Aboriginal Elder Major “Moogy” Sumner and Jason Downs slam council decision to end Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation South Australia has joined a high-profile elder in hitting back against two council’s controversial votes.

The decision by two South Australian councils to stop reading out an Acknowledgement of Country has drawn criticism from a high-profile Aboriginal leader and Reconciliation South Australia who have both slammed the decision as a step backwards.

The Northern Areas Council voted to stop reading an Acknowledgement of Country at meetings, and remove it from all official council correspondence.

Playford became the second council this week to stop reading out an acknowledgment with one councillor saying the reading of the statement had “gone a little too far”.

Elder Moogy Sumner at a Smoking Ceremony to begin Australia Day 2022 celebrations in Adelaide on Kaurna land at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reconciliation South Australia, Jason Downs said that “Northern Areas Council’s decision to scrap Acknowledgment to Country statements draws disappointment from Reconciliation South Australia.”

“Reconciliation SA expresses profound disappointment in the recent decision by Northern Areas Council to discontinue the practice of acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land,” Mr Downs said.

“This move, which eliminates Acknowledgment to Country statements, raises concerns about the commitment to reconciliation and respect for Aboriginal cultures in our community. “Acknowledgment to Country statements are a vital component of fostering understanding, respect, and unity among all members of our community.

“These statements not only pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations people but also serve as a tangible commitment to reconciliation efforts. Removing these statements from official events diminishes the opportunity for meaningful engagement and dialogue around the importance of reconciliation and the ongoing contributions of Aboriginal Australians.We urge the Northern Areas Council to reconsider this decision and reinstate the practice of Acknowledgment to Country statements. We encourage open dialogue between the Council and the community to create understanding and a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach.”

Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna Elder Major “Moogy” Sumner told The Advertiser the decision was “regressive” and “disrespectful”.

“What’s the next move, we take down the Aboriginal flags and say they are taking up too much wind to blow it?” he said.

Major "Moogy" Sumner performs Welcome to Country at the Yes23 Campaign Launch in Elizabeth in August. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Brenton Edwards

A prominent campaigner for the Yes vote in the Voice to parliament referendum, Moogy said the decision was a further blow to the First Nations people and reconciliation.

He questioned the motives of the decision.

“It needs to be asked, is it racist?” he said.

“The yes vote chucked out, now they are stopping the acknowledgment.

“We’ll have to go back to singing God save the gracious Queen or King with our hands on our hearts soon.”

Mr Sumner’s comments come as City of Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge said she hoped her council would not follow suit of the neighbouring Playford council.

“Personally I’d be very surprised if we chose not to do it, I think we are all very comfortable,” she said.

“Every council has to do what’s right for them, I’m personally very happy with us doing it and I would hope our council would continue to do it out of respect for our First Nations people.”

Mr Sumner had a message for any council reviewing their Acknowledgement of Country protocols.

“Think about it … it is a couple of sentences and goes a long way,” he said.

“(The acknowledgment) was a big step, dropping it is a step backwards.”

Rural council’s all-inclusive acknowledgment

The Rural City of Murray Bridge extends its pre-meeting acknowledgment to include recognition of “global pioneers”.

The Murray Bridge statement acknowledges the Ngarrindjeri people as the traditional owners.

“We respect and acknowledge their spiritual connection as the custodians of this land and that their cultural heritage beliefs are still important to the living people today,” it reads.

“We recognise the living culture and combined energies of the Ngarrindjeri people, our global pioneers and community members today for their unique contribution to the life of our region.”

Murray Bridge Mayor Wayne Thorley said he was proud his council acknowledged traditional land owners while extending the statement’s reach.

“I don’t think there will be any discussion around our acknowledgments,” he said.

“We are comfortable with it, it’s an inclusive statement and I don’t think our community would have any problem with it.”