Native Title Recognition Set for Two of the Oldest Claims in SA
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Aboriginal Way Issue 57, Winter 2014 A publication of South Australian Native Title Services Simpson Desert Native title recognition set for two of the oldest claims in SA Two of the oldest native title claims “Our native title claim is one of the Kokatha country that is being recognised, Andamooka Station, to the west of in South Australia’s northern longest claim’s that’s been on record in this is important to us,” said Ms Thomas. Lake Torrens, holds special meaning regions are set to be determined South Australia, and we have been able Prior to the Consent Determination, to Kokatha people. later this year. to secure one of the largest settlements. negotiations with the State Government Mr Starkey said “Where the Consent The Kokatha claim will be determined by There’s a whole raft of emotions and and BHP Billiton for agreements dealing Determination will be held is of great Chief Justice Allsop on 1 September at there are really no words to describe how with tenure issues and compensation for Andamooka Station. we feel at this point,” Mr Starkey said. the native title claimants will be finalised. cultural significance to Kokatha people. Many people were born there and grew Although updated and re-lodged with the Joyleen Thomas, co-applicant also Osker Linde, the group’s solicitor said the up on the station and surrounding areas, Federal Court in 2012, the claim dates reflected on the journey and importance negotiations are significant because of the and some of our people are buried there. back to 1996. of the recognition of country. vested interest in some of the claim area. That is why we have a strong affiliation “It covers most of the country between Andrew Starkey, Chair of Kokatha Mula “It’s been a long 18 years for us fighting to the place.” Aboriginal Corporation said it’s been a to get our native title rights recognised, the Lake Gairdner salt lake and Lake long struggle for Kokatha but the fight and we have learnt many lessons along Torrens, the claim area includes Roxby The consent determination covers over Downs and Olympic Dam and this has has been for the recognition and identity the way”. 33, 807 sq km of land and will recognise meant complex land use negotiations of their people the non-exclusive native title rights of This determination “is about getting with BHP and the State”. “Kokatha’s aspirations for recognition recognition for our grandparents, our the Kokatha people to hunt, fish, camp, Mr Linde said “after years of conflict and of land started long before native title. ancestors, and also for our children gather and undertake cultural activities, dispute resolution, finalising the claim has It happened many decades earlier when and grandchildren. It is important for such as ceremonies and meetings, and by no means been easy. our Elders took notice of what was our children to have a place in the world, protect places of cultural significance happening in the Northern Territory, to have identity and belonging, and to It is great to finally be at the end of this on country. especially at Wave Hill and have continued feel connected to the country of their process and to see Kokatha achieve their to fight for recognition of our country.” ancestors. Although it is only a portion of native title”. continued on page 3 Inside: Federal cuts to South Australia’s regional and remote Aboriginal communities and homelands 2 NAIDOC – a time for action 8 Days may be numbered Deloitte review of for Charities and Not- the roles and for-profits Commission functions of native The abolishment of The Australian replace the role of the ACNC. The review title organisations Charities and Not-for-profits agrees with the Minister’s proposal. Commission (ACNC) has been The National Native Title Council (NNTC) The first review of the roles and to funding. The review recommends recommended in a review by the functions of native title organisations limited additional funding be provided to made a submission to the review Senate Economics Legislation was recently published by Deloitte. RNTBCs for capacity to move forward committee, which was firmly against Committee (SELC). after a native title is determined. the removal of the ACNC. The Deloitte Review looked into the A Bill aimed to end the ACNC was roles and functions of native title The review’s other major findings include: The NNTC stated it is concerned put forward to the Senate in late representative bodies (NTRBs) and • NTRBs/NTSPs will continue to play with the lack of information about the native title service providers (NTSPs), March this year. After inquiry by The a large role in the native title system suggested National Centre of Excellence in particular how these organisations Senate Committee, it agreed the Bill • RNTBCs are struggling in their ability support native title holders and their should be passed. and support provided by the ACNC to meet their responsibilities due to a Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate needs to carry on as is. gap between capacity and aspirations One of the objectives of the ACNC (RNTBCs) in managing native title. and is impacting the success of is to remove unnecessary regulatory “It is essential for Indigenous The review also looked at the native title managing native title land obligations on Australian not-for-profit corporations to continue to receive system as a whole, and roles of NTRBs/ • To function effectively RNTBCs need: organisations including Native Title tailored education, training and NTSPs in closing the gap. 1. Initial support to help them Representative Bodies (NTRBs), assistance that respond to the particular The review found than the native title determine how they would like Native Title Service Providers (NTSPs) needs of Indigenous groups”, said system ‘is moving in a positive direction’, to use their native title and Registered Native Title Body Brian Wyatt, CEO of NNTC. however, more clarity is needed now that 2. A base level of support to meet Corporates (RNTBs). The information regarding the proposed we are moving into a post-determination their obligations under the Act. environment. For the system to properly The Commission is an advocate and National Centre of Excellence will be • Long-term responsibility should be function native title holders need to be provider of education, training and provided in the Australian Charities and promoted through limiting ongoing development opportunities. in a position to make informed decisions Not-for-profits Commission (Repeal) government support about how they move forward and The Hon. Kevin Andrews, Minister for (No. 2) Bill, which is yet to be introduced ‘enjoy fully’ their native title rights and To read the report and the entire Social Services, plans to establish a into parliament. To read the review visit interests. It was found that RNTBCs are list of findings visit National Centre for Excellence to aph.gov.au usually not in a position to assist due deloitteaccesseconomics.com.au Federal cuts to South Australia’s regional and remote Aboriginal communities and homelands The federal Liberal government The Funding of around 10 million is used use to access these communities in some communities heavily relying upon it has confirmed annual funding for for the running of basic services, such medical emergencies. to run basic services. as infrastructure maintenance, power, municipal and essential services Hon. Ian Hunter, Minister for Aboriginal water, food services, rubbish collection This is expected to impact more than Affairs said “the State Government (MES) for South Australia’s regional and community governance. 4000 Aboriginal residents in more than plans to fight the Federal government and remote Aboriginal communities 700 homes across the state. The Commonwealth subsidy also on this cut as the State government is will no longer be provided after provides maintenance of landing strips The Commonwealth government has not in a position to make up the money June next year. that the Royal Flying Doctor Service provided this funding for fifty years, with that is being cut”. Kardi Munaintya (Emu Dreaming) tram wrap The Kardi Munaintya (Emu The design recognises and celebrates the In the spirit of reconciliation, the The kardi design celebrates the living Dreaming) tram is a living work diversity of Aboriginal cultures in South arrangement of concentric circles culture of the Kaurna people. Kardi Australia by acknowledging all thirty-nine symbolise the diversity of the tram footprints are shown symbolically of art symbolising the importance major Aboriginal Nations/Language Groups stop/meeting places along the Glenelg meandering across the Kaurna/Adelaide of Aboriginal art and culture in whose country is either fully or partly to Adelaide Entertainment Centre landscape. The kardi is a significant a contemporary setting. located within the state of South Australia. tramline. totem animal for the Kaurna people. 2 Aboriginal Way, Winter 2014 Native title recognition set for two of the oldest claims in SA continued from page 1 that as traditional owners our connection sites, it will allow us to negotiate for the “It’s great that it’s finally come to to country is finally being recognised.” security and protection of our country fruition. I regret that it has taken so A consent determination for the with miners, pastoralists and land long but now that it’s here it is a great Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi native title Ms Barr said native title will help managers and that is the most important outcome, and there is no doubt by the claim is set to follow on 3 October in shape the future of the Wangkangurru Court that they are the true people of Birdsville at Jardines waterhole. Yarluyandi community. thing of all, “ he said. the Simpson Desert.” The claim covers approximately “For the children, it will play a big part Mr Rowlands said the Wangkangurru Mr Kenny said that although the claim Yarluyandi community is “keen and 80,000 kilometres of land in Queensland in their lives to come, it is about being had to comply with the South Australian happy to be receiving native title.” and South Australia, including three recognised for who they are and where and Queensland requirements, the Simpson Desert Parks and the iconic they come from and where they fit in.