2018 National Native Title Conference The largest ever National Native Title Conference was held in Broome from 5–7 June this year. This year’s theme, ‘Many Laws: One Land’ acknowledged the different systems of Indigenous and non-Indigenous laws that exist and interact across Australia. Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) CEO Craig Ritchie said the theme was selected to mark 25 years since the passing of the Native Title Act 1993. “The Act accepted and confirmed the fundamental propositions of the Mabo (No.2) decision, namely the rejection of the myth that Australia was terra nullius and the recognition of native title rights based on the traditions of the Indigenous people of Australia” said Mr Ritchie. “Heading into its 19th year, this Conference is now the largest Indigenous policy conference in Australia, with over 850 delegates travelling from all parts of Australia as representatives of First Nations, as practitioners, judges, mediators, government and academics, to discuss pertinent issues in the sector.” The conference also coincided with the Kimberley Land Council’s 40th
anniversary. The KLC was formed in 1978 at Noonkanbah, the site of one of the most significant land rights disputes in Australia’s history. KLC Acting CEO Tyronne Garstone said the Kimberley Land Council was proud to be bring the National Native Title Conference to Broome in its 40th anniversary year. “Our organisation was formed in 1978 to stand up for the rights of Aboriginal people. Today, 40 years later, Kimberley Aboriginal people still stand together as one mob, with one voice, and we are pleased to say that the Kimberley is now 80 per cent native title determined” Mr Garstone said. The Conference was hosted by the Yawuru people on their traditional lands in Broome. CEO of Yawuru Corporate Group Peter Yu said this Conference is a major event and it brings people together for dialogue on vital issues affecting native title holders all over the country. “As traditional owners, native title is key to the maintenance of our culture, land and community, but it’s also important for Australian development,” Mr Yu said.
This page: Dancers at the 2018 National Native Title Conference in Broome. Opposite page, left to right, from top: Dancers at the 2018 National Native Title Conference in Broome; Cable Beach; Traditional Dancers; Broome Beach; Beachside Conference venue; Tom Jenkin chairs a forum; Broome Beach.
10 Aboriginal Way, Winter 2018
