National Sea Country Alliance
Fast Facts:
Name: National Sea Country Alliance Summit
When: 6–7 November 2023
Where: Convention Centre, Larrakia | Darwin
Attendees: 200
Summary
A landmark meeting of the National Sea Country Alliance. The Alliance, of all representative Traditional Owner groups with responsibility for Sea Country, came together to discuss how to exercise thier rights and uphold responsibilities for Sea Country in the face of increased offshore energy proposals.
Background:
National Native Title Council (NNTC) dedicated to the protection of Indigenous lands worked closely with Storey & Ward to bring together over 150 Traditional Owners and industry to discuss the future protection of Sea Country and the ongoing importance for the future of Australia.
Challenges:
With less than 8 weeks to execute, the Ke . Creative Events team shifted gears up a notch to ensure critical event deliverables were achieved. The team at Darwin Convention Centre were flexible and accommodating on all fronts which took a lot of the stresses out of the event. Our main goal was to co-ordinate flights, accommodation and transfers for over 150 Traditional Owners, some from extremely remote regions across Australia and get them to the event safely and on time.
The evening before the Summit, Larrakia experienced a sensational electric al storm, the Larrakian’s say it was a significant storm as it was the spirits welcoming in the wet season. Unfortunately this impacted the Convention Centre’s Power and as we arrived at first light to the Centre we realised there was no power to the air conditioning which mean it was going to be a long and hot day in the room! Luckily enough the engineers came to save the day and had it back to normal in the nick of time. Meanwhile the Ke. team were busy sourcing industrial fans just in case!
The Outcome:
Two incredibly organised conference days, with the perfect balance of local Larrakia culture entwined throughout the program. Smoking ceremonies, performances by three young and talented singer/songwriters from the Song Room and an evening performance of contemporary folk and acoustic ballads by Yanyuwa nation, Shellie Morris AO. The gathering of Sea Country Traditional Owners enabled voices to be heard and the collection of a united front for future protection of land and country.
