Country, Culture, People, Future

September 2018

Nyiyaparli people celebrate native title win

Posted: September 27th, 2018

In an on-Country Federal Court hearing yesterday at Coondiner Pool (Kuntinha) – 130 kilometres north of Newman – the Nyiyaparli community have been formally recognised by the Federal Court as native title holders over the land that they have been connected to for thousands of years.

It has been an almost 20-year long journey for the Nyiyaparli people to achieving native title recognition, with the first initial claim (WAD 6280 of 1998) lodged with the National Native Title Tribunal on 29 September 1998. Yesterday’s court hearing saw representatives from the Federal Court, State and Federal government, and Traditional Owners come together to witness this historic occasion.

Yesterday’s judgement by Justice Barker saw an agreement reached between the Nyiyaparli community, the State of Western Australia and other respondents in relation to the land and waters covered by their application.

Justice Barker congratulated the Nyiyaparli Applicants on their native title determination.

“The Court also commends the legal and other representatives of all the parties who have worked assiduously to help produce this outcome.”

The celebration was facilitated by Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), the Native Title Representative Body for the Pilbara Region, and Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC), the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC).

Traditional Owner and Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation member Bradley Hall said, “It has been almost 20 years leading us to this day and I am proud of this achievement as we have worked together to overcome the challenges faced along the way.”

“Unfortunately some of our elders were not here to celebrate this milestone today but it’s because of them that we are celebrating our native title recognition here at Coondiner Pool,” Mr Hall said.

The Determination Area covers approximately 40,000 square kilometres of Nyiyaparli traditional country and encompasses the town of Newman, the Aboriginal communities of Jigalong and Parnpajinya, several pastoral leases and significant mining operations.

While all Country is important to the Nyiyaparli people, areas of particular cultural and environmental significance within the Determination Area include: the Fortescue Marsh, Weeli Wolli Creek, Coondiner Creek, Caramulla Creek and Savoury Creek. Parts of the Hamersley, Chichester and Opthalmia Ranges and the Fortescue and Oakover Rivers are also major features of the area.

Within this Determination Area are places of particular significance to the Nyiyaparli people, including ceremonial sites, songlines, permanent pools and natural resources.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer Simon Hawkins said, “The native title recognition of the Nyiyaparli people at yesterday’s Federal Court hearing is also a good time to reflect on this 20 year journey and the great outcome that has been achieved.”

“We are proud to have been the Native Title Representative Body working with the Nyiyaparli people, and the Federal and State governments, to achieve a successful determination.”

“Congratulations to everyone involved for their hard work, and Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation looks forward to continuing to work with the Nyiyaparli community,” Mr Hawkins said.

To download a copy of the media statement click here.

YMAC News Issue 36

Posted: September 18th, 2018

The latest edition of YMAC news is available online. In this issue:

  • we Acknowledge YMAC’s long-serving Regional Committee Members,
  • detail the outcomes from the 5th Annual On-Country Bush Meeting at Yule River,
  • celebrate consent determinations for our communities in the Yamatji and Pilbara regions,
  • outline YMAC’s submission to the State Government on the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 review, and
  • congratulate the Yaburara Mardudhunera people on their native title recognition, and much more.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of YMAC News.

To access the online newsletter click here.

The print versions are due to be posted to YMAC members this week. Keep an eye out for it in your mailbox.

Pilbara Solar signs memorandum of understanding with Enernet Global

Posted: September 18th, 2018

Pilbara Solar celebrated its first birthday by signing an memorandum of understanding with Enernet Global. The two companies share many goals:

  • to drive the transition to clean energy,
  • to engage positively with local communities, and
  • to bring affordable non-polluting power to remote locations.

Enernet has expertise in designing, developing and financing remote renewable microgrids. They have a track record of positive engagement with Indigenous communities. Enernet supports Pilbara Solar’s business model of equity for Traditional Owners of Country.

To find out more about Enernet Global click here.

Pilbara Solar has a new website visit us: www.pilbarasolar.com.au.

Country is our mother, the provider and keeper of cultural belongings. Country and Culture go together. You can’t have one without the other.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians throughout Western Australia, and on whose Country we work. We acknowledge and respect their deep connection to their lands and waterways.

We honour and pay respect to Elders, and to their ancestors who survived and cared for Country.

Our offices are located on Whadjuk Country, Southern Yamatji Country, Yinggarda Country, Kariyarra Country, and Yawuru Country. We recognise the continuing culture, traditions, stories and living cultures on these lands and commit to building a brighter future together.

Disclaimer: Caution: Please be advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.

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