- On-country celebrations to acknowledge significant
achievement for Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru Native Title Holders
- Second section 47C Agreement under the Native Title Act 1993
in Australian history
- WA Government committed to supporting the recognition of
Traditional Owners and their connection to country across the State
The historic Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru native title
determination (the determination) was celebrated at an on-country ceremonial
sitting today.
The on-country celebration follows the recognition of Native
Title over the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, which was
determined in the Federal Court of Australia in December 2022. It is the second
Section 47C Native Title Act Agreement in Australian history. The first was also
achieved in Western Australia.
The determination recognises exclusive Native Title rights
and interests over the National Park and Conservation Estate and recognises
Native Title over neighbouring pastoral country and other areas of Crown
land.
The celebration also coincides with the recent opening of
the Purnululu Visitors Centre and 20-year anniversary of World Heritage listing
for Purnululu.
The WA Government will continue to support the Bungle
Bungles Aboriginal Corporation as the registered Native Title body corporate
for the determination, which is managing Native Title on behalf of the
Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru Native Title Holders.
For more information see the Recognition for Traditional
Owners in historic Purnululu Native Title determination media statement.
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony
Buti:
"I want to congratulate the Native Title holders at
today's Purnululu on-country Native Title Determination ceremony on achieving
this momentous outcome.
"The determination in December 2022 concludes one of
the oldest Native Title claims lodged in the Federal Court of Australia, and
the WA Government looks forward to building a genuine and lasting relationship
with the Bungle Bungles Aboriginal Corporation."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"This represents a massive achievement for the
Traditional Owners and I am so glad to see it come to fruition.
"The original custodians have always known that they
are connected to the land, now the law recognises that as well. It is wonderful
news."
Minister's office - 6552 5400
