Reconciliation in Action
Griffith University Village
Honouring Country through Place
Significant and meaningful work continues at Griffith University Village (GUV), underpinned by strong relationships with the Kombumerri people, the Traditional Custodians of the land.
As we collectively shape the landscape across the Village, this work reflects a shared vision and culturally inclusive approach that honours Country demonstrating reconciliation in action through place, design and care for land.
A landmark Deed of Agreement
The Deed of Agreement between Griffith University and the Kombumerri people is believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, and one of only a few agreements negotiated for land in a metropolitan setting.
This agreement formalises shared responsibilities to acknowledge cultural significance, embed First Nations perspectives, and honour Country in development and ongoing operations commitments that extend through lease arrangements with CLV.
Naming places with cultural integrity
As part of Native Title negotiations over the Smith Street land, local Aboriginal names for buildings and features across the campus were an agreed outcome, and this commitment was written into the lease for development of the student village.
In consultation with Uncle Graham Dillon, CLV reached agreement on the following names to honour the cultural integrity of the land.
Kombumerri
One of the nine distinct clan groups of the Yugambeh language group of people and the Traditional Custodians of the land on which GUKombumerriV is located.
Jerringan
Traditional name for the Burleigh Headland which holds profound spiritual, historical and cultural significance for the Kombumerri as it is the physical embodiment of a creator giant named Jabreen.
Kamarun
‘big man’ - a chief or king.
Keendahn
Kombumerri ancestor, also known as Billy Galeen, who was kidnapped as a boy and taken to a training camp for the Native Police Force. He escaped and walked 700kms back to Nerang. He became known as a leader and a warrior and was often referred to in historical accounts as a “king” or chief of the Kombumerri people.
Bullum
Kombumerri ancestor, also known as John Allen, from the Wangerriburra clan. Celebrated for compiling a dictionary of Wangerriburra language words.
Warru
Revered Kombumerri female Ancestor and Elder.
Migunberri
Another of the nine distinct clan groups of the Yugambeh language group of people. While Kombumerri are the coastal clan, Migunberri are the mountain clan from the Upper-Logan river valley.
These names are a daily, visible Acknowledgement of Country and an important reminder of the stories carried by the land we occupy.