Anniversary of Waddananggu

26 August

Waddananggu began on 26 August 2021 on Wangan and Jagalingou Country in central Queensland. The Nagana Yarrbayn Cultural Custodians describe Waddananggu as ‘the talking’: a continuing cultural ceremony asserting their connection to Country and their right to practise culture on their homelands.

What began in 2021

The Custodians established a ceremonial ground and stone Bora ring near the Carmichael coal mine. Their account of the first gathering describes people grounding themselves on Country, bringing family and community together and maintaining a sacred fire.

The anniversary recognises this specific ceremony and the Cultural Custodians who sustain it. It should not be presented as a general public holiday or as an event speaking for every Aboriginal community. Use the names and descriptions provided by the organisers themselves.

Culture, Country and the right to remain

The Custodians connect ceremony with the protection of land, water, animals and sacred places. Their statements make clear that Waddananggu is about lived cultural responsibilities and the right to be on Country, as well as opposition to damage associated with mining.

It is important to distinguish the public information that the Custodians have chosen to share from knowledge or practices that are not for general reproduction. Reading about a Bora ring does not give another organisation authority to recreate one, use ceremonial elements or turn the ceremony into a classroom performance.

Listening to the people involved

The most appropriate starting point is the Custodians’ own published account. Outside summaries can introduce readers to the anniversary, but should not displace the people explaining their own intentions and responsibilities.

A careful discussion distinguishes cultural claims, community perspectives, company statements and legal findings. Do not assume that a short anniversary page resolves every dispute or speaks for all people with connections to the area. Where current developments matter, consult current statements and identify whose account is being presented.

Marking the anniversary

For a school or workplace, consider what it means for cultural practice to be tied to a particular place. Explore why protecting Country can involve responsibilities that cannot simply be relocated elsewhere. This can support a thoughtful discussion without asking learners to imitate ceremony.

If sharing the Custodians’ material, retain attribution and follow permissions. Any invitation to attend, visit or support an activity should come from current organiser guidance. The 26 August anniversary does not by itself confirm that a public gathering is being held, that visitors are welcome on a particular day or that access arrangements remain unchanged.

Support should respond to the priorities the Custodians publish, with respect for their control over the use of their words and images. The resources below provide a route to that guidance.

Sources and further reading

The resources below provide historical records, First Nations perspectives and pathways for further learning. Some historical material contains names and images of deceased people, outdated language or distressing content. Follow the guidance provided by each publisher.

Online sources and longer reading

Waddananggu Celebration. Nagana Yarrbayn Cultural Custodians. The Custodians’ account of the ceremony’s beginning on 26 August 2021.
https://standing-our-ground.org/2021/09/01/waddananggu-the-talking/

Donate to Waddananggu. Nagana Yarrbayn Cultural Custodians. Their explanation of continuing ceremony, protection of Country and ways to support their work.
https://standing-our-ground.org/donate-to-waddananggu/

News and media. Nagana Yarrbayn Cultural Custodians. A pathway to current statements; check here for contemporary organiser information.
https://standing-our-ground.org/blog/

Our related products and resources

For further learning, explore the sources above and choose resources appropriate to your setting. Our book collection and information for schools and organisations provide additional browsing pathways. Check each item’s description for its specific subject, authorship and suitability.