Overview of the KLC

The Kimberley Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (KLC) is an association of Aboriginal people in the Kimberley region. It is a peak regional community organisation.

The KLC was established in 1978 by Aboriginal people to work for the protection of traditional land and waters, and is charged with the responsibility to advocate for, and protect, enhance and gain formal status (legal, social and political) for the customs, laws and traditions of Kimberley Traditional Owners.

The Kimberley Land Council currently provides facilitation and assistance to over twenty native title claimant applications across the region

The Federal Government recognises the Kimberley Land Council as the Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) for the Kimberley region. This gives rights and responsibilities under law for the KLC to assist Aboriginal people to secure and enjoy their native title rights and interests. Operations of the KLC are funded primarily, but not exclusively, by the Federal Government’s Office of Indigenous Policy Co-ordination (OIPC), to carry out its NTRB activities.

The KLC also assists Kimberley Traditional Owners in the management of their land and waters; in developing structures and processes for self-governance; in economic and social development; and in helping to build capacities in our communities.

The KLC is conscious of the dynamic change taking place in contemporary Aboriginal society, and emphasises the role of Kimberley Traditional Owners, our members and communities in managing that change. In this context, it is dedicated to the development of a modern, sophisticated and innovative service to our members and community.

An elected 32-member Executive Board determines the organisation’s priorities in all policy and operational matters. The Executive Board, through the position of Executive Director, monitors the progress of native title applications, and oversees the conduct of the organisation's affairs. The Executive Director has responsibility for the day-to-day operation and administration of the organisation.