Abstract

First Nations globally assert their fundamental human rights to self-determination, including access to, management and ownership of their natural resources.

Settler colonies deny, undermine and resist the recognition of permanent indigenous sovereignty in natural resources. In each nation state there is conflict which arises from the State prioritising the non-Indigenous users of fishery resources, be it commercial and recreational exploitation of fisheries, or tourism impacting cultural fishing.

This is a report on the second International Indigenous Fishing Symposium held at ANU’s Kioloa Coastal Campus, in New South Wales, Australia, on the lands of the Walbunja clan of the South Coast Aboriginal people. It builds on the initiative of the Raporo Ainu Nation who hosted the inaugural International Indigenous Fishing Symposium 2023 in Urahoro.

The South Coast International Indigenous Fishing Symposium built on the inaugural Symposium, and the Raporo Declaration by inviting presenters to think of solutions and a new pathway to resolving the structural issues identified.

Key words: 

Aboriginal, Indigenous, fishing rights, sea country, settler colonialism

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