Aboriginal Way | Issue 49 | July 2012

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Dieri consent determination On the first day of May, 2012 the Dieri peoples were granted native title over their country. The official Federal Court hearing was held on country at Marree Station. Following Dieri tradition – the hearing started at 6.45am, sunrise. Frank Warren, Chairman of the Dieri Aboriginal Corporation said it was a great day for the Dieri peoples.

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“It took us years to get to where we are and it was very difficult but we knew in the long term we would get here, everyone is very pleased today about getting our native title,” he said. “… I don’t think much will change but it’s a big deal for the state government and federal government to take notice that there are Dieri mobs around.” Native title holder and member of the

Aboriginal Way, July 2012

Dieri Aboriginal Corporation Paul Kemp, said the day was a big relief. “Native title, for all our people, and myself personally it is a big relief “Native Title is a difficult process, it frustrates a lot of people but today is history making for our people and it’s a special day,” said Mr Kemp. “The journey has been very hard, my mum was at the start of it and there

were times were we didn’t know how it was going to finish up … there’s been heartache and it hasn’t been easy and we’ve lost a lot of people along the way … now we have opportunity, we can think about development and to spend our money wisely, to utilise the land and get back onto country. “… a lot a people are pleased when they go back on country,” he said.


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