Aboriginal Way Issue 55, December 2013
A publication of South Australian Native Title Services
Wangki Peel with Clem Lawrie and the Bryant family performing the welcome to country ceremony at the Far West Coast Consent Determination.
Far West Coast native title claim resolved The state’s largest native title
the Far West Coast to have their various
claim was resolved earlier this
native title claims determined.
month at a Federal Court hearing north of Yalata community.
Basil Coleman, Far West Coast Traditional Lands Association Chairperson, said
Justice John Mansfield made a
“our people have fought and worked
Consent Determination over claims
hard for a long time for this recognition
from the Far West Coast claim group to
and it provided us with the capacity to
recognise native title rights and interests
have greater control over our land and
in an area of approximately 80,000
communities for future generations.”
square kilometres.
It gives us credibility and respect in the
The determination comes after close
business world and with governments,
to 18 years of struggle by Wirangu,
and ensured the preservation of our
Kokatha, Mirning and Anangu people of
culture and land in accordance with
Inside:
our traditional law and practices,” said Mr Coleman.
into one claim in January 2006 after
Osker Linde, the group’s solicitor, said “the fact that their culture is still alive and strong is a testament to elders past and present.”
The determination covers a vast area
They’ve had to claim their rights and interests in land through the Federal Court, and after seventeen years of struggle, this recognition is an event of immense importance”, said Mr Linde.
It includes several Aboriginal Lands Trust
The formerly overlapping claims over the Far West Coast were finally consolidated
ten years of mediation.
of land between the Western Australian Border and Tarcoola to the North and around Streaky Bay to the South.
holdings such as Yalata and Koonibba communities, over which exclusive native title rights will be recognised.
Continued on page 5
War Memorial Launched
2
Aboriginal Lands Trust Act Reformed
3
Native Title organisation wins Pinnacle Award
4