'28 Years in the Making': Traditional Owners Celebrate Recognition of Rights On-Country at Purnululu National Park
The KLC would like to congratulate the Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru native title holders, who celebrated the recognition of their rights to country at an on-country ceremonial sitting of the Federal Court of Australia in May.
Over 100 Traditional Owners travelled to the world-heritage listed Purnululu National Park last Wednesday to formally celebrate the determination of the Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru native title claims, which took place before Chief Justice Mortimer.
The Purnululu claim, first lodged in 1994, was the oldest active native title claim in Australia when it was determined in late 2022.
The Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru claims were both made over the Purnululu National Park, and the Purnululu claim also included the Purnululu Conservation Reserve, parts of Texas Downs pastoral lease, and neighbouring areas.
In an historic development last December, exclusive possession native title, the highest and strongest form of native title in Australia, was recognised over Purnululu National Park and the neighbouring Purnululu Conservation Reserve following an agreement with the State of Western Australia under the new section 47C of the Native Title Act.
Section 47C agreements enable governments and native title claimants to reach agreement to disregard prior extinguishment of native title, and allow recognition of native title over areas of land set aside for conservation purposes.
The determination of the Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru claims recognises the native title rights and interests of the Traditional Owners who together have Kija, Jaru and Malgnin language identities.
The agreement to recognise exclusive possession native title in Purnululu National Park and the Purnululu Conservation Reserve sets the foundation for a strong relationship over an area which is of great cultural significance to Traditional Owners and has recognised global significance under the World Heritage Listing.
KLC Chair Anthony Watson congratulated the Traditional Owners at a speech during the ceremony and acknowledged the establishment of the Bungle Bungles Aboriginal Corporation to look after the native title rights of all the native title holders.
“There is already so much important work taking place to look after country and create new opportunities for Traditional Owners.
This is indicative of the forward-looking approach that native title groups are now taking to their native title, Indigenous land management and the mutual and community-wide benefits that stem from the recognition of Traditional Owners’ ongoing connection to country, their culture, and knowledge.”
KLC Chair Anthony Watson said he would like to thank Chief Justice Mortimer, who oversaw the proceedings.
“It’s important to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of the Federal Court to on-country determinations and ceremonies. It is culturally appropriate and respectful of the deep and enduring connection of native title holders to their country that ceremonies such as this take place on-country and in the presence of the community who have waited for this recognition for generations.”
Kija artist, Josie Drill’s painting titled ‘Walking Together’ featured on the shirts handed out at the celebration.
The KLC was proud to provide support to the native title parties as part of its native title representative body functions.
