Inaugural National Dingo Forum brings First Nations voices back in the dingo’s story and its management

The National Inaugural First Nations Dingo Forum convened by the Girringun Aboriginal corporation seeks to lift some misconceptions about the dingo stemming from the colonial era. The forum aims to address topics on both sides of the dingo fence with a primary focus on providing a space and platform for First Nations people to come and have their say.

Over thousands of years, First Nations people developed a deep relationship with the Dingo but colonisation has impacted this relationship. Credit: Styledia

In a conversation with NITV Radio, Sonya Takau and Chris Muriata of the Girringun Aborignal Corporation explained that the dingo is a deeply significant animal that is intrinsic to First Nations people across Australia.

They revealed how, since the arrival of the First Fleet there has been many misconceptions about the dingo that have led to the animal being eradicated through shooting, baiting, and trapping and that lethal controls are only means to protect the meat and livestock industry.

Currently across Australia in all states except Tasmania, the Dingo is legislated as a pest. The Dingo is not afforded any protections as some First Nations people have always thought. Credit: Styledia

Sonya Takau and Chris Muriata further stressed that the ongoing National dingo debate has never identified First Nations people as stakeholders nor provided a space for First Nations people to express their voice or concerns regarding the cultural and environmental values of the dingo and how First Nations people may wish to be involved.