by concerns over commercialization and a loss of authenticity, underscores the community's desire to preserve the integrity of their cultural traditions.

On Thursday night, Juru elders expressed their frustration, citing embarrassment and misuse of the ceremonial practice. Spokesman Randall Ross emphasized on *4BC Mornings with Bill McDonald* that the elders believe the practice has been "abused" and turned into a profit-driven enterprise by individuals with no meaningful connection to the land.

“The elders have had enough,” Ross stated. “They want to put a stop to it.” While remaining committed to safeguarding their cultural heritage and land, the elders believe the ceremony has strayed from its original purpose, becoming a business venture that many find uncomfortable.

Mixed Reactions from Local Leaders

The decision has garnered varied responses. Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort expressed her support, indicating a willingness to collaborate with the traditional owners. "I can’t get into a political nightmare here," she told a *Newscorp* publication, "but I’m happy to work with the traditional owners."

She also highlighted the broader context of multiculturalism and unity in the region. “We’re one country, and we’ve all got to learn to live and work together,” she added, noting that the decision would resonate positively with many in the community.

Broader Cultural and Political Implications

Prominent Indigenous leader Warren Mundine also praised the move, arguing that Welcome to Country ceremonies have become over-commercialized and divisive. "The point of it is it’s meant to be a welcome," Mundine remarked. "But some people are abusing it by charging a gazillion dollars or using it as a platform for political speeches."

Criticism of Welcome to Country ceremonies has grown in some quarters, with concerns about the involvement of individuals unaffiliated with the regions or cultural groups they claim to represent. Mundine described such practices as reducing the ceremony to a "cliche" and fostering division rather than unity.