Traditional custodians of the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) derive their identity and existence from this globally significant river. The First Laws of the Martuwarra are shared by Martuwarra Nations through a common songline, which sets out community and individual rights and duties. First Law recognizes the River as the Rainbow Serpent: a living ancestral being from source to sea. On 3 November 2016, the Fitzroy River Declaration was concluded between Martuwarra Nations. This marked the first time in Australia when both First Law and the rights of nature were recognized explicitly in a negotiated instrument. This article argues for legal recognition within colonial state laws of the Martuwarra as a living ancestral being by close analogy with the case concerning the Whanganui River. We seek to advance the scope of native title water rights in Australia and contend that implementation of First Law is fundamental for the protection of the right to life of the Martuwarra.

中文翻译：

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承认 Martuwarra 的第一定律作为活的祖先存在的生命权

Martuwarra（菲茨罗伊河）的传统监护人从这条具有全球意义的河流中获得了他们的身份和存在。Martuwarra 的第一定律由 Martuwarra 国家通过共同的歌曲线分享，其中规定了社区和个人的权利和义务。第一定律承认这条河是彩虹蛇：从源头到海洋的活的祖先。2016 年 11 月 3 日，马图瓦拉国家之间达成了《菲茨罗伊河宣言》。这标志着澳大利亚第一次在谈判文书中明确承认第一法和自然权利。本文通过与旺格努伊河案的类比，主张在殖民州法律中将 Martuwarra 视为活的祖先存在的法律承认。