General News
21 August, 2024
Native Title a bittersweet victory for Traditional Owners
History will be made in Cloncurry when the Federal Court recognises the Mitakoodi and Mayi people as Native Title holders.
A lengthy legal battle will draw to a close on Thursday (August 22) when the Federal Court of Australia recognises the Mitakoodi and Mayi people as Native Title holders over the areas lining the headwaters and tributaries of the Cloncurry River.
A special on-Country hearing will be held at Cloncurry Dam for the court determination, which will recognise that before sovereignty, the land and waters of the area were traditionally owned by the Mitakoodi and Mayi people and that their laws and customs have survived and remain strong today.
The determination will give the Mitakoodi and Mayi people exclusive legal rights to access and use the areas to hunt, fish and gather resources and to protect places and areas of significance across the land and waterways.
The fight to achieve native title over the claim area began in 1996 – just a few years after the passage of Native Title Act in 1993 – with a formal claim lodged in 2015.
Applicant member Tanya Kum Sing said the determination was a bittersweet moment after many years of legal pursuit.
“It is amazing to achieve this recognition,” she told North West Weekly.
“But there are a lot of people who have passed away on this journey – grandparents, parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces who aren’t here to celebrate with us.”
Gathering in Cloncurry on Tuesday ahead of the determination, the applicants said the official legal recognition would provide certainty for future generations over their country, language and culture.
“I have responsibilities for this country, the story lines and for passing this on to our young people. I always teach my kids, never forget who you are and where you come from,” said applicant and Elder, Aunty Pearl Connelly.
The Mitakoodi and Mayi People Native Title Aboriginal Corporation has been established to manage the Native Title rights and interests moving forward.