Eight protesters, including indigenous elders, have scaled a 3m fence surrounding the site of a controversial kangaroo cull on defence land in Canberra.

They held a smoking ceremony to “claim the land”, while police stood nearby without taking action. Ngunnawal tribe spokeswoman Isobel Coe told police they were claiming back their land.

Unlike in Canada, when a group of elders attempt to reclaim their land, the government elected “spokesperson” for the corporate band always denounces the actions of the Indigenous peoples as their mandate is in cooperation with the INAC (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada).

“We are Aboriginal people and we have come here to claim our land,” Ms Coe was overheard telling police. “If you are going to treat us like trespassers you will have to arrest us and take us to jail.
“We are claiming our land and that’s what our sacred fire means.”

Full story at News.com.au