Makarr Dhuni Forums
Makarr Dhuni forums bring together bäpurru-clan and riŋgitj-alliance groups to operate in local authority. They can be convened in towns where many groups live together, or with the aim to speak for regions. Dhuni refers to the authority of male and female elders together. The forums have precedent in the former village councils or mala leaders groups, with particular heritage connecting to the Galiwinku Adjustment Movement. It is a forum of consensus or very strong majority and operates out of bäpurru-clan and riŋgitj-alliance based authority.
Convenors of the Makarr Dhuni may also wish to bring together open forums of the people, these are called Makarr Garma forums and are a function of the Makarr Dhuni.
YNAC facilitates Makarr Dhuni partnership agreements and oversees the adherence of governance procedures for these groups. Complaints should be first addressed with town or region Makarr Dhuni convenors or coordinators to be considered by the forum, and can then be raised with YNAC if matters remain unresolved.
Convenors of the Makarr Dhuni may also wish to bring together open forums of the people, these are called Makarr Garma forums and are a function of the Makarr Dhuni.
YNAC facilitates Makarr Dhuni partnership agreements and oversees the adherence of governance procedures for these groups. Complaints should be first addressed with town or region Makarr Dhuni convenors or coordinators to be considered by the forum, and can then be raised with YNAC if matters remain unresolved.
Makarr Dhuni General Protocols For Decision-making
- Membership for this group is based on the major bäpurru or riŋgitj-alliance groups in the town or region.
- Makarr Dhuni meetings are called by one of the elected Co-conveners, and representatives from the member bäpurru and riŋgitj groups are invited to attend. A quorum is upward representation of ¼ of registered groups.
- Representation is designated through bäpurru and riŋgitj group conventions, not by a set list of individuals.
- Decisions are by consensus.
- Bäpurru or Riŋgitj leaders of the relevant group are the primary authority in situations that involve affiliates of their particular group. This applies except in cases that affect the jurisdiction of the Land Owner group/s of the town or relevant place also. In these cases decisions are preferably a matter of general consensus between the group and relevant Land Owners, but whatever happens the decision should acknowledge the law of the land.
- Land Owner groups have veto rights over all decisions affecting their jurisdiction.**
- Co-conveners, regular attendees, and a coordinator facilitate ongoing work by the group, acting as an executive.
- Makarr Dhuni is overseen by the Yolngu Nations Assembly.
** The jurisdiction of Land Owners relates to land use in relation to their own land or law of the land in relation to their own land.