Arrival Ceremony

The Tribal Warrior returned triumphantly to Sydney Harbour on 9 June 2003, after circumnavigating Australia in a historic voyage of reconciliation

The voyage marked the first circumnavigation of Australia by an Australian Aboriginal vessel, crewed by Original Australian mariners.

The Tribal Warrior was greeted at the entrance to Sydney Harbour by a flotilla of tall ships and escorted to Cockle Bay, and docked at Campbell's Cove where the crew disembarked from their momentous voyage. Crowds gathered at Campbell's Cove to greet the Tribal Warrior and her crew, and particiapate in the celebrations. Above: Sir William Deane and his wife Lady Dean. Left: Well wishers at Campbell's Cove.

The crew were welcomed by Chairman Bruce Stewart and Management Committee of the Tribal Warrior Association, together with Elders of the Gadigal peoples, members of the Eora Nation, and other dignitaries including Sir William Deane, Patron of Reconciliation Australia and former Governor General of Australia, and Paul Wand, Chairman, Rio Tinto Aboriginal Foundation.

Mission accomplished. The Crew of the Tribal Warrior celebrate their arrival.

Above: Paul Wand, Chairman of the Rio Tinto Aboriginal Foundation.		Above: Sir William Deane greets the Crew.
		In his speech, Sir William said, "On your journey you have carried with you a message of goodwill, achievement and reconciliation to our coastal communities and to the whole of our nation." "The hope is the arrival of the Tribal Warrior back in Sydney will encourage all of us, indigenous and non-indigenous, to reach out the hand of friendship to one another and to increase our effort towards national Aboriginal reconciliation."
Above: Uncle Bruce Stewart of the Tribal Warrior Association, congratulating the crew on their achievements.		Above: Uncle Max Eulo (right) performing the smoking ceremony with performers and spectators.