5 years ago
PALYKU NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION
SENATOR PATRICK DODSON
Senator Patrick Dodson has welcomed the confirmation of native title rights by the Federal Court of Australia to the Palyku people of the Pilbara region on 12 March 2019.
“Congratulations to the Palyku people in getting the Court to recognise their prior native title rights and interest. This reward is the result of the dedication of your leaders, both men and women.”
The on-country hearing was a historic occasion, held at Wild Dog Creek – 155 kilometres north of Newman WA. It was witnessed by Traditional Owners along with representatives from the Federal Court and State and Federal Governments.
Justice John Reeves congratulated the Palyku people and noted that this determination marks the recognition by the Australian legal system of the Palyku people’s long held pre-existing native title in this land, according to the traditions and customs of the Palyku people, and long before the determination by the court.
This result has been the culmination of a 20 year journey, with the first initial claim lodged by the Palyku people with the National Native Title Tribunal on 15 June 1998. Since then, the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation has fought hard to ensure that 9,308 square kilometres of land and waters are returned back to the rightful owners.
“The reward of this long struggle is that you now have a strong base to nurture your culture and to use your culture and beliefs to make strong future leaders. I congratulate everyone involved for their commitment and hard work”.
“Congratulations to the Palyku people in getting the Court to recognise their prior native title rights and interest. This reward is the result of the dedication of your leaders, both men and women.”
The on-country hearing was a historic occasion, held at Wild Dog Creek – 155 kilometres north of Newman WA. It was witnessed by Traditional Owners along with representatives from the Federal Court and State and Federal Governments.
Justice John Reeves congratulated the Palyku people and noted that this determination marks the recognition by the Australian legal system of the Palyku people’s long held pre-existing native title in this land, according to the traditions and customs of the Palyku people, and long before the determination by the court.
This result has been the culmination of a 20 year journey, with the first initial claim lodged by the Palyku people with the National Native Title Tribunal on 15 June 1998. Since then, the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation has fought hard to ensure that 9,308 square kilometres of land and waters are returned back to the rightful owners.
“The reward of this long struggle is that you now have a strong base to nurture your culture and to use your culture and beliefs to make strong future leaders. I congratulate everyone involved for their commitment and hard work”.