Stolen Land Pay The Rent

The topic of "paying rent" to Indigenous peoples has been a subject of discussion, debate, and even controversy in Australia for years. Whilst some argue that the concept is divisive or unnecessary, for us, the Indigenous peoples of Australia, it's a matter of justice, respect, and acknowledgement of our continued sovereignty over the lands that have been our homes for thousands of years. To truly understand why paying rent to Indigenous Australians is not only fair but essential, one needs to delve into the history, the cultural significance of the land, and the issues surrounding Indigenous rights today.

A History of Dispossession

Before the arrival of the British colonisers in 1788, Indigenous Australians had lived on this continent for at least 65,000 years. We have over 500 different clan groups, each with their own distinct culture, language, and territorial lands. We were self-sufficient and lived in harmony with the environment, guided by our Dreamtime stories that are the foundation of our laws, religion, and social systems.

When the colonisers arrived, our worlds were upended. Land was taken, cultures disrupted, and entire communities wiped out due to violence, disease, and forced assimilation. Whilst the Australian government has made some attempts at reparations, including land rights acts and apologies, these actions have been inadequate in addressing the historical and ongoing injustices we face.

The Cultural Significance of the Land

For Indigenous Australians, the land is not just dirt and rocks; it is imbued with spiritual significance. Our ancestors are born from it, return to it, and their spirits live on within it. Our traditional practices, our lore, our very identities are deeply rooted in our ancestral lands. When the land is taken away, commodified, and exploited, it's akin to ripping apart our culture and identity. Paying rent to Indigenous communities can be a way to acknowledge this deep-rooted connection and the pain of dispossession.

Economic Disparities and Ongoing Marginalisation

It's not just about history; it's also about the present. Indigenous Australians are statistically more likely to face poverty, unemployment, poor health, and lack of access to quality education. Whilst these issues are multi-faceted and complex, they stem from the initial act of dispossession and the subsequent centuries of marginalisation.

Paying rent can be a form of economic reparation that has the potential to uplift Indigenous communities, providing them with resources to tackle these pressing issues. Imagine the possibilities—better healthcare, schools, and housing, and perhaps most importantly, the autonomy to decide how these funds should be allocated, which is a step towards self-determination and true reconciliation.

Legal Precedents and International Examples

The concept of paying rent or royalties to Indigenous peoples is not new or unique to Australia. In several countries, such as Canada and New Zealand, treaties and other legal mechanisms ensure that Indigenous communities benefit financially from the use of their traditional lands. Whilst Australia has yet to establish a comprehensive treaty with its Indigenous peoples, paying rent could serve as a de facto acknowledgement of our rights and claims to our ancestral lands.

The Moral Imperative

Beyond the economic and legal arguments, there's a moral imperative here. Paying rent is about acknowledging the wrongs of the past and taking concrete steps to make amends. It's a way for non-Indigenous Australians to participate in a form of restorative justice, demonstrating a commitment to equality, respect, and reconciliation.

Paying rent to Indigenous Australians is not a novel concept, but it's one that has yet to be widely adopted. For us, the original inhabitants of this land, it’s not merely a financial transaction but a meaningful step towards justice, recognition, and reconciliation. It’s a way for Australia as a nation to come to terms with its past and make a lasting commitment to its future—one that includes the dignity, respect, and well-being of its First Peoples.

In an era where social justice and equality are not just buzzwords but imperatives for a fair society, paying rent to Indigenous peoples isn't just an option; it's a necessity. So, when we talk about paying rent, we’re talking about more than just money; we’re talking about making a commitment to justice, to equality, and to making right the wrongs of the past for a better future.