Sovereignty

Sovereignty isn’t merely an English word, it is a European concept referring to ownership of/mastery/dominion over Land. As such, it does not fit Aboriginal concepts/world view. However in the absence of a more suitable word, it is useful at present in the discussion concerning Land in this country. Aboriginal people often say, “We have never ceded sovereignty”, in this way asserting their continued rights in and relationship with Land, irrespective of Western mechanisms such as title deeds. Active ‘sovereignty’ is often demonstrated by First Nations people in the way they live. Sovereignty is a lived experience of Aboriginal people/First Nations people, living in their own country.