Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners of the Murray–Darling Basin

The Murray−Darling Basin Authority pays respect to the Traditional Owners and their Nations of the Murray−Darling Basin. We acknowledge their deep cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic connection to their lands and waters.

The guidance and support received from our many Traditional Owner friends and colleagues is very much valued and appreciated.

Aboriginal people should be aware that this publication may contain images, names or quotations of deceased persons.

Explanation of language and terms

There are different preferences for naming inherited identities of original peoples living in the Murray–Darling Basin and their connections to Country. For example, some prefer Ancestral ownership, others Sovereign or Traditional ownership. Some people have a preference for the term Aboriginal, while others prefer Indigenous or First Nations people.

The Water Act 2007 (Cth) and the Basin Plan 2012 uses the term Indigenous to refer to matters that relate to Aboriginal people. Based on the advice from both the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) and the Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations (NBAN), the MDBA will use the term 'Aboriginal' to refer to all relevant Traditional Owner groups in the Basin.

The exception is where specific sections from the Water Act or Basin Plan are directly quoted, when naming formal instruments, and in the Akwé:Kon Guidelines (for the conduct of cultural, environmental and social impact assessments). In all other instances the term Aboriginal is used.

The term Traditional Owners is used to refer to those with recognised cultural authority to speak for Country.

Engagement and partnerships with Traditional Owners

The MDBA considers partnerships with Basin Traditional Owners to be a key priority across all areas of water management. The health of the Basin benefits from meaningful, equitable, inclusive and respectful partnerships with Traditional Owners and their involvement in water planning and management is a key priority.

The MDBA website may contain images, names or quotations of deceased persons. Wherever possible, the MDBA will take reasonable steps to prevent material from being published after a death.

Ronald Hughes and Cody Campbell from the Dhudhuroa Nation, in Dhudhuroa Yaitmaithang Country, Falls Creek, Victoria. Photo by Ipshita Mondal