Country, Culture, People, Future

Federal Court

Banjima people celebrate recognition after a battle in the Federal Court

Posted: March 14th, 2014

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Banjima Traditional Owners with Justice Barker

Banjima Traditional Owners with Justice Barker at their on-country native title determination this week

On 11th March 2014, the Federal Court recognised the native title rights of the Banjima People at their on-country determination held in Karijini National Park in the Central Pilbara.

The Banjima People first lodged their native title claim in 1998 and have been in litigation with the WA State Government since 2011 after being unable to move forward with a negotiated outcome.

Maitland Parker, Banjima elder, said “We have fought for this for a long time, so to be recognised as traditional owners is very rewarding. Our elders have taught us all of the things we needed to get our determination. They have taught us our law, language and culture, which we will pass on our young people.”

Simon Hawkins, CEO for Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation said it was a momentous occasion for the Banjima people.

Click here to learn more.

 

 

Banjima Native Title Determination Film

Posted: March 11th, 2014

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On 11th March 2014 the Banjima people of the Central Pilbara region of WA celebrated the formal recognition under Australian Law of their cultural rights to approximately 10,200 square kilometres of traditional lands, at their on-country determination held in Karijini National Park.

Watch the video commemorating this significant milestone for the Banjima people. 

Native Title win for Banjima People after 15 year wait

Posted: August 29th, 2013

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Banjima elder Alec Tucker at the Federal Court in Perth

Banjima elder Alec Tucker at the Federal Court in Perth

The Banjima People of the Central Pilbara are celebrating the end of a 15-year native title claim following yesterday’s Federal Court decision to recognise their cultural rights to around 10,200 square kms of traditional lands.

Alec Tucker, Banjima Elder said, “This is a joyful day for us. We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. We’ve been waiting for so long. We know its Banjima country, it’s my grandfather’s country, my father’s country –  I think the old people would be happy about today.”

A formal recognition ceremony and celebrations will be held on Banjima Country at a future date.

Click here to read the media release, or check out the photo gallery.

Badimia native title trial wraps up in Federal Court

Posted: April 5th, 2013

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This Wednesday 3 April was the last day of trial for the Badimia people’s native title case in the Federal Court.

It was the culmination of years of hard work and the end of a very long and difficult process for the Badimia people. YMAC would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Traditional Owners who contributed to and participated in this trial, which ranged over many months and several locations out on country and in Perth.

YMAC also acknowledges the elders who have passed away since the Badimia claim was lodged in 1998.

The Federal Court will now consider all of the evidence and submissions before making a decision on the Badimia people’s native title claim. A judgement is not expected before late 2013 or 2014.

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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